Dolly Parton, dubbed the “Queen of Country,” was one of the most successful country music performers in history, selling more than 100 million records worldwide. Over her six-decade career, she achieved 25 number-one hits — the most by any female country artist. Her song “I Will Always Love You” topped the charts twice, in 1974 and 1982, and Whitney Houston later covered it to enormous global acclaim.
“Dolly Parton sparkled on every stage she ever stood on, but her brightest sparkle was the literacy legacy she built through the Imagination Library,” said Senator Grove. “I am incredibly proud of the bipartisan work we have accomplished, from bringing her bilingual reading program statewide in California with former Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, to introducing a bipartisan bill with Senator Laird to establish this annual day of remembrance. The love Dolly gave so freely, rooted in her deep and openly shared faith, and the love the world returned to her, shows how deeply she was cherished by everyone. I thank Governor Newsom for signing SB 931 so that every September 25th, our state will remember the legend who put millions of books in the hands of our youngest readers and inspired the world on how to respect and love one another.”
Parton became one of the most iconic figures of this era, finding success in acting, producing, and business, in addition to her music career. Her forays into Hollywood became cult classics, many filmed and set in California, including Parton’s acting debut, the feminist comedy film “9 to 5,” and both the 1992 film and the hit television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” for which she was an uncredited producer.
“I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for signing our bill and to Senator Grove for her partnership in making September 25 Dolly Parton Day in California,” said Senator Laird. “Dolly brought joy to a lot of people, but her legacy goes well beyond her music. Through the Imagination Library, she put books into the hands of millions of children, and throughout her life she led with kindness, acceptance, and a belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. She was also no stranger to the Central Coast, where she performed for packed crowds and spent time over the years. Now, every 9-2-5, California gets to celebrate Dolly and the remarkable legacy she shared with all of us.”
Parton was also known for her humanitarian work, putting both her funding and her fame and popularity behind numerous causes and in support of marginalized communities. Her philanthropy empowered people, especially through the Imagination Library, which she created to support early literacy and inspire a love of reading. The Library has distributed over 300 million books to children worldwide, including here in California.
Other philanthropic efforts included funding the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, supporting families in her home state of Tennessee impacted by disasters, and vocally and financially supporting the LGBTQ movement and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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