Celebrate Dolly Parton Day at School on September 25 (Includes Canva Template Bundle)

September 25 is Dolly Day! And the date is no coincidence, either—it’s a nod to Dolly Parton’s iconic "9 to 5". This is the perfect excuse to bring a little Dolly-inspired fun to school while celebrating her love of reading and giving back. Here are a few easy ways your PTO can celebrate Dolly Day at school! Use our FREE Dolly Parton Day Canva template bundle that includes a Dolly Day social media post and "Dolly Trolley: Pour Yourself a Cup of Ambition" sign. 

Incorporate a reading or book-themed activity for students 

Take inspiration from Dolly’s Imagination Library and make books part of your Dolly Day celebration. Give each student a book to take home, host a schoolwide book drive, or set up a book swap. Looking for something even simpler? Kick off the school day with 15 minutes of reading or have teachers read a Dolly-authored book aloud to their classes, like The Coat of Many Colors.

Invite teachers and staff to "pour a cup of ambition”

Set up a coffee station or bring in a local coffee cart for teachers and staff. Call it the "Dolly Trolley"...blonde wigs, pink cowboy hats, and a little Dolly music highly encouraged! Display a “Pour yourself a cup of ambition” sign (free Canva template) along with Dolly-themed snacks. Dolly talked about her love of banana pudding, so walking banana puddings (individual cups of banana pudding topped with Nilla Wafers) are an easy, grab-and-go snack for teachers!

Make September 25 a Dolly Spirit Day

Encourage students and staff to wear pink, rhinestones, fringe, denim, cowboy hats, boots, Western wear, or just something that makes them feel fabulous. Keep it optional and inclusive: no special outfit required to join the fun. Use our Dolly Spirit Day social media graphic to get the word out! 

Extra Dolly Fun

Play Dolly Parton songs during drop-off or lunch. Create a simple backdrop for teachers with pink, glittery or Western-themed decorations and props like cowboy hats, sunglasses and bandanas. Add a sign that says “Working 9 to 5 3!" or “What a way to make a livin’!”

However you celebrate, Dolly Day is a fun way to bring books, music and a little extra sparkle to the school day, and give your school community something to smile about.