Ole Miss Celebrates Dolly Parton with Day of Service
Organizers encourage volunteering and charitable giving to honor legendary entertainer and humanitarian
OXFORD, Miss. – Dolly Parton was known for her blonde wigs, catchy songs and Imagination Library. But what she will be remembered for is her service to others.
To celebrate her life, service and philanthropy, Oxford will host a Dolly Day of Service on Friday (Sept. 25). The date is a playful nod to one of Parton's best-known songs, "9 to 5."
The University of Mississippi's Center for Community Engagement, Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies and Institute for the Arts have partnered to encourage people to wear pink – maybe even a Dolly wig – and volunteer that day.
"When Kevin Cozart (from the Sarah Isom Center) and I heard the news that Dolly had passed away, we wanted to do something to commemorate her life and to encourage people to perform some act of service and charity on 9/25," said Elizabeth Speed, assistant director for community partnerships at the Center for Community Engagement.
Residents have numerous ways to participate through volunteering in Oxford and Lafayette County.
Legendary entertainer Dolly Parton performs at the University of Mississippi in May 2022 for the Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy's Legacy Dinner. Photo by Kirsten Simpson/UM Development
"Getting involved and volunteering in the community is a great way to connect and create experiences that enrich your own life and improve the quality of life for others," Speed said. "Thankfully at the university, we have GrovePulse (the university's volunteer management platform) to find many opportunities to volunteer in the community and on campus."
Just as Dolly celebrated the many different colors and experiences that make up a community; volunteers can choose how they want to give back.
Opportunities for service during the Dolly Day of Service can also be found on the city of Oxford's volunteer site, Stronger Together.
From books and food to financial gifts, many ways to help are available.
People can donate new children's books or nonperishable food for the Grove Grocery or make monetary donations to the Lafayette High School band or theater department or the Oxford High School band or theater department.
Volunteers will collect donations at 7 p.m. in Lamar Hall, Room 131, during the evening's movie screening of "Steel Magnolias," a fitting choice for a celebration that combines Southern culture, friendship and service. Admission is free but registration is requested at https://givepul.se/jlxjl0.
"Volunteering and making charitable gifts are a perfect way to honor Dolly's life and legacy," Speed said.
Top: Several Ole Miss organizations have organized a day of service in honor of the late Dolly Parton for Friday (Sept. 25). Illustration by Sarah Tewolde/University Marketing and Communications
By
Marisa C. Atkinson
Campus
Office, Department or Center
Published
September 22, 2026