United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) will kick off its Year of Dolly on Friday, September 25, with a community-wide celebration honoring Dolly Parton’s life, legacy and lifelong commitment to children and literacy.
The community celebration continues to build throughout September, leading up to Dolly Day on September 25. The lead-up includes Caddo Parish’s September 17 recognition of Dolly Parton’s legacy and the Robinson Film Center’s Remembering Dolly Book Drive, taking place September 4–30. On September 25, community members can celebrate with a special Dolly Smoothie at two local Smoothie King locations, attend a special screening of 9 to 5 at Robinson Film Center, and gather at the Bakowski Bridge of Lights as it shines pink in honor of Dolly’s life and legacy.
Caddo Parish to Recognize September 25 as Dolly Parton’s Day
As part of the celebration, Caddo Parish will dedicate September 25 as Dolly Parton’s Day, recognizing Parton’s extraordinary contributions to music, philanthropy, literacy and communities around the world.
The local recognition reflects the lasting impact of Parton’s work and the role her Imagination Library continues to play in Northwest Louisiana, where more than 7000 children receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered to their homes each month.
Community Partners Join the Celebration
Dolly Day will extend beyond a single event, with local businesses and organizations joining United Way in celebrating Parton’s legacy.
On September 25, Smoothie King locations on Texas Street and Mansfield Road will offer a special signature Dolly Smoothie for the day, giving community members another way to participate in the celebration while supporting the spirit of Dolly Day.
Through September 30, Robinson Film Center is hosting the Remembering Dolly Book Drive, inviting community members to donate new children’s books in honor of Dolly Parton’s love of reading. The donated books will be distributed to students at four local schools: J. S. Clark, Magnolia Charter School, Caddo Heights Math/Science Elementary School, and Atkins Elementary, helping expand access to reading opportunities for children right here at home. While Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides enrolled children with a new, age-appropriate book each month, the book drive offers another way to support literacy and share the joy of reading with local students.
Special 9 to 5 Screening to Highlight Dolly Day
The centerpiece of Dolly Day will be a special community screening of 9 to 5 at Robinson Film Center on Friday, September 25.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and light hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m., followed by the movie at 6 p.m. The event will also include a special announcement following the screening.
Registration is required because seating is limited, and the screening is nearly sold out. Community members are encouraged to register today.
Registration: 9 to 5 Movie Screening
Donations will also be accepted in support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Book Club, helping sustain the program in Northwest Louisiana and carry Dolly’s legacy forward through the gift of books.
Support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library:
Donate to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Book Club
Dolly’s Legacy Shines Across the Texas Street Bridge
Following the screening, community members will head to the Bakowski Bridge of Lights on Texas Street, which will be illuminated in pinkin honor of Dolly Parton’s life and legacy.
The lighting will serve as a visual reminder of the impact Dolly made through her generosity and commitment to helping children dream, learn and grow. The Bakowski Bridge of Lights has confirmed the pink lighting for September 25 in celebration of Dolly and her Imagination Library.
Dolly Day Kicks Off a Year of Carrying Dolly’s Legacy Forward
Dolly Day will officially launch United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s Year of Dolly, a year-long effort to honor Parton by continuing the work she cared so deeply about — putting books into the hands of children and creating opportunities for them to dream big.
The celebration will continue throughout the year, including at Day of Caring, United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s largest annual volunteer event. Additional opportunities to honor Dolly and support local children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be announced throughout the Year of Dolly.
Today, more than 7,000 children across Northwest Louisiana are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and receive a new book each month. Community support helps sustain the local program and ensures children throughout the region can continue experiencing the joy of receiving a book of their very own.
“Dolly gave so much to children and families through her love of books, imagination and community,” said LaToria W. Thomas, CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana. “Our Year of Dolly is about honoring that legacy by continuing to invest in the children right here at home. Dolly showed us what it means to give generously, dream boldly and make a difference in the lives of others. We are excited to bring our community together to celebrate her and carry that spirit forward.”
More information about upcoming opportunities to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and participate in United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s Year of Dolly will be shared throughout the year.
About United Way of Northwest Louisiana
United Way of Northwest Louisiana mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our region, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge—actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across ten parishes means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives throughout Northwest Louisiana. From strengthening local resilience to advancing healthy community, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working toward a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.
To learn more, visit unitedwaynwla.org.