United Way of Northwest Louisiana will kick off its Year of Dolly on Friday, Sept. 25, with a community-wide celebration honoring Dolly Parton’s life, legacy and commitment to children and literacy.
The celebration will include events and activities throughout September, leading up to Dolly Day on Sept. 25. Caddo Parish will recognize Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton’s Day, while local businesses and organizations will join United Way in celebrating Parton’s legacy.
The local recognition comes as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to provide more than 7,000 children across Northwest Louisiana with a free, age-appropriate book delivered to their homes each month.
On Sept. 25, Smoothie King locations on Texas Street and Mansfield Road will offer a special Dolly Smoothie. Robinson Film Center will host the Remembering Dolly Book Drive through Sept. 30, inviting community members to donate new children’s books in honor of Parton’s love of reading.
Books collected through the drive will be distributed to students at J.S. Clark, Magnolia Charter School, Caddo Heights Math/Science Elementary School and Atkins Elementary.
The centerpiece of Dolly Day will be a special community screening of 9 to 5 at Robinson Film Center. A cocktail hour with light hors d’oeuvres will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the movie at 6 p.m. A special announcement also will follow the screening.
Registration is required because seating is limited, and the screening is nearly sold out.
Donations will be accepted in support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Book Club, helping sustain the program in Northwest Louisiana.
Following the screening, the Bakowski Bridge of Lights on Texas Street will be illuminated in pink in honor of Parton’s life and legacy.
Dolly Day will officially launch United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s Year of Dolly, a year-long effort to honor Parton by continuing work focused on putting books into the hands of children and creating opportunities for them to dream big.
The celebration will continue throughout the year, including during Day of Caring, United Way of Northwest Louisiana’s largest annual volunteer event. Additional opportunities to honor Parton and support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be announced throughout the year.
“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.”
United Way of Northwest Louisiana mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. The organization works across 10 parishes in Northwest Louisiana to respond to local needs and improve outcomes in areas including community resilience, healthy communities, youth opportunity and financial security.
