Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal<\/a> has officially proclaimed Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 \u2014 or 9\/25, a nod to Parton\u2019s iconic 1980 hit \u2014 as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in the borough. Parton died on Aug. 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI am officially declaring 9\/25 (\u201c9 to 5\u201d) as Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in the Borough of Manhattan,\u201d Hoylman-Sigal said in the proclamation on a Sept. 2 Threads posts<\/a>.<\/p>\n Proclamation of Dolly Parton Appreciation Day in the Borough of ManhattanCredit: Brad Hoylman-Sigal\/Threads<\/p>\n Parton\u2019s \u201c9 to 5\u201d was released in 1980 as the theme song for the film<\/a> of the same name, which starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda<\/a> and Lily Tomlin<\/a>. The song became one of Parton\u2019s signature hits and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.<\/p>\n The designation goes beyond Parton\u2019s legendary music career, recognizing her contributions to entertainment as well as her decades of work supporting children, literacy and education.<\/p>\n Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for PEOPLE\u2019s free daily newsletter<\/a> to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.<\/p>\n \u201cDolly Parton\u2019s compassion, resilience, humor and dedication to giving back have made her an enduring symbol of hope and generosity, touching countless lives far beyond the stage and screen,\u201d Hoylman-Sigal said in the proclamation.<\/p>\n The proclamation also highlights Parton\u2019s journey from her humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming one of the most celebrated entertainers in American history, as well as her continued commitment to giving back.<\/p>\n Dolly Parton as Ruby Diamond on \u2018Unlikely Angel\u2019 in December 1996Credit: CBS via Getty<\/p>\n Hoylman-Sigal\u2019s proclamation praises Parton not only for her music and entertainment career, but also for the impact she has had through her humanitarian work.<\/p>\n It cites her \u201ctimeless songs, groundbreaking performances, and her distinctive voice and spirit,\u201d while also highlighting her work through initiatives. It also commends Parton for her \u201ccontributions to the Society\u201d and celebrates her \u201cextraordinary life, legacy, and lasting contributions,\u201d noting that her talent, kindness and humanitarian spirit continue to inspire generations.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m kind of addicted to the feeling of giving<\/a>,\u201d the country star told PEOPLE in 2021 for a People of the Year cover story. \u201cKnowing that I\u2019m doing something good for someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n Dolly Parton poses for a portrait session in Los Angeles in 1978Credit: Harry Langdon\/Getty<\/p>\n One of her most notable philanthropic efforts is the Imagination Library<\/a>, the children\u2019s literacy program Parton launched in 1995. The community-based initiative mails free, high-quality books to registered children from birth through their fifth birthday.<\/p>\n The program is also personal for Parton, who was inspired by her father Robert Lee<\/a>\u2018s illiteracy when she founded it.<\/p>\n The program has since expanded far beyond Parton\u2019s home state, providing millions of books to children around the world. In the last year alone, more than 38 million books were sent to children across the United States. It has given children more than 300 million free books<\/a> in the 30-plus years it has been active.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m proud of the Imagination Library as much as anything I\u2019ve ever done in my life,\u201d Parton told PEOPLE<\/a> while receiving the award in 2022. \u201cTo get an award for the things you\u2019ve done just says, \u2018Hey, people are noticing, and it\u2019s doing some good!\u2019 It must be, or you wouldn\u2019t be recognized to that extent.\u201d<\/p>\n She continued, \u201cI always want to do things that I can be proud to talk about, things that I believe in. I cannot be a hypocrite and just say I\u2019m going to donate this money for a tax write-off. I\u2019d really like for it to mean something to me \u2014 something I can take pride in.\u201d<\/p>\n The Manhattan honor comes amid an outpouring of tributes to Parton in New York City, including the Empire State Building being lit pink in her memory.<\/p>\n More information about plans surrounding Dolly Parton Appreciation Day will be released soon.<\/p>\n![\"Proclamation](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/bdfdc267-04fb-4ffb-b774-fd4cc063d343.jpg\"\/)
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