• by Tanya Gazdik , September 24, 2026

For the inaugural Give Like Dolly Day, brands and municipalities are rolling out activations, some doubling as fundraisers for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the nonprofit literacy program that provides free books to young children.

The date, Sept. 25 or 9/25, was chosen as a nod to her hit movie and song “9 to 5.”

American Eagle is celebrating Give Like Dolly Day, created by the Dollywood Foundation. The retailer will donate all proceeds from two products to The Dollywood Foundation.

The Dolly Jean: AE’s Super High-Waisted Flare Jean, will be renamed "The Dolly Jean" for Dolly Day and will be available online and in stores. The retailer will also offer a Dolly Parton Graphic Tee, an online-exclusive item.

Sadly, many of the activations seem to be Tennessee-centric. While that’s likely because of Parton’s strong connections to the state, she was beloved nationwide, so it’s surprising to not see more national brand participation. 

Hattie B's Hot Chicken is celebrating Dolly Day by donating the value of one book per qualifying order to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at all of its Tennessee locations (excluding the Nashville airport location).

One Nashville-based company is opening its activation up to customers nationwide. 

Kitchenware company Kuhn Rikon USA is getting in on the fun with a colorful little kitchen tool that does more than slice and dice.

On 9/25, the company will donate 100% of sales from its Rainbow COLORI Paring Knife to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.