The big news of last week was also the saddest, with the announcement of Dolly Parton’s passing. Hers was a uniquely American story coming from a large and poor family in Sevier County. Dolly Parton’s genius was her weaving together a tapestry of her own life throughout her songs. For millions of listeners, her song “Coat of Many Colors” was moving in many ways; it was an ode to a mother’s love, it showed how to make the most of what you have (no matter how little), and sadly, showed a cruel reality when others teased and made fun of her for having to wear a makeshift coat. The song never failed to pull at the heartstrings of those who could recall the countless sacrifices made by loving parents for their children. It was a beautiful reminder of the gifts that only love can bestow, which are truly priceless.
Dolly could write and sing songs with the best of the best, her sheer talent carrying her to the heights of fame and fortune. Parton’s “9 to 5” became a working person’s anthem. Dolly never claimed to be perfect, and her song “I Will Always Love You” was written as a fond farewell to Porter Wagoner. Parton’s songs could be soulful, wistful, cheerful, joyful and full of promise or love. I can’t think of one that was bitter or harsh. Her duet with Kenny Rogers, “Islands in the Stream,” crossed genres and is well-known by old and young alike even today. In fact, all of Dolly Parton’s hits have withstood the test of time.
In today’s world, praise is lavished on many lesser lights in gross overstatement. Dolly Parton was never understated with her buxom figure, wigs, and trappings which were uniquely her own. Dolly was proud of her heritage and East Tennesseans, all Tennesseans, were proud of her. She was loved around the world – even Buckingham Palace paid tribute to Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton was a shrewd businesswoman as well as a legendary entertainer. She created Dollywood, which continues to grow and expand every season. She was also a philanthropist who deeply believed that reading opened all the doors necessary for success in life and learning, creating the Imagination Library. Millions of children received free books from Dolly’s Imagination Library.
Dolly gave of herself, personally, financially and in every other way when the Gatlinburg fires decimated everything in their path. Although she was larger than life, Dolly Parton was humble about giving back to her people, determined to make their lives better if she could.
Dolly was deeply spiritual without being preachy or judgmental. Throughout her career, she never dodged or downplayed her own deep faith in God. Dolly Parton said she believed that all things were possible through God. She knew God had been very good to her, and in turn, she was very good to others.
Dolly Parton was a true daughter of East Tennessee’s mountains, valleys and streams. Her star shone brightly until the very end, and even death won’t dim all that she brought to this world. Dolly Parton – her stories, her songs. her smile and bright spirit will live on for future generations. Because she was larger than life, it seemed to many of us that Dolly Parton was immortal. Sadly, that was not so.
Even after eighty years, Dolly left us too soon. Hers is a loss that is wrenching and irreplaceable. It feels quite personal to hundreds of thousands of her loved ones, friends and fans.
Heaven’s choir is surely sounding even sweeter now. We refuse to say “goodbye.” What we will say is, Dolly Parton, we will always love you, too.
