San Francisco city officials are inviting fans to gather in Union Square for an afternoon of live music, tributes and rhinestones in honor of Dolly Parton.
Dolly Day, a free daytime celebration scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 25, is being organized by Gold Digger Records and community partners as a celebration of the late country music icon’s discography, philanthropy and cultural legacy.
Organizers say they hope to make it an annual San Francisco tradition.
The event comes as California lawmakers have advanced bipartisan legislation designating Sept. 25 — a nod to Parton’s signature hit “9 to 5” — as Dolly Parton Day in recognition of her contributions to children’s literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The measure, SB 931, cleared the Legislature this month and has been sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom for final approval.
Parton, one of the most influential figures in country music and a longtime philanthropist, died Aug. 25 at age 80. Newsom ordered flags flown at half-staff following her death, calling her “larger than life” and praising the millions of children reached through her literacy programs.
Mayor Daniel Lurie particularly highlighted the impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in San Francisco, noting that since launching in 2025, more than 11,000 children have participated in the program, with more than 64,000 books “placed into the hands of young readers across our city.”
“Dolly spent her life giving joy to people through her music and philanthropy. She is truly one of the most inspiring and universally-loved figures of our time,”said event organizer Matt “Haze” Kaftor in a statement. “Dolly Day isn’t about mourning. It’s about coming together to celebrate everything she gave us, loudly and proudly, the way she’d want it.”
San Francisco Recreation and Park Department General Manager Sarah Madland added that Union Square is a fitting location.
“There’s something wonderfully Dolly about turning the heart of the city into a big, joyful celebration filled with music, community and, of course, plenty of sparkle,” Madland said in a statement.
Organizers said performances, musical tributes and other programming will be announced closer to the event.
Admission is free and no registration is required. Businesses, performers and volunteers are also being invited to participate.
