Mayor O'Connell declares Sept. 25 'Dolly Day' in Nashville, highlights Parton's literacy work

Mayor O'Connell opened a morning program at the visitors center declaring Sept. 25 "Dolly Day in Nashville," framing the day as a civic celebration of the late star's generosity and literacy work. The mayor thanked partners including the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and urged residents to participate at library branches, Head Start sites and Metro Schools events.

The program began with a pre-recorded message from Dolly Parton in which she reflected on legacy and giving, quoting a line attributed to Mother Teresa: "When I stand before God, I want to be able to say, Lord, I used everything you gave me." Organizers linked that message to local activations: special Dolly-themed library cards; book drives at library branches; and a citywide campaign to pledge acts of kindness on a visitors-center 'kindness wall.' The mayor said attendees who pledge will receive a button, poster, or shirt and encouraged ongoing community participation.