As a celebration of Dolly Parton’s life, a free outdoor festival will be held in Union Square on Friday, Sept. 25. Fans will gather from noon to 3 p.m. for an afternoon of rhinestones and music, a touching tribute to the late singer and her lasting legacy.

“It’s a beautiful way to bring people together,” junior Scarlett Simon said. “And celebrate the impact she had on so many lives,”

On Sunday, Sept. 20, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation establishing Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day, referencing her hit song, “9 to 5.” Countless other cities have also declared the day as a time to honor the country music icon. 

“I do think 9 to 5 Day is a good way of remembering her legacy,” freshman Aliyah Campbell said. “Her song is very iconic and something to be remembered.”

Beyond being an icon in country music, Parton was also a longtime philanthropist, whose impact will never be forgotten. Inspired by her father, who never learned to read, Dolly Parton created the Imagination Library, a global childhood literacy program gifting free books each month to children up to five years old. Since it began in 1995, the program has surpassed 300 million books gifted to more than 120 million children.

“I think she influenced more than just music. I feel like she influenced the culture.” performing arts department chair and vocal music teacher Phillip Harris said. “I wasn’t really aware of all of the things that she had done, not just in music, but also in entertainment, and I think her impact was huge and monumental.”

Through both her music and generosity, Parton spent her life bringing joy to the world. From cowboy hats to sparkles and rhinestones, San Francisco will strive to recreate that shared happiness, care and togetherness this Friday in the heart of the city.

“I think it’s important to keep someone’s memory alive,” Simon said. “And it’s really heartwarming to see people coming together to honor her legacy.”