California gives Dolly Parton her own day, and it’s 9-2-5

US singer Reba McEntire performs a tribute to Dolly Parton during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre at LA Live in Los Angeles on September 14, 2026. California will observe Dolly Parton Day annually on September 25 in honour of the late singer. — AFP pic

First Published: Monday, 21 Sep 2026 7:38 PM MYT

BERLIN, Sept 21 — The United States (US) state of California is introducing its own day of remembrance for the recently deceased US singer Dolly Parton, German Press Agency (dpa) reported. 

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Sunday, stipulating that Dolly Parton Day will be observed annually on September 25 from now on. 

The date was chosen because of a play on words relating to Parton’s famous song Nine to Five — written in figures, the date reads as “9-2-5.”

“With this bill, we are not just establishing a day to celebrate Dolly Parton, we are creating an annual reminder to us, every year, to live the way she did — joyfully, graciously, and with a whole lot of heart,” said Newsom in the announcement.

The law honours Parton as a singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist.

Parton, who died aged 80, was a country music icon.

According to the Californian government, she sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

Parton was also known for her charitable work, with her Imagination Library foundation distributing more than 300 million books to children worldwide. 

The country music legend, whose hits include Jolene, Nine to Five, and I Will Always Love You, died on August 25 in Nashville. — Bernama-dpa