To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Report Title: Recognizing September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day and Encouraging Residents to Support Early Childhood Literacy and Volunteering Their Time
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Recognizing September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day and Encouraging Residents to Support Early Childhood Literacy and Volunteering Their Time
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
See resolution.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
IN THE MATTER OF: Recognizing September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day and Encouraging Residents to Support Early Childhood Literacy and Volunteering Their Time
WHEREAS, the late Dolly Parton was an internationally revered musician, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist who came from humble beginnings in Locust Ridge, near the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, to become one of the most widely known and decorated artists in American music history; and
WHEREAS, beyond her artistic achievements, she also leaves a legacy anchored in philanthropic and widespread humanitarian efforts. In 1998, the Dollywood Foundation was created to inspire children in her home county to achieve educational success, awarding scholarships to uplift vulnerable communities and lead with a spirit of kindness, acceptance, and immense generosity; and
WHEREAS, in 1995, driven by a deep love for children and inspired by her father’s struggle with illiteracy, she founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library with the goal to foster a love of reading among pre-school children and their families, and supplying books completely free of charge to children around the world; and
WHEREAS, on September 1, 2026, the California State Legislature passed a bipartisan measure, Senate Bill 931, officially designating September 25th, also known as “9-2-5” in tribute to her iconic anthem and film 9 to 5, as Dolly Parton Day; and
WHEREAS, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors aspires to join the Golden State in celebrating Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life with a call to action for residents of our county to honor her legacy by donating new or gently used books to local libraries and literacy programs and/or volunteering their time to perform good deeds on behalf of Dolly Parton, thereby directly uplifting their neighbors and fostering a stronger, more compassionate county;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County does hereby recognize September 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day in Contra Costa County, and encourages all residents to honor her message of dreaming big and the legacy she has left to promote literacy and the well-being of children, by giving back to their communities and sharing her message of love and kindness.
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