Tulsa, January 14, 2026
Tulsa, Oklahoma is celebrating the 80th birthday of Dolly Parton with a series of events organized by the Tulsa City-County Library throughout January. These festivities honor Parton’s contributions to literacy through her Imagination Library, which supports early reading. Families can participate in free storytimes and a birthday bash featuring live music and various activities. This initiative highlights the community’s commitment to literacy and civic engagement.
Dolly Parton’s 80th Birthday Celebrated with Community Events in Tulsa
Join Tulsa in Honoring the Iconic Star with Engaging Activities
Tulsa, Oklahoma – The Tulsa City-County Library (TCCL) is gearing up to celebrate the 80th birthday of music and literacy icon Dolly Parton with a series of engaging events throughout January. This initiative not only honors Parton’s significant contributions to the world of literature through her Imagination Library but also showcases the community’s commitment to fostering a love for reading among its youngest members.
By organizing these festivities, local organizers demonstrate the resilience and innovation of civic engagement within Tulsa. Celebrating educational achievements like Parton’s efforts in promoting literacy offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to connect through shared values. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles for such events has helped small initiatives flourish, enhancing community involvement and participation.
Dolly Parton’s Birthday Storytimes
Beginning on Monday, January 12, TCCL will kick off the celebrations with free Dolly Parton’s Birthday Storytimes held at various library locations across Tulsa County. These engaging sessions invite families to join in songs, hear stories, participate in crafts, and receive party favors, all centered around the theme of reading. The storytime schedule includes:
- Monday, January 12:
- 10:30-11:00 a.m. at Broken Arrow Library, 300 W. Broadway Ave.
- 11:00-11:30 a.m. at Bixby Library, 20 E. Breckenridge Ave.
- Tuesday, January 13:
- 11:00-11:30 a.m. at Herman and Kate Kaiser Library, 5202 S. Hudson Ave.
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Collinsville Library, 1223 W. Main St.
- Wednesday, January 14:
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Owasso Library, 103 W. Broadway St.
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St.
These storytimes are part of TCCL’s broader initiative to promote early literacy and celebrate Dolly Parton’s enduring impact on education through her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children throughout their formative years.
Dolly Parton’s Birthday Bash
The culmination of this month-long celebration will be the Dolly Parton’s Birthday Bash on Saturday, January 17, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Gathering Place located at 2650 S. John Williams Way in the Williams Lodge. This inclusive event will cater to all ages and will feature live music from the Sugar Free Allstars, special storytimes, face painting, birthday cake, and much more.
This community gathering not only celebrates Parton’s legacy but serves as a reminder of the importance of literacy in shaping future generations. The initiative exemplifies how local engagement brings individuals together and enriches the community fabric.
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a renowned program that gifts free books to children from birth through age five, reinforcing the value of reading and learning. In Oklahoma, the program has successfully promoted early literacy and supported families in cultivating a reading culture at home. Such programs highlight the effectiveness of community programs in enhancing educational opportunities for young learners.
Additional Celebrations Nationwide
For those wishing to further celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday, events are also being held nationwide. A notable highlight is the Grand Ole Opry’s “Opry Goes Dolly” show in Nashville on January 17, featuring tributes from established artists such as Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson. While Parton will not be present, her grateful acknowledgment of these events reflects the deep appreciation for her contributions to music and literacy.
Engagement and Impact
These events underscore Dolly Parton’s significant cultural impact, as well as the collective efforts of local organizations and individuals invested in promoting literacy and community involvement. By coming together to honor Parton, the Tulsa community showcases the potential of civic innovation and the power of personal initiative in fostering a nurturing environment for families.
Conclusion
As Tulsa prepares to celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday, residents are encouraged to participate in various events aimed at honoring her legacy. These initiatives reflect the broader theme of community empowerment, highlighting how reduced bureaucratic processes can lead to greater engagement and participation. Be sure to mark your calendars and support local events that enrich Tulsa’s community spirit!
FAQ
What is the Tulsa City-County Library (TCCL) doing to celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday?
TCCL is hosting a series of events, including free Dolly Parton’s Birthday Storytimes at various locations and a Birthday Bash on January 17 at Gathering Place in Tulsa. These events feature songs, stories, crafts, face painting, and live music to honor Parton’s contributions to literacy and her cultural impact.
When and where are the Dolly Parton’s Birthday Storytimes taking place?
The storytimes are scheduled at different TCCL locations starting January 12. Specific dates and times vary by location. For detailed information, please refer to the TCCL event schedule or contact your local branch.
What is the Dolly Parton’s Birthday Bash?
The Birthday Bash is an all-ages event on January 17 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Gathering Place, 2650 S. John Williams Way, in the Williams Lodge. It includes live music from Sugar Free Allstars, special storytimes, face painting, birthday cake, and more, celebrating Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday and her contributions to literacy.
How can I enroll my child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Parents can enroll their children online through the TCCL website or by visiting any TCCL location. The program provides free books to children from birth through age five, fostering early literacy and a love of reading.
Are there other events celebrating Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday?
Yes, events are taking place nationwide. For example, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is hosting a special “Opry Goes Dolly” show on January 17, featuring tributes from artists like Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson. A portion of the ticket proceeds from this event will benefit the Imagination Library.
Key Features of the Events
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolly Parton’s Birthday Storytime | Starting January 12 | Various TCCL locations | Free storytimes featuring songs, stories, crafts, and party favors for children and families. |
| Dolly Parton’s Birthday Bash | January 17, 1:00-5:00 p.m. | Gathering Place, Williams Lodge, 2650 S. John Williams Way, Tulsa | All-ages event with live music, special storytimes, face painting, birthday cake, and more to celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday. |
| Grand Ole Opry’s “Opry Goes Dolly” Show | January 17 | Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville | Special show featuring tributes from artists like Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting the Imagination Library. |
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