Newport and its business community will celebrate Dolly Parton Day on Sept. 25, with a citywide “9 to 5 on 9/25” promotion.
The promotion will feature special offers, food and drinks, music, decorations and other Dolly-inspired activities.
The celebration will begin at 9:25 a.m. at Carabello Coffee, 107 E 9th St., where Newport Mayor Thomas Guidugli Jr. will issue a proclamation recognizing Dolly Parton Day and ceremonially rename the city “Dollyport” for the occasion.
The mayor will be joined by Newport business owners, community members and Campbell County Public Library Director Chantelle M. Phillips for a community “Cup of Ambition” toast.
The public is invited to attend.
Following the proclamation, participating businesses throughout Newport will offer their own take on Dolly Parton Day. Activities may include $9.25 specials, Dolly-inspired food and beverages, decorated storefronts, employee costumes, giveaways, music and photo opportunities.
Rather than taking place at a single venue, “9 to 5 on 9/25” is designed as a communitywide business promotion that encourages visitors to explore Newport and support its restaurants, retailers, bars and other local establishments. There is no admission charge.
The celebration originated with Newport business owner Jennifer Leibel, who proposed bringing businesses together for a “9 to 5” celebration on 9/25. The grassroots idea quickly gained support from businesses across the city, with each participating location encouraged to create an activity or promotion that fits its business.
The day also highlights Newport’s connection to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an early-childhood literacy program that provides free, age-appropriate books to eligible children from birth to age 5.
The Campbell County Public Library, working with local school districts and community partners, helps make the Imagination Library available to children throughout Campbell County. Phillips will represent the library during the morning proclamation and kickoff.
Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995 in honor of her father, who could not read or write. The program began in her home county in East Tennessee and has since grown into an international early-childhood literacy initiative.
Additional participating businesses, promotions and activities will be announced through Newport businesses and social media leading up to Sept. 25.
