On Monday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a proclamation officially designating January 19, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day in Tennessee to honor the country music legend’s 80th birthday.
The proclamation recognizes the life, legacy and extraordinary contributions of the singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and philanthropist who was born in Sevier County, Tennessee on January 19, 1946.
“Dolly Parton’s life and career is woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and rich history,” Governor Lee said. “Her talent and generosity have made a lasting impact on the world, and it is fitting that we honor her 80th birthday by celebrating her remarkable legacy and dedication to the Volunteer State.”
The proclamation honors Parton as Tennessee’s “favorite daughter” and highlights her global impact as one of the most influential and beloved artists in American music history.
Born to a large, poor family in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become a country music icon.
The proclamation specifically recognizes Parton’s lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy through the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library.
Through the Imagination Library, Parton has helped provide hundreds of millions of free books to children around the world. The program started as a way to serve children in her rural hometown but has expanded to span five countries and reportedly sends out over 2 million free age-appropriate books each month to children worldwide.
The proclamation encourages all Tennesseans to join in celebrating Parton’s contributions to the state and beyond.
Parton’s 80th birthday comes after a year marked by some health issues. In September 2025, she was unable to attend the announcement of a new ride at her Tennessee theme park, Dollywood, due to health problems. Later that month, she postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years over further “health challenges.”
Parton has reassured fans she is doing fine and has no plans to slow down.
“I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine… I think there’s a lot to be said about age. If you allow yourself to get old, you will. I say, ‘I ain’t got time to get old!’ I ain’t got time to dwell on that. That’s not what I’m thinking about,” Parton told People Magazine late last year ahead of her book release.
Her Las Vegas residency dates at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace have been rescheduled to open in September 2026.
The Grand Ole Opry held a special show on January 17 dubbed “Opry Goes Dolly” to celebrate Parton’s music and 80th birthday.
Parton’s milestone birthday also comes just months after the death of her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025 in Nashville at age 82.
Throughout her career, Parton has become known not only for her music but also for her business acumen and charitable works. Dollywood, her theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has become one of the mostpopular tourist destinations in the state and a major economic driver for East Tennessee.