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New York has been finding its own big-hearted, rhinestone-studded ways to honor Dolly Parton this week. After the country legend’s death on Tuesday, August 25 at age 80, the Empire State Building glowed pink, the IFC Center’s marquee declared “IFC Will Always Love You” and a prankster rechristened Fulton Street station “Dolly Parton Street.”
Now, the city’s nightlife is taking it from there. Whether you want to sing every word of “Jolene,” watch a pair of classic Dolly Parton movies or simply show up in enough sequins to catch the light from across the room, here are six sweet ways to celebrate all things Dolly this weekend and into next week.
Six ways to celebrate Dolly Parton in NYC this weekend and beyond
Drag it up at C’mon Everybody
On Saturday, August 29, the Bed-Stuy venue will host a benefit DJ set supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the children’s literacy nonprofit she founded. Miss Ma’amShe, Rify Royalty, Anne J Tifah, Bertha Vanayshun and Hanukah Lewinsky are set to perform. Doors open at 6:30pm; tickets start at $20.09. It’s 21-plus.
Go full country diva at Cassette
"Ridgewood Rendezvous Drag Show: Dolly Parton Tribute Night" takes over Cassette in Ridgewood on Saturday from 10pm to 2am. Dress for the occasion: the weekly drag party is actively encouraging sequins, rhinestones and your best country-diva look. (Frankly, a sensible request.)
Hear a live-band tribute
Cassette will keep the Dolly love going on Monday, August 31, with a Dolly Parton Live Band Tribute Night at 7:30pm. Tickets are $12.03.
See Dolly on the big screen for free
Cassette’s Music Movie Mondays will present a free double feature of Nine to Five and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas on Thursday, September 3. Doors open at 7pm; arrive early for a seat.
Listen to Jolene in full at Arlene’s Grocery
The Vinyl Word’s next album-listening night will spin Parton’s classic 1974 album from start to finish on Tuesday, September 1 beginning at 7pm, followed by classic-country vinyl DJ sets. The Vinyl Word isn’t a hushed audiophile situation—it’s a social listening club, which means expect strangers to become temporary harmonizing partners by the time the needle hits “I Will Always Love You.” A $10 suggested donation is requested.
Start planning for Broadway
Dolly: A True Original Musical, which traces Parton’s life from her East Tennessee childhood to global stardom, is scheduled to open at the St. James Theatre on December 7. The Queen of Country may be gone, but New York’s Dolly season is just getting started!