Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) and Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) are proud to announce that their measure, Senate Bill 931, proclaiming 9-2-5, September 25 as Dolly Parton Day in California has been signed into law by Governor Newsom.
Dolly Parton Day is now an annual day of remembrance of the global icon, children’s literacy legend, humanitarian, philanthropist, and dreamer whose extraordinary generosity and commitment to others have made a lasting impact on California and communities around the world.
“Dolly Parton sparkled on every stage she ever stood on, but her brightest sparkle was the literacy legacy she built through the Imagination Library,” said Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield). “I am incredibly proud of the bipartisan work we have accomplished, from bringing her bilingual reading program statewide in California with former Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, to introducing a bipartisan bill with Senator Laird to establish this annual day of remembrance. The love Dolly gave so freely, rooted in her deep and openly shared faith, and the love the world returned to her, shows how deeply she was cherished by everyone. I thank Governor Newsom for signing SB 931 so that every September 25th, our state will remember the legend who put millions of books in the hands of our youngest readers and inspired the world on how to respect and love one another.”
“I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for signing our bill and to Senator Grove for her partnership in making September 25 Dolly Parton Day in California,” said Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz). “Dolly brought joy to a lot of people, but her legacy goes well beyond her music. Through the Imagination Library, she put books into the hands of millions of children, and throughout her life she led with kindness, acceptance, and a belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. She was also no stranger to the Central Coast, where she performed for packed crowds and spent time over the years. Now, every 9-2-5, California gets to celebrate Dolly and the remarkable legacy she shared with all of us.”
While Dolly Parton is known around the globe for her legendary music career, her legacy extends far beyond the stage. Through decades of philanthropic work, she has championed children, education and literacy, most notably through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides high-quality books to children from birth to age five delivered to their mailbox monthly.
"On behalf of The Dollywood Foundation, we are deeply grateful to the California Legislature and Governor Newsom for honoring Dolly in this way,” said Jeff Conyers, Vice Chair and President of The Dollywood Foundation. “California has been a genuine partner to the Imagination Library, helping put millions of books into the hands of children and families across the state. That makes this tribute especially meaningful. One of Dolly's greatest legacies is continuing to help children grow up with books of their own and inspiring their belief that their dreams are possible.”
Senator Grove was honored to work alongside then-Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins to bring the Imagination Library statewide in California, expanding access to books for young children and families regardless of income or background. California also became one of the first states in the nation to offer a bilingual English-Spanish book option, helping ensure even more families can experience the joy of reading together.
Today, 2.9 million books and counting have been delivered in California since 2023, with the program providing full coverage in 45 of California’s 58 counties.
From her music and philanthropy to her unwavering belief in dreaming big and giving back, Dolly Parton has inspired generations. Each year on September 25, California will proudly work “9 to 5” and celebrate Dolly all day long.