The whole world is mourning Dolly Parton, with New York paying tribute to the “queen” of country music. On Tuesday night, August 25, 2026, the Empire State Building was lit in pink, honoring the memory of the iconic singer.
From 9:25 p.m. to 10:25 p.m., the landmark tower lit up the city’s skyline. Photos and videos of the pink display quickly spread across social media.
Tonight, the Empire State Building tower lights will turn to a pink sparkle at 9:25 to honor the late Dolly Parton.
Dolly was a global cultural icon whose seven-decade career reached generations of fans. Beyond entertainment, Dolly leaves a significant philanthropic legacy… pic.twitter.com/Pu5rtdfe0r
— Empire State Building Observation Deck (@EmpireStateBldg) August 25, 2026
The Empire State Building’s official account announced that the tower lights would turn pink to honor Parton, calling her a global cultural icon whose seven-decade career touched generations of fans and noting her major philanthropic legacy.
Dolly Parton, 80, died on Tuesday in Nashville, her family announced, following what they described as a short battle with cancer.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on social media that the news was heartbreaking, calling Parton an extraordinary person and an irreplaceable champion of the working class, adding that the country is better because of her.
Local news outlets noted that the pink lights beginning at 9:25 p.m. on Tuesday were also a nod to Parton’s hit film and song “9 to 5.”
Parton was remembered as a beloved music pioneer, a philanthropist, a strong advocate for childhood literacy and education, and a true leader. She founded the Imagination Library in honor of her father, who never learned to read or write. Through the program, hundreds of millions of free books have been given to children regardless of background or economic status.
The Empire State Building sparkled pink starting at 9:25 p.m. on Tuesday night in a nod to Dolly Parton’s hit movie and song 9 to 5. pic.twitter.com/78Eze1sKJR
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) August 26, 2026
It’s also worth noting her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she helped fund key early research that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin wrote on social media that she hoped Parton’s activism, words, and spirit would live on forever, thanking her for everything she gave.
