Tennessee declares Dolly Parton Day as country icon turns 80

WEB DESK: Tennessee has officially set aside a special day to honour legendary country singer Dolly Parton as she marks a major life milestone. Governor Bill Lee has signed a proclamation declaring January 19, 2026, as Dolly Parton Day, coinciding with the music icon’s 80th birthday.

Announcing the decision, the governor said Parton’s influence is deeply embedded in Tennessee’s cultural and musical identity, noting that her artistry and generosity have left an enduring mark both within the state and far beyond it. He said celebrating her 80th birthday with an official day was a fitting tribute to her lifelong connection with the Volunteer State.

A six-decade career rooted in Tennessee

Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, Parton has enjoyed a career spanning more than 60 years and is widely regarded as one of the most cherished figures in popular music. Beyond her success as a Grammy-winning artist, the proclamation also highlights her extensive philanthropic work, particularly through the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, which has distributed hundreds of millions of free books to children worldwide.

Lee described Parton’s compassion, humility and commitment to helping others as values that reflect the spirit of Tennessee and continue to inspire people across the globe.

New music marks milestone birthday

To mark both her birthday and the 50th anniversary of her song Light of a Clear Blue Morning, Parton has also released a new version of the track featuring Queen Latifah, Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson and her goddaughter Miley Cyrus. She announced that proceeds from the song and its accompanying video will be donated to a paediatric cancer research programme at a children’s hospital in Nashville.

Reflecting on the project, Parton said the song was originally written during a time when she was searching for hope, adding that revisiting it decades later felt especially meaningful. She described the collaboration as a way of giving back and sharing optimism through music.

Looking ahead after a difficult year

The milestone celebration comes after a challenging year for the singer, marked by personal loss and health-related setbacks that led her to miss several public appearances. After postponing her Las Vegas residency for medical treatment, Parton is now expected to return to the stage in September.

A country star with a comic gamble: Rhinestone (1984)

Parton starred opposite Sylvester Stallone in this musical comedy, playing a savvy country singer who wagers she can turn a gruff New York cab driver into a star. The film underperformed commercially, but Parton later reflected on the experience with humour, suggesting audiences may not have been ready for such an unexpected pairing.

A darker turn in a TV drama: Wild Texas Wind (1991)

In this NBC television film, Parton took on a far more serious role as a singer trapped in an abusive relationship with her manager, played by Gary Busey. Despite its heavy themes, Parton said the project allowed her to showcase her love for western swing music while exploring emotionally challenging territory.

Small-town voice, big-city airwaves: Straight Talk (1992)

Parton returned to lighthearted storytelling in this romantic comedy alongside James Woods, portraying a woman who accidentally becomes a Chicago radio star after leaving her rural roots behind. Though it failed to make a commercial impact, Parton has described the film as one of the most enjoyable projects of her acting career.

The sitcom that never aired: Heavens to Betsy (1994)

Among her most obscure roles was a CBS sitcom that never made it to broadcast. Parton was cast as a singer given a second chance at life after a near-death experience, but production troubles and creative disagreements ultimately shelved the series before audiences ever saw it.

Another unrealised TV gamble: Mindin’ My Own Business (1996)

Parton made a second attempt at television comedy with this CBS sitcom, in which she played a Southern woman launching a party-planning business in Los Angeles. Despite her optimism and star power, the show failed to gain traction and was quickly abandoned.

A Christmas redemption story: Unlikely Angel (1996)

That same year, Parton successfully returned to television screens in this holiday-themed movie, playing a country singer tasked with earning her place in heaven by reuniting a fractured family. While critics were unimpressed, the film became a modest seasonal staple.

Facing the past on Lifetime: Blue Valley Songbird (1999)

In this Lifetime production, Parton portrayed an ageing singer forced to confront unresolved personal struggles while still chasing success. She later hinted that the character’s journey mirrored the perseverance of real-life performers who refuse to stop dreaming.

A rare big-screen return: Frank McKlusky, C.I. (2002)

After years away from cinema, Parton appeared as the fiercely protective mother of an accident-prone insurance investigator in this slapstick comedy. The film was poorly received, but it marked her last major film role for several years.

A legacy beyond the spotlight

While many of these projects never matched the acclaim of her best-known performances, they underline Parton’s enduring curiosity and creative range. Even when commercial success proved elusive, she consistently embraced roles that allowed her to tell new stories, a quality that continues to define her legacy as she enters her ninth decade.

The milestone celebration comes after a challenging year for the singer, marked by personal loss and health-related setbacks that led her to miss several public appearances. After postponing her Las Vegas residency for medical treatment, Parton is now expected to return to the stage in September.