If there’s one thing everyone in Middle Tennessee can agree on, it’s that Dolly Parton is a national treasure. From her powerhouse voice and iconic country hits to her endless generosity and legendary sense of humor, Dolly represents the best of Southern heart and hospitality.
This Friday, September 25th (9/25), Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee communities, from Music Row out to Rutherford County, are coming together for the official citywide "Dolly Day" celebration. Chosen as a playful nod to her anthem 9 to 5, September 25th has been officially proclaimed by Mayor Freddie O’Connell as a day to honor Dolly’s music, spread acts of kindness, and give back to the causes she holds dear.
Whether you’re planning to pull on a pair of rhinestone boots or grab a pink latte on your morning commute, here is everything you need to know about what’s happening around town this Friday!
🌸 Citywide Glows Pink & Synchronized "9 to 5"
If you're driving through Nashville or crossing over the Cumberland River on Friday night, expect to see the skyline glowing in Dolly’s signature color.
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Illuminated Landmarks: Iconic bridges and buildings, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, Historic Metro Courthouse, and City Hall, will all be lit up in radiant pink.
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The 5:00 PM "9 to 5" Sing-Along: At exactly 5:00 PM (quitting time!), participating music venues across Nashville will simultaneously perform Dolly's iconic song "9 to 5".
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Downtown Fireworks Tribute: The daylong festivities will wrap up with a brief, spectacular fireworks show over downtown Nashville at 9:25 PM.
🍹 Dolly-Inspired Treats & Local Givebacks
Dolly's spirit is all about generosity, and local businesses across Nashville and Murfreesboro are making it easy to enjoy a treat while supporting her signature charity, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
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Friends in Low Places: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are turning their Broadway venue completely over to Dolly, pledging 100% of the bar's proceeds on Sept. 25 to the Nashville Public Library and the Imagination Library.
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Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Stop into any Jeni's scoop shop between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Friday, where 25% of all sales will go directly to funding books for kids.
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Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum: Take in some music history between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM! The museum is donating $9.25 from every standard admission ticket sold on Friday to the Imagination Library.
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The Pharmacy Burger & Hattie B’s: Enjoy a "Dolly Lemonade" (a pink berry lemonade dusted with edible glitter) at The Pharmacy, or grab hot chicken at Hattie B's, where a portion of meal sales funds book donations.
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Nashville Zoo & Country Music Hall of Fame: The Zoo is hosting Dolly-themed animal enrichment and serving up Dolly's famous chicken and dumplings alongside special admission rates, while the Country Music Hall of Fame offers discounted entry, archive screenings, and a evening screening of the classic movie 9 to 5.
🎨 Local Community & "Dolly in the Districts"
You don't have to be on Broadway to join the fun! Neighborhoods across Middle Tennessee, from East Nashville to Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, are hosting "Dolly in the Districts" pop-ups. Expect sidewalk chalk art, community book drives, local bakery specials, and random acts of kindness carried out in local shops.
Be sure to pick up free Dolly Day buttons, stickers, and bookmarks at local visitor centers (like Fifth + Broadway or Bridgestone Arena) while supplies last!
💬 How Will You Be Celebrating Dolly Day?
Dolly Parton once famously said, "If you see someone without a smile, give 'em one of yours."
Whether you’re dressing in your favorite bright pink outfit, baking a batch of biscuits, donating a book, or blasting Jolene with the windows down, we hope you celebrate 9/25 your favorite way!