New York highway signs honoring Dolly Parton spark safety guideline debate

Across New York highways, variable-message signs featuring Dolly Parton lyrics were illuminated on Thursday and Friday as a tribute to the singer who died at 80. Examples included “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, don’t speed” and a play on “I Will Always Love You” paired with a safety reminder. The display coincides with federal signage guidelines issued in December 2023, which advise that road signs be clear, direct, and avoid obscure references that could slow driver processing.

Jay Beeber, chief government affairs officer for the National Motorists Association, cautioned that such humor might add cognitive load and distract drivers, though the rules do not expressly forbid it. Hochul spokesperson Alexia Nizhny said the signs honor Parton while urging drivers to stay vigilant at all hours. On the same day, 17 landmarks, including One World Trade Center, were lit pink in her memory. The Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration did not comment.