For Immediate Release 
Sept. 22, 2026  

FROM THE OFFICE OF: Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck 

CONTACT: Brad Harwood, Communications Director
206-798-7577 or brad.harwood@seattle.gov 

SEATTLE – On Sept.22, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8) presented a proclamation marking this Friday, Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day in the City of Seattle to honor the late artist and philanthropist for her contributions to the world. The proclamation was presented at a Dolly Parton-themed story hour at the Queen Anne Branch in partnership with Imagination Library of Washington and The Seattle Public Library (SPL).  

“Dolly Parton is a shining example of kind, generous leadership and represents the best of us. She was unapologetically herself, and her lasting cultural impact will be felt for generations to come, particularly because of her work with the Imagination Library,” said Councilmember Rinck. “Seattle will always love and miss Dolly Parton.”  

"The Seattle Public Library is honored to host a children's story event with Councilmember Rinck and Imagination Library of Washington celebrating the 'book lady' herself, Dolly Parton," said The Seattle Public Library’s Chief Librarian Tom Fay. "Ms. Parton's books, music, movies and her philanthropic legacy as a champion of children's literacy will shine on for generations." 

Over 25 families attended the "Celebrating Dolly: A Story Hour Tribute” event featuring readings by local Washington-based children’s authors whose books have been included in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Dan Richards (“Nubby”), Laurie Ann Thompson (“You Are a Honey Bee”), Rebecca Van Slyke (“Power of Yeti”), Brianna Caplan Sayres (“Diggers Love Their Friends”).  

“Today’s story time event was a meaningful celebration of Dolly Parton’s legacy and her belief that every child deserves access to books. Through Imagination Library of Washington and our King County partners, Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program, Africatown Community Land Trust, and Vashon College, we are proud to carry her vision forward for children throughout the county,” stated Brooke Fisher-Clark, Executive Director of Imagination Library of Washington. 

Seattle Public Library hosts free regular children’s and family story book programming for families at branches across the city. See upcoming library events. 

Background   

Dolly Parton passed away on Aug. 25, 2026. To mark her life and legacy, communities across the country are celebrating on Sept.25 (9/25) with the date being a nod to Parton’s 1980 hit comedy “9 to 5.” Locally in addition to the Family Story Time event, Seattle Parks and Recreation is hosting a Dolly Parton inspired silent disco from 4 to 6 p.m. followed by a screening of "9 to 5" at 6:30 p.m. at Denny Park. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was founded in 1995 to improve early childhood literacy and foster a lifelong love of reading by mailing free, age-appropriate books to children monthly from birth to the age of five.  

The program was expanded to Washington state in 2022 through the Imagination Library of Washington. It has since distributed nearly 4.5 million books to Washington kids. Over 100,000 children in Washington state are currently enrolled in the program. Last week, Imagination Library of Washington announced a new partnership with Page Ahead to expand the program to more families in King and Spokane Counties. Washington families may enroll their children in the universal book program by registering online.  

You can view the council’s Dolly Parton Day proclamation online.  

About the City Council
The Seattle City Council is the elected legislative branch of the city’s government. It’s comprised of nine councilmembers serving four-year terms and representing 800,000 constituents – seven selected by districts and two through citywide positions. For the latest news and information, please visit seattle.gov/council.