On Friday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation declaring September 25, 2026, “Dolly Day” in honor of the late singer-songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton.
The proclamation celebrates Parton’s dedication to improving early childhood literacy across the country through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library—a program that delivers millions of free books each month to children younger than 5. According to the governor’s office, Ivey chose September 25 to honor Parton as a nod to her iconic song, “9 to 5.”
“Dolly Day is a wonderful opportunity for Alabamians to celebrate the joy Dolly Parton brought to so many and the special legacy she created for our youngest learners,” Ivey said. “I encourage families across our state to mark the occasion in a way Dolly would surely appreciate by picking up a book, reading with a child and helping us inspire the next generation of Alabama readers.”
In 2023, Ivey established a statewide Imagination Library network in Alabama, expanding access to the program throughout the state. More than 121,000 Alabama children are enrolled in the Imagination Library, and more than 3.1 million books have been mailed to children across the state to date.
In addition to recognizing Parton’s work, Ivey’s proclamation honors the “families, educators, community partners, and supporters across Alabama who continue her mission by helping put books into the hands and homes of the state’s youngest learners.” The proclamation also encourages Alabamians to celebrate Parton’s legacy by enrolling their children in the Imagination Library, contributing to the program or simply reading with a child.
“Alabama is committed to continuing Dolly’s mission to inspire a lifelong love of reading and give every child a strong start in their educational journey,” the proclamation concludes.
Families interested in enrolling a child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Alabama can do so at ImaginationLibrary.com.
