Overview
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 931 on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, making September 25 an annual, ceremonial “Dolly Parton Day.”
- The date 9/25 was chosen as a nod to Parton’s hit “9 to 5,” and the bill was introduced by Republican Sen. Shannon Grove and Democratic Sen. John Laird.
- Officials framed the law as a tribute to Parton’s artistic career and philanthropy, with Newsom urging people to model her kindness and joy.
- The governor’s office highlighted the Imagination Library, saying it has distributed more than 300 million books worldwide and enrolled over 182,000 children in California across 45 of 58 counties.
- Visit Nashville and other local organizers have planned coordinated observances for Sept. 25, including pink lighting, citywide playing of “9 to 5,” and a fireworks display timed for 9:25 p.m.