by K.G. McAnally, Contributing Writer
BAY ST. LOUIS (GG) — Old Town Bay St. Louis celebrated Dolly Parton’s Birthday in style with the 8th Annual Dolly Should on January 11, 2025. The annual FREE event is a birthday celebration for Dolly and an open invitation because Dolly absolutely Should celebrate her birthday with us. Everyone else should too!
Dolly’s running in rhinestones and boots, dancing Dolly’s, dog Dolly’s, everyone in the Bay and surrounding areas put on their tightest jeans and their highest heels, painted their nails and teased their wigs in anticipation on Dolly’s special day. Dolly Parton actually celebrates her birthday on January 19th and the iconic singer, songwriter and actress is a true inspiration for fans all over the world.
The event began with a children’s book drive, in honor of Dolly’s Imagination Library, which ran from Jan. 1-11 throughout the shops of Old Town. Dolly Should festivities included: Dolly Should 5K run, live painting by local artist Andrew Switzer, painting a Dolly Llama, the 1st Annual Highest Hair Contest hosted by The Shops at Century Hall, and the greatly-anticipated Dolly Look-Alike contest started in the evening on the front porch of Mockingbird Café featuring DJ Doug Funnie.
Thanks to all participants! Over 1,000 books were collected and will be donated to the Hancock County Library System. This year’s entry fee charity donation recipient: King’s Kitchen, a local free food program in Hancock County. If you missed the celebration this year mark your calendars for 2026, hopefully Dolly Parton will be in attendance.
Photos by K.G. McAnally/The Gazebo Gazette
