NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The city of New Orleans will be decked out in pink sequins, blond wigs and cowboy boots Friday as locals gather to honor late music legend, Dolly Parton.
The city designated Sept. 25 as “Dolly Day,” connecting the 9/25 date to Parton’s iconic film and anthem, “9 to 5.” The celebration serves as a tribute to Parton while raising funds for her Imagination Library, a nonprofit dedicated to early childhood literacy.
“There’s just so much shared love between Dolly and our city,” said Maegen Vincent, a member of the Krewe of Dolly. “It’s been incredible.”
Tributes have popped up across town, including an 8-foot installation at the famed “Skeleton House” on St. Charles Avenue.
Homeowner Louellen Aiden Berger said she initially hesitated to include Parton following the singer’s death.
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“Dolly Parton, we thought about (featuring her) earlier this year, and when she died, I said, ‘I cannot do her,’” Berger said. “’It’s a little too raw. It’s a little too soon.’”
However, seeing the community’s outpouring of love changed her mind.
“I said you know what, I’m going to make her eight feet tall, and make her really stand out and be more of a ‘We love you,’” Berger said.
That spirit carried into a sold-out tribute lunch Friday at Arnaud’s Restaurant, with 300 reservations booked to benefit the Imagination Library.
“We’ve got some serious flare tomorrow. If you are into Dolly Parton, you are going to probably do a double take with the amount of Dolly’s that are going to be running around, not just here at Arnaud’s, but all over the French Quarter, too,” said Arnaud’s co-owner Archie Casbarian.
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Local retailer Fleurty Girl also joined the fundraising effort, selling commemorative T-shirts with 100% of proceeds benefiting the literacy foundation. Owner Lauren Haydel said sales have generated $50,000 so far.
The largest event of the day is the Celebration of Life Parade, organized by the Krewe of Dolly. Lineup begins at 4 p.m. at Louis Armstrong Park, with the parade rolling at 5 p.m. to the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Organizers plan to distribute fans and handkerchiefs to the first 1,000 attendees.
“I think thousands will come, to be honest. So many people loved Dolly. She’s such a beloved figure, and I think everyone wants to come out and honor Dolly. It’s going to be pretty big,” said Sarah Post, a Krewe of Dolly board member.
While the festivities mark a public farewell to the icon, Parton’s philanthropic mission continues locally. As the local program partner for the Imagination Library, the Krewe of Dolly has enrolled 4,000 New Orleans children to receive one free book each month from birth through age 5. Families can learn more and sign up at thekreweofdolly.org.
The celebration continues Friday evening with two official after-parties:
- Blue Nile, 532 Frenchmen St.: Doors open at 6 p.m., with live music beginning at 6:30 p.m.
- Hi-Ho Lounge, 2239 St. Claude Ave.: “Dolly Day After Dark” kicks off at 8 p.m., featuring a costume contest at 9 p.m., followed by live music. Entry is a suggested donation of $10 to $20 to the Imagination Library.
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