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New Yorkers officially have permission to work 9-to-5 in rhinestones this month.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has officially proclaimed September 25 as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day, honoring the country music superstar’s enormous contributions to music, entertainment and philanthropy. The date—9/25—is, naturally, a wink at Parton’s fan-favorite movie and subsequent workplace anthem “9 to 5.”
“Dolly Parton wasn’t just a legend of country music, she was one of the defining American icons of our lifetime,” Hoylman-Sigal said in announcing the proclamation. “On behalf of 1.6 million Manhattanites, I’m proud to proclaim September 25, 2026 Dolly Parton Appreciation Day, in honor of her timeless contributions to music, culture and humanity. We will always love you.”
The proclamation arrives just weeks after Parton’s death on August 25 at age 80. New York has already gone big and pink in her honor: The Empire State Building and other landmarks lit up in her signature color, the IFC Center declared “IFC Will Always Love You” on its marquee and someone temporarily transformed the Fulton Street subway station into “Dolly Parton Street.”
So how should Manhattanites mark Dolly’s official day? Start with the cause closest to her heart: childhood literacy. Parton’s Imagination Library has delivered more than 300 million free books to children around the world. New Yorkers can continue that work by donating new or gently used children’s books to Brooklyn Book Bodega’s collection point at Building 77 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, or by signing up to sort, stamp and pack books at its Book Hub.
Once the workday ends, trade your desk chair for dancing boots. Molly & June’s Honky Tonk takes over SOB’s at 204 Varick Street that very night, with live country music from the Shotgun Shack Band, beginner-friendly line-dancing lessons starting at 7 pm and plenty of opportunities to request “Jolene.” Doors open at 6pm and tickets start at $13.
You could also stop by Dolly’s in Hell’s Kitchen for peach cobbler, a Cowboy Tears cocktail or a Dolly’s Lager. The Southern-inspired bar is open until 2am on Fridays and, fittingly, runs its weekday happy hour all day.
Add towering hair, formidable nails and an outfit visible from Tennessee—but just remember that the most Dolly-esque accessory is generosity.