The US state of Tennessee is to honour its most famous musical daughter, Dolly Parton, with an official day of celebration to mark her landmark 80th birthday.
A Proclamation for a Tennessee Icon
Governor Bill Lee signed an official proclamation on Thursday, formally designating January 19, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day. The date coincides with the beloved singer's 80th birthday. In the proclamation, Governor Lee stated that Parton's life and career are deeply woven into the fabric of Tennessee's music, culture, and history. He praised her immense talent and generosity, which he said have left a lasting impact on the world.
"Her talent and generosity have made a lasting impact on the world," Governor Lee declared, "and it is fitting that we honor her 80th birthday by celebrating her remarkable legacy and dedication to the Volunteer State."
Celebrating a Legacy of Music and Charity
Born on January 19, 1946, in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dolly Parton has enjoyed a spectacular career spanning more than six decades. The state's proclamation not only recognises her Grammy-winning achievements in music and pop culture but also highlights her extraordinary philanthropic work.
This is primarily channelled through her Dollywood Foundation and the globally renowned Imagination Library, a literacy programme that provides hundreds of millions of free books to children worldwide each year. Governor Lee noted that her humility and dedication to improving lives exemplify Tennessee's values and serve as a global inspiration.
A New Release and Looking Forward
As she approaches her milestone birthday, Parton has marked the occasion with a special musical release. On Friday, she unveiled a new rendition of her song "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," featuring Queen Latifah, Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, and her goddaughter Miley Cyrus. The release celebrates the song's 50th anniversary.
In a characteristically generous move, Parton announced that all net proceeds from the song and its music video will be donated to the paediatric cancer research programme at a children's hospital in Nashville. She described the song as one born from a search for hope, a message she feels remains powerfully relevant today.
"As I celebrate my 80th birthday, this new version is my way of using what I’ve been blessed with to shine a little light forward," Parton said.
The past year has presented personal challenges for the star, including the loss of her husband of 60 years, Carl Dean, and health issues that led to postponed events. However, after undergoing medical procedures, Parton is scheduled to make a triumphant return to the stage with her Las Vegas residency this September.
