One butterfly at a time.

The Cup’s founder, Ericka Frank, was born and raised in Tennessee, so Dolly Parton has always held a special place in her heart. Her music, generosity, joy and kindness are just a few of the many reasons Ericka has admired Dolly over the years.

And, of course, it was pretty fun to see another Tennessee woman share a love for baking when Dolly launched her own line of baking mixes!

When we first saw Dolly Parton Day on Sept. 25 (9/25) popping up on social media, we knew we couldn’t let the day pass without celebrating this incredible woman. We also knew we wanted to use the occasion to support something close to Dolly’s heart: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

For every Dolly Parton Cupcake sold, $1 will be donated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, helping continue Dolly’s commitment to getting books into the hands of children.

Designing a Cupcake Fit for Dolly

The Cup team is full of Dolly fans, so when we started dreaming up this cupcake, we wanted every detail to feel like her.

We gave our signature buttercream swirl a little extra height and personality, inspired by Dolly’s famously big blonde hair. Gold and pink sprinkles bring the glam and sparkle and, for the finishing touch, we added a butterfly — one of Dolly’s most recognizable and beloved symbols.

Butterflies have been part of Dolly’s story since childhood. Her official biography recalls her growing up in the Smoky Mountains “chasing the beauty of butterflies,” and the butterfly remained an important motif throughout her life and career.

It feels like the perfect way for us to celebrate someone who brought so much joy to the world and did so much good along the way.

May we all have a heart as big as hers.

Dolly Parton Cupcake

French vanilla cake topped with vanilla buttercream, gold and pink sprinkles and a butterfly ring.

$5.25 each
Available Sept. 21–26, 2026
$1 from each cupcake sold will be donated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Available at both The Cup locations and for online preorder while supplies last.

Dolly Parton Cupcake FAQ

When is The Cup’s Dolly Parton Cupcake available?
The limited-edition cupcake is available Monday, Sept. 21 through Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

What is on the Dolly Parton Cupcake?
It features French vanilla cake with a taller version of The Cup’s signature vanilla buttercream swirl, gold and pink sprinkles and a butterfly ring.

Why is there a butterfly on the Dolly Parton Cupcake?
Butterflies were a meaningful symbol throughout Dolly Parton’s life. She loved them as a child growing up in Tennessee and used butterfly imagery throughout her music, fashion and personal style.

Does the cupcake support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Yes. The Cup will donate $1 from every Dolly Parton Cupcake sold to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Can I preorder the Dolly Parton Cupcake?
Yes. You can preorder online or visit either The Cup location during Sept. 21–26, while supplies last.