Country music star Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, announced that their Nashville bar, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, will declare September 25 as Dolly Day
to honor the late Dolly Parton and donate all proceeds to her Imagination Library children’s literacy program.
Country music icon Dolly Parton passed away peacefully at age 80 on August 25 at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville after facing a brief battle with cancer. Her death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, collaborators, and fellow artists worldwide. Among those mourning the 9 to 5
hitmaker were Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who decided to channel their remembrance into direct philanthropic action supporting a cause close to Parton’s heart.
Declaring September 25 as Dolly Day in Nashville
On August 31, 2026, Garth Brooks announced that his downtown Nashville establishment, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk located at 411 Broadway, will recognize September 25 as Dolly Day
according to a news release on Brooks’ website. The date selection serves as an intentional nod to Parton’s iconic hit song, 9 to 5
.
On that designated day, the venue plans to donate its entire daily income to the Imagination Library, a free book gifting program for children that the late musician founded in 1995. The program was originally inspired by Parton’s beloved father, who never learned to read or write. Over the decades, the initiative has expanded globally, providing more than 300 million free books to children ranging in age from birth to five years old.
“Whatever the cash register says at the end of the day is going to Dolly’s passion, This is 100% about Dolly and her love for children’s literacy.”
Trisha Yearwood, country musician and Brooks’ wife, via USA Today
The couple intends to establish Dolly Day
as an annual event at the venue, ensuring that support for children’s literacy continues for years to come. Reflecting on Parton’s enduring legacy, Brooks shared a poignant perspective on her life and impact.
Family Remembrance and Public Mourning
Parton’s passing brought forward deeply personal reflections from her relatives and close associates. Her niece, Lainey Mae Parton, shared in an Instagram post that the music legend was privately laid to rest on August 28. The family previously confirmed that Parton passed away following a brief battle with cancer at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
At the same time, the vast scale of public grief intersected with private family loss in ways that sparked intense online discussions. Allie Colleen, a country music artist and daughter of Garth Brooks, shared a social media tribute expressing her fear of one day losing her father and watching the public mourn him.
The post drew sharp criticism from some social media users who argued that the timing and phrasing shifted the focus away from Parton. Colleen defended her perspective in comment replies, stating that she was not telling anyone else how to grieve, but rather acknowledging the unique pain experienced by a family losing someone close to them.
Global Tributes from Music Legends and World Leaders
The country music icon received widespread tributes from political figures and legendary collaborators alike.
Meanwhile, Parton’s family requested that instead of flowers, supporters direct their contributions to the Imagination Library. Through initiatives like Dolly Day
in Nashville, the philanthropic mission she started three decades ago continues to secure funding and operational support from the country music community she helped shape.
