Tennessee Officially Declares January 19th “Dolly Parton Day” In Honor Of The Country Music Icon’s 80th Birthday

Beyond deserved.

What is there that hasn’t been said about Dolly Parton? With 25 #1 hits, 27 gold/platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), 11 #1 albums, 10 Grammy Awards, multiple best-selling books, her own theme park at Dollywood, a lifetime of impactful work through her philanthropy and more, there’s hardly anything that the “9 to 5” singer has not accomplished throughout her illustrious career.

As the living legend celebrates her 80th birthday today, the state of Tennessee will officially be observing “Dolly Parton Day” on January 19th, signed into effect by Governor Bill Lee.

In the proclamation signed by Lee, he would call her life “extraordinary,” while also noting that she embodies the spirit of Tennessee.

“Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, is a native Tennessean whose extraordinary life and career here brought pride to the State of Tennessee.

Dolly Parton is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, musician, actress, producer and entrepreneur whose body of work embodies the spirit of Tennessee.”

The governor would also highlight her history of philanthropy through both her Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, noting that her works “exemplify the values of the Volunteer state.”

“In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Dolly Parton has demonstrated an enduring commitment to philanthropy and services, most notably through the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, which began in Tennessee and has provided hundreds of millions of free books to children around the world, helping to promote early childhood literacy and educational opportunity.

Dolly Parton’s generosity, humility and dedication to improving the lives of others exemplify the values of the Volunteer State and serve as an inspiration to Tennesseans and people world wide.”

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In addition to her honor in Tennessee, on Friday, Parton would celebrate her 80th birthday early, releasing a new veresion of her 1977 hit, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” featuring Lainey Wilson, Reba, Miley Cyrus and Queen Latifah. In typical Dolly fashion, however, all proceeds from the song will be going to fund pediatric cancer research at Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.

Furthermore, over the weekend, the Opry held a birthday celebration for the legend, “Opry Goes Dolly,” on Saturday, January 17th. Though Parton herself wasn’t in attendance due to some ongoing health issues, Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, Mark Wills, Sierra Hull and more were there to honor the living legend ahead of her 80th birthday today.

Ultimately, there’s arguably no artist in country music, or in any genre for that matter, more deserving of being honored in her home state quite the way Dolly was today. Beyond the music, which has undoubtedly impacted tens of millions throughout her legendary seven-decade career, her philanthropy and charity has made a tangible impact on even more.

Happy Dolly Parton Day, y’all.

“Light of a Clear Blue Morning”

The post Tennessee Officially Declares January 19th “Dolly Parton Day” In Honor Of The Country Music Icon’s 80th Birthday first appeared on Whiskey Riff.