On Friday, Sept. 25, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will celebrate one of Tennessee’s most recognizable icons with “Dolly Day,” a collection of activities highlighting Parton’s influence on literacy, service, entertainment, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
And, appropriately enough, her famous “9 to 5” will be part of the celebration.
“Dolly Parton’s impact reaches across generations, and Dolly Day gives our UTC community a fun and meaningful way to celebrate that legacy,” said UTC Chancellor Lori Bruce. “Whether we are reading with elementary school students, learning from Dolly’s remarkable success as a businesswoman or stepping in front of a green screen to imagine our own future 9-to-5, this day brings together our students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees around literacy, service, creativity and community.”
Continuing Support to Literacy and Service
The College of Health, Education and Professional Studies and the College of Nursing are partnering with Tommie F. Brown Academy for a special Dolly Day focused on literacy, service and intergenerational engagement. Approximately 250 Tommie F. Brown students will have opportunities to interact with UTC retirees, students, alumni, faculty and staff throughout the day.
Organizers are intentionally bringing together multiple generations of the UTC community. The goal is not only to support literacy and service but also to strengthen UTC’s relationship with Tommie F. Brown Academy through the kind of community engagement Parton championed throughout her career.
Back on campus, Dolly’s “9 to 5” will take center stage.
9, 2, 5 … Action!
The Arts-Based Collaborative at UTC will celebrate Parton’s life through music and theatre with an interactive “9, 2, 5 … Action!” event from 10 a.m.-noon on the third floor of the UTC Library outside the Studio and in the Video Suite.
Attendees can step in front of a green screen to act out their future 9-to-5, put on their dancing shoes and sing along to Parton’s music. Those who want to take the experience a step further can have their session recorded as part of a “9 to 5” music video.
The Library That Dolly Built
The UTC Library will host a screening of “The Library That Dolly Built,” a feature-length documentary exploring the history, impact and future of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the global book-gifting program she founded. Featuring guest narrator, actress and author Danica McKellar, along with the music of Dolly Parton, the film will be shown from 2-4 p.m. in UTC Library Room 131, the library’s theater. Popcorn will be available for attendees.
From 9/25 to “9 to 5”
The Department of Political Science and Public Service will host a screening of the 1980 film “9 to 5” at—you guessed it—5 p.m. in Derthick Hall Room 201.
The screening will be followed by a brief discussion of Parton’s impact today, along with trivia, music and a costume contest. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new children’s book or canned food item to donate.
The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will also use “9 to 5” to put a business-school spin on the celebration.
In the morning in Fletcher Hall, students, faculty and staff can participate in a “What Can Business Students Learn From Dolly?” activity, sharing lessons from Parton’s career in areas such as branding, entrepreneurship, leadership, authenticity and philanthropy.
While “9 to 5” plays nearby, students can take part in an “HR Violation Challenge,” identifying questionable workplace and human resources practices depicted in the movie. Participants can enter to win a Rollins College of Business/Dolly-inspired gift basket, with Dolly-themed treats and giveaways also available.
For UTC, the 9/25 connection provides a fun reason to celebrate Parton and “9 to 5,” while also highlighting the broader impact of a Tennessee icon whose influence reaches far beyond entertainment. Through books and business, movies and music, service and philanthropy, Dolly Day will give the UTC community a chance to celebrate the many ways Parton has used her career to make a difference.
And what better day to do it than 9/25?
Dolly Day on Campus: Schedule of Events
9 a.m.-11 a.m.: “What Can Business Students Learn From Dolly?” and “HR Violation Challenge” | Fletcher Hall
10 a.m.-noon: “9, 2, 5 … Action!” | UTC Library, third floor outside the Studio and in the Video Suite
2-4 p.m.: “The Library That Dolly Built” documentary screening | UTC Library Room 131
5 p.m.: “9 to 5” film screening, discussion, trivia, music and costume contest | Derthick Hall Room 201
