Governor Kotek, First Lady Kotek Wilson Celebrate Dolly Parton Day in Oregon

Salem, OR - Today, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson joined local leaders and community partners during a ceremonial signing event to proclaim 9/25 (September 25) 2026 as Dolly Parton Day in Oregon to honor the legacy of the late Dolly Parton through her well-known song "9 to 5."

"Dolly Parton was the best of us. She was an incredible singer and songwriter and invested in early literacy as one of her greatest legacies," said Governor Kotek. "Early literacy is foundational to academic success, economic opportunity, and engaged citizenship. Every Oregon child deserves the joy of stories and to know that reading is a gift meant for them."

Before the ceremonial signing event hosted by Marion and Polk Early Learning Hub, First Lady Kotek Wilson read aloud a signed copy of Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors" children's book.

"Reading aloud together creates moments of connection that may be a child's first memory of safe space," First Lady Kotek Wilson said. "It's in those moments children learn they are loved, secure, and the world is full of wonder waiting to be discovered. Oregon will continue to honor Dolly's legacy by putting books in the hands of kids every month."

Approximately 342 adults and 330 kids attended the event accompanied by elected leaders including Senator Sara Gelser Blouin (D - district 16), Representative Sarah Finger McDonald (D - district 16), Representative Tom Andersen (D - district 19), Representative Jules Walters (D- district 37), Salem Mayor Julie Hoy, Salem Mayor Elect Vanessa Nordyke, and Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon.

The proclamation follows the launch of the 57th Local Program Partner last year, officially marking statewide coverage of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Oregon. In June, the Governor signed a bill that codified the Imagination Library as an official state program. More than 4 million books have been distributed to children across all 36 counties, helping families build home libraries and inspiring a love of reading from the earliest years of life.

Dolly Parton also holds a special connection to Oregon and the citizens of Eugene, having written the 1972 song "Eugene, Oregon" after performing there while ill and homesick, expressing her gratitude and affection for the Oregon fans whose warmth and support lifted her spirits during a difficult time.

A link to the official proclamation can be found here. A photo of the event can be found here.