Tennessee celebrates Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday with special honour
Tennessee have declared January 19th as Dolly Parton Day in honour of the legendary star’s 80th birthday.
A proclamation was signed on January 15th, which will commemorate Parton’s career and contribution to Tennessee culture to coincide with the ‘Jolene’ singer turning 80 today (January 19th, 2026).
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said of Parton’s legacy in a press release to coincide with the proclamation, “Dolly Parton’s life and career is woven into Tennessee’s music, culture, and rich history.”
The governor continued, “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.”
Additionally, the proclamation also highlights Parton’s philanthropic work outside of music, such as founding the Imagination Library and the Dollywood Foundation.
The proclamation notes how her “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 worldwide”.
In September, Parton worried fans when she postponed her planned residency in Las Vegas, which will now take place in September 2026 rather than last December.
Then, in October, after her sister Freida took to social media to ask people to pray for Parton, the singer shared a video from the set of her new music video and confirmed that she was in good health.
“I know lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am,” she said while appearing to be in good spirits, before adding, “Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here.”
Parton continued, “Anyway, I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate, and I appreciate your prayers because I’m a person of faith.”
More recently, Parton shared a new version of her classic track ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ to mark her 80th birthday, featuring stars including Lainey Wilson and Miley Cyrus.
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