9/25 Dolly Parton Day in NYS

Governor designated day to highlight Dolly Parton’s iconic song ‘9 to 5’

√ $1 million in funding to support state partnership with Dolly Parton Imagination Library

√ Applications still open: Public libraries, schools and not-for-profit groups encouraged to join program

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul 

Gov. Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day to honor the life and legacy of the country music icon and lifelong philanthropist who passed away Aug. 25. The date, 9/25, was chosen to highlight one of Dolly’s most iconic songs: “9 to 5.”

“Not only did Dolly Parton create music that brought many together, she also spent her life giving back to those in need – and her iconic voice and generosity will never be forgotten here in New York,” Hochul said. “Today, we honor Dolly Parton’s powerful and heartwarming legacy by playing ‘9 to 5’ and singing along in her memory.”

Earlier this year, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) announced a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for an initiative that will provide free books each month to participating children up to age 5, regardless of family income. Hochul allocated $1 million in funding, doubling last year’s allocation, to cover half the costs for local nonprofits, libraries or public school systems to participate in the Imagination Library program.

The program application period is still accepting new applications. To apply, applicants can visit the OCFS funding opportunities page. There is one form for NYC and one for the rest of the state: ocfs.ny.gov/main/contracts/funding.

Under this initiative, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library ships a new, high-quality, age-appropriate book once a month to children who are registered for the program from birth until age 5. Inspired by her own father’s inability to read and write, Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for the children within her home county of East Tennessee. Today, her program spans five countries and delivers millions of free books each month to children around the world.

The Imagination Library is funded by the Dollywood Foundation and local community partners in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and Republic of Ireland. More than 3 million books are mailed out each month globally, and more than 330 million books have been delivered since the program was created.