Fort Smith, Ark. – Fort Smith Mayor McGill officially proclaimed Sept. 25, 2026, as Dolly Parton 9 to 5 Day in Fort Smith in celebration of the legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist.
The City of Fort Smith announced the proclamation as a way to recognize Parton and encourage residents to support the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program through the United Way of Fort Smith Area.
The United Way has served as the local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library since 2006, helping provide more than 736,000 books to children across its six-county service area.
As part of the Sept. 25 celebration, residents were encouraged to contribute to the program to help continue providing books to local children.
A donor has pledged to match every dollar raised on Sept. 25, up to $925, giving the community an opportunity to increase the impact of its donations.
The city encouraged residents to celebrate Parton’s legacy while helping support childhood literacy through the local Imagination Library program.
The proclamation combined the celebration of Parton’s music and career with an effort to raise additional funds for a program that provides books to children throughout the region.