Last month, on Aug. 25, much-loved singer-songwriter Dolly Parton passed away at age 80. She’d been having health issues for a few months, yet her presence was still so lively that her death came as a shock to many. Although it feels like she’s gone much too soon, her fans also came together to celebrate her full life of art, joy, love and helping others. One of the films she starred in, 9 to 5, was promoted on Netflix.
Now it’s being suggested that Sept. 25, or 9.25, be declared “Dolly Parton Day” in honor of the song she wrote for the movie soundtrack. It’s a delightful pun that Dolly would love.
Punny holidays are nothing new, and my favorites are Japanese ones, because in Japanese numbers can have a variety of sounds, making for even more punning. In one example, Jan. 5 is “Strawberry Day.” 1 = Ichi, 5 = Go, Strawberry = Ichigo. My personal favorite is Nov. 22, because 11.22 can be read as ii fufu, which means “good couple.”
Although the movie 9 to 5 hails from 1980, Parton’s lyrics about chafing under the daily grind feel just as relatable today. Along with giving voice to the relatable feeling of putting in effort just to have someone else benefit, never even receiving acknowledgement, Parton also makes us laugh and subtly encourages us that we have dreams and spunk too powerful to be smushed by The Man.
Parton wasn’t really on my radar when I was growing up, apart from her over-the-top style. Now I would describe Dolly Parton as the ideal American. She embodies charm, humility and a can-do attitude. She’s also bipartisan. It’s amazing to me that in a polarized world, Americans across age and political divides joined to say, “She lived a really amazing life.”
For 925 Day, let’s take a hard look at our work (paid or unpaid) and think of a change we can make for ourselves, to find more comfort, recognition or purpose. (But please avoid the hijinks Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin get up to in the movie…) Then, because this year it’s also Friday, clock out and head to happy hour.
