Alabama is paying its respects to Dolly Parton in a big way. Since news of the country icon’s passing, tributes have poured in from across the nation — and the Yellowhammer State is doing its part with a full slate of concerts, screenings and celebrations stretching from Birmingham to Fairhope and beyond.
Though Parton called Tennessee home, her roots in Alabama run deep. Gov. Kay Ivey directed flags across the state to fly at half-staff through Tuesday, Sept. 1, honoring the singer whose Imagination Library has put free books in the hands of thousands of Alabama children. State lawmakers are even exploring a specialty license plate bearing her name.
For fans who want to celebrate alongside fellow admirers, here are the events happening around the state in the weeks ahead.
Songwriters Night in Birmingham
East Lake United Methodist Church hosts an evening of song highlighting Parton’s catalog alongside numbers made famous by Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Taylor Swift and other legendary writers. The event runs Friday, Aug. 28 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the church, 7753 1st Ave S, Birmingham.
Dolly Tribute Cabaret in Birmingham
Later that night, the Pink Lantern at 2400 1st Ave N in downtown Birmingham hosts a Dolly Tribute Cabaret beginning at 9 p.m., with a dance party to follow.
Memorial Movie Screenings in Fairhope
The Fairhope Public Library will present a pair of memorial screenings in Giddens Auditorium: the classic workplace comedy “9 to 5” on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 1:30 p.m., and the documentary “Dolly Parton: Here I Am” on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 1:30 p.m. Both screenings are free and open to the public at 501 Fairhope Ave.
Rhinestones and Big Hair in Huntsville
Straight to Ale Brewing at Campus 805 in Huntsville brings a high-energy, rhinestoned tribute show to North Alabama on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 11:30 a.m. Organizers encourage country glam attire, big hair and Dolly-inspired drag. The brewery is located at 2610 Clinton Ave W.
One Million Books Celebration in Tuscaloosa
United Way of West Alabama will celebrate a milestone tied directly to Parton’s legacy: the Dolly Parton Imagination Library’s one-millionth book delivered to local children. The celebration takes place Saturday, Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. at the Tuscaloosa Public Library, 1801 Jack Warner Pkwy.
Women of Country Tribute in Wedowee
The tribute season wraps up in East Alabama on Saturday, Nov. 28, when the Barry Waldrep Band featuring Kelli Johnson performs a full concert honoring the Women of Country — from Parton to Patsy Cline and beyond — at 48 West Live, 216 West Broad Street, Wedowee, at 7 p.m.
From church halls to libraries to concert stages, Alabama’s farewell to Parton reflects the reach of her music and her reading program across the state. Fans are encouraged to arrive early; several events are expected to draw standing-room crowds.