HUNDREDS OF DOLLY PARTON FANS skipped their “9 to 5s” on Friday to celebrate the late singer in San Francisco’s Union Square, showing up in sparkly pink outfits, bedazzled cowboy hats and towering blonde wigs.
“What better day than 9-25 to celebrate an icon who completely embodies the values of our community,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the nonprofit Union Square Alliance, in a speech to the crowd. “She would be so happy to see San Francisco showing up for her.”
The party was one of several across the country taking place Friday to honor the legendary singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist who died of cancer last month. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation establishing Sept. 25 as “Dolly Parton Day,” with the numerical date 9-25 playing a nod to Parton’s hit song “9 to 5.”
Attendees put on their best impressions of the singer, wearing dazzling costumes covered in jewels and fringe.
Colleen McCoy, a Burlingame resident, was one of about a dozen attendees who participated in the event’s Dolly Parton look-alike contest. She wore a hot pink pantsuit, a sparkly silver jacket, a bleach blonde wig, and white cowgirl boots bedazzled in pink rhinestones.
“She represented so much for so many people,” McCoy said in an interview. “There was no division by religion, by color, by anything. She had her arms open for everyone and she supported feminism. She supported gay rights. She supported everybody in a humble way.”
They’ll always love you, Dolly
The party got started with several performances of Parton’s songs like “Dumb Blonde” and numerous renditions of “9 to 5.” Attendees sang along and danced to each song.
Paul Tortora came along with his white cockatoo Casper standing on his shoulder. Kona, a colorful parrot wearing a bedazzled denim vest, also drew the attention of the crowd.
About a dozen contestants participated in the look-alike contest, all wearing various outfits that undoubtedly exuded Parton’s flashy style. Concord resident Lisa Zaffino, wearing a voluminous blonde wig, bright pink lipstick, and a sparkling silver gown, received the loudest applause from the crowd and was declared the winner.
“It’s such an amazing compliment,” Zaffino said in an interview after her victory. “It’s the first time I ever did it … It’s like her saying, ‘It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.’”
The free event also featured a shrine for Parton with a table covered in framed photos of the singer and her vinyl records. Attendees could also help paint a hot pink mural of Dolly singing and playing a guitar.
For some “Dolly Day” partygoers, the celebration helped shine a light on Parton’s legacy as fans grapple with her passing.
“I’m just so sad in my heart,” Zaffino said. “But a lot of joy just came into my heart now.”
