At a Glance
- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed January 19 as “Dolly Parton Day” to coincide with the country star’s 80th birthday.
- The honor recognizes her lifetime of music, philanthropy, and global impact.
- Fellow country icons Reba McEntire, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Shania Twain flooded social media with tributes.
- Why it matters: The statewide celebration spotlights how Parton’s artistry and generosity have become synonymous with Tennessee’s identity.
Dolly Parton woke up to an official state celebration on her 80th birthday. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a proclamation naming January 19 “Dolly Parton Day,” praising the Sevierville native for “her lifetime of achievement, service, and positive impact.”
Governor’s Proclamation Salutes State Treasure
The declaration, released Monday, highlights Parton’s multifaceted career and humanitarian reach. It describes her as “an acclaimed singer, songwriter, musician, actress, producer, and entrepreneur whose body of work embodies the spirit of Tennessee.”
Key points from the proclamation:
- Credits her with “numerous awards and accolades”
- Calls her “one of the most influential and beloved artists in the history of American music”
- Spotlights the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library for promoting literacy
- Praises her “enduring commitment to philanthropy and service”
“Dolly Parton’s generosity, humility, and dedication to improving the lives of others exemplify the values of the Volunteer State,” the notice concludes.
Country Stars Flood Social Media with Love
While the state honored her civic legacy, Parton’s peers honored her personally. Reba McEntire posted a carousel of photos spanning decades of friendship.
“Happy 80th Birthday to the one and only, @DollyParton! I love you to pieces and I’m so thankful for all these years of memories we’ve shared. Can’t wait to make many more together!” McEntire wrote.
Billy Ray Cyrus invoked their family bond. Parton is godmother to his daughter Miley Cyrus.
“Dolly Parton at 80 is a reminder of what music is supposed to do… bring people together, lift spirits, and tell the truth with heart,” Cyrus wrote. “I’ve been honored to share songs with her and blessed to call her family.”
Shania Twain shared a 2006 Kennedy Center Honors clip of their joint performance.
“I want to wish the most happiest of birthdays to my musical hero @dollyparton!” Twain said. “Little miss Twain was so lucky growing up with you as a role model.”
Parton on Milestone: “I Feel Like I’m Just Getting Started”
In a November interview with News Of Los Angeles, Parton brushed off any talk of slowing down.
“People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what? Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started,” she told Jonathan P. Miller.
The entertainer’s résumé supports the claim. Beyond 3,000+ copyrighted songs and 100 million records sold globally, her Imagination Library mails free books to children in five countries. Dollywood, her Pigeon Forge theme park, remains Tennessee’s largest ticketed tourist attraction.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee now marks January 19 as an annual celebration of Dolly Parton’s cultural and charitable impact.
- Governor Lee’s proclamation cements her status as a living symbol of the state.
- Birthday messages from Reba, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Shania Twain underscored her influence across multiple country generations.
- Parton herself views 80 as a launchpad, not a finish line.
