Tributes are pouring in for country music legend Dolly Parton, who passed away today at age 80. From the Empire State Building to Broadway, New York City is joining the outpouring of love for the beloved icon.
Sparkling 9 to 5
In an Instagram post, the Empire State Building announced that it will turn its lights to a pink sparkle tonight at 9:25 p.m. EST to honor Parton.
“Dolly was a global cultural icon whose seven-decade career reached generations of fans,” the post’s caption read. “Beyond entertainment, Dolly leaves a significant philanthropic legacy through Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, which has provided hundreds of millions of books to children worldwide.”
In a nod to Parton’s hit 1980 film and song “9 to 5,” the tower will sparkle pink from 9:25 to 10:25 p.m. EST.
“At Nine-Two-Five tonight, we celebrate Dolly and her legacy,” the caption concluded.
New York City Honors Dolly Parton
New York City leadership shared their own tributes to honor Parton’s legacy.
“This is truly heartbreaking. Dolly Parton was an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class. We are a better country because of her,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on social media.
“Dolly Parton was a beloved music pioneer, a philanthropist, a fierce advocate for childhood literacy and education, and a true leader. She founded the Imagination Library, in honor of her father who never learned to read or write, which provided hundreds of millions of free books for children, no matter their background or socioeconomic status. And who can forget her leadership during COVID, when she funded a critical portion of the early research that went into the production of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. May her activism, words, and spirit always live on. Thank you, Dolly,” City Council Speaker Julie Menin said in a post to X.
The tributes come alongside President Donald Trump’s order for all American flags to be flown at half-staff for a week starting today at 6 p.m.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy Continues on Broadway
New York City will continue to honor Parton’s legacy on Broadway. “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” will start previews on Dec. 7 at the St. James Theatre. The show’s opening night is set for Jan. 19, which would have been the late singer’s 81st birthday.
In a statement to Variety today, the show’s producers confirmed plans to move forward with previews as scheduled, “as was Dolly’s wish.”
According to the musical’s official website, “From the top of the Smoky Mountains to the top of the world, ‘DOLLY’ captures how she dreamed, dared, stumbled, and soared.”
The musical will featured beloved hits “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5,” along with new music written by Parton for the show. Parton is also credited for co-writing the show’s book alongside Maria S. Schlatter. The musical is directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher. Mandy Moore will choreograph.
When the production’s Broadway transfer was first announced Parton shared a statement, saying, “My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera, really, and I can’t wait to bring it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it!”
Fans can purchase tickets for the musical now through ATG Tickets.
