The U.S. Senate has officially declared October as "National Country Music Month."
Senators Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., passed a resolution on Sept. 25 to honor the music genre nationwide.
The new title honors the contributions of country music to the nation's history, encouraging Americans to observe “National Country Music Month” with their own ceremonies and activities. The announcement came less than two months after, for the first time in history, the top five songs on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 were occupied by country artists.
“Tennessee is the heart of country music,” Senator Blackburn said in the September press release.
“This National Country Music Month, we honor the legendary Dolly Parton, whose iconic voice,
songwriting, and showmanship inspired generations of performers and fans," Blackburn continued.
"Country music has always captured the spirit of our nation — our faith, our families, and our freedoms — and it is my honor to lead this resolution recognizing this incredible legacy.”
The new resolution also recognizes the multi-billion-dollar country music industry and the genre's key historical locations.
“Bristol is the birthplace of country music," said Kaine, who added that music has always been a big part of his life.
"I’m glad to join Senator Blackburn in introducing this resolution to recognize October as National Country Music Month and celebrate this incredible genre and its contributions to our nation’s history and culture.”
The announcement arrived, fittingly, on Tennessee's brand new 9 to 5 Day, a statewide Sept. 25 celebration of Dolly Parton's life.
Audrey Gibbs is a music reporter at The Tennessean. You can reach her at agibbs@tennessean.com. Follow her on Instagram at @audreyraegibbs.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Senate made October 'National Country Music Month' as genre grows more popular
