Four Tacoma bars will throw Dolly Parton Day parties Friday, Sept. 25, with proceeds and book donations supporting children's literacy and local youth services.

Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello proclaimed Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day at a County Council meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The date is a nod to Parton's signature hit "9 to 5," as The News Tribune reported.

"The proclamation invites all residents to honor the life and legacy of Dolly Parton by supporting the Imagination Library of Washington," Mello said at the meeting.

Parton died Aug. 25. Communities across the country, including Portland, are holding similar celebrations.

Four venues across the city are marking the day:

Kingfisher and Rye Tavern (2705 6th Ave.) opens at 4 p.m. with Parton's music playing until 9 p.m., followed by Dolly-themed karaoke. The tavern will serve creamy vegetable soup and a biscuit, plus drink specials including the "Dirt Road Martini," a "Cup of Ambition" and "Dolly Pinot." Proceeds benefit the Imagination Library and the Oasis Youth Center, which serves LGBTQ+ youth ages 11–24 in Pierce County.

Airport Tavern (5406 S. Tacoma Way) hosts "Dear Dolly: A Celebration of Dolly Parton's Music by Local Artists," an all-ages show. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Performers include Kristen Marlo, Erina McLaren, Champagne Sunday, Victoria Fragoso, Angie Lynn, Jeff Mims, Gina Belliveau and Karen Miller. Tickets are $26. Proceeds go to the Imagination Library.

Steel Creek (1114 Broadway) starts at 6 p.m. with a radio party hosted by country station 100.7 The Wolf. A free dance lesson runs from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Dolly Parton lookalike contest begins at 11 p.m. with a $500 cash prize. Bring a new or gently used children's book and get in free. Books will be donated to the Tacoma Public Library.

Bob's Java Jive (2102 S. Tacoma Way) rounds out the night with Dolly-themed karaoke from 9 p.m. to 1:40 a.m. Costumes are encouraged. The bar, a City of Tacoma historic landmark shaped like a 25-foot concrete coffee pot, was built in 1927.

The Imagination Library of Washington, which mails free books monthly to children from birth to age five, was working as of July to restore access for roughly 40,000 children after a funding gap, according to the organization's website. Total statewide enrollment is expected to exceed 100,000 children once restoration is complete.