On Friday, we shall tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen, where we will pour ourselves a cup of ambition. Yes, it’s Dolly Day! (9/25 … 9 to 5 … get it?) As an ode to one of the legend’s biggest hits, 9/25 has become 9 to 5 all around the country. Here in Fort Worth, there are many ways to celebrate Dolly Parton, the beloved icon we recently lost.
9 to 5 Mahjong Party
Wear pink — or anything Dolly-inspired — to Mahj Ranch (7540 Confederate Park Rd, Fort Worth) for a special 9/25 Mahjong Party honoring Dolly Parton, 5pm-8pm. It’s open play and costs $25 per person. Seating is limited, so DM @MahjRanch to reserve your seat.
Dolly Day at Basic Bar
You are invited to dress the part, grab a drink, and celebrate all things Dolly at Basic Bar (904 Houston St, Fort Worth, @BasicBarFW). Starting at 4pm, enjoy a Dolly-inspired afternoon complete with merchandise, drink specials, and a $100 Dolly look-alike contest.
Dolly Parton Day at Second Rodeo & Truck Yard
This popular Stockyards spot (122 E Exchange Av, Fort Worth) is hosting a 9 to 5-themed Dolly celebration with special commemorative cups, themed decor, and music all day. So is their sister concept, Truck Yard Alliance (3101 Prairie Vista Dr, Fort Worth). Skip work, day drink, hang out, and have a good time. From 11am to 11:30pm, there will be Dolly music, themed drinks like the Cup of Ambition, limited-edition pink wristbands, and more. Cover is free at both locations, but they suggest you reserve a spot on Eventbrite.com.
Tribute & Celebration at VFW Benbrook
Starting at 4:30pm, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (1000 Stevens Dr, Benbrook) is hosting the Tribute & Celebration of Dolly Parton with free cover, live music by Petty Betty, themed drink and shot specials (including $3 Buttery Nipples, Hot Damns, and Tequila Roses), and a Dolly costume contest with prizes.
Parton Party in Mansfield
The City of Mansfield is hosting the Parton Party at Geyer Commons (605 E Broad St, Mansfield, 817-728-3390) complete with a DIY glam booth, a glitter bar, and lots of other photo ops. Vendors will be on-site with a market, food, and drinks for purchase. Things kick off at 6pm with Dolly Bingo, followed by a Dolly look-alike contest (adult and kids’ categories), then the Parton My Dolly show with music by Rhonda Kay Medina. There is no cost to attend.
Courtesy the artist
At Your Leisure
When you get a moment, swing by The Stagecoach Ballroom (2516 E Belknap St, Fort Worth, 817-831-2261) to see the new Dolly Parton mural, recently completed by Juan Velazquez, who painted it for his daughter, Anavea, who was sad about Dolly’s passing. Fort Worth is also home to another Dolly Parton mural. Katie Murray (@KatiePaintbrush) created the one on the side of The Market at Ridglea (3400 Bernie Anderson Av, Fort Worth, 817-744-8630).
Another thing you’ll have to do on your own is watch 9 to 5. The 1980 office satire starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin follows three secretaries who decide to get revenge on their tyrannical, sexist boss by abducting him and running the business themselves. The film is screening at Rooftop Cinema Club on Thu, but it is sold out. You can get on their waiting list, or you can just watch it at home. Thankfully, it’s streaming on Hulu, Netflix, and just about everywhere else you can think of right now.
R.I.P., Dolly. We will always love you.
Courtesy the artist
