08/25/2026
Today, the world lost a true icon. Someone who bridged us all. No matter age, race, or genre, Dolly Parton was a gift that kept on giving. Born in Sevierville, Tennessee, she was one of 12 children in an area so poor and rural, most didnât have a formal education beyond 3rd grade. Despite it all, she became country musicâs biggest star, globally adored, a gracious philanthropist, and a beauty for the ages.
Over her 60+ year career, she produced 50 studio albums and penned more than 4000 songs for herself and others. In 2023 Rolling Stone declared that Dolly had one of the best singing voices of all time. Dolly had a unique outlook on how she presented herself. She quipped to Barbara Walters in 1984 that she âwanted to feel as glamorous on the outside as she did on the inside!â Modeling her look after the âtown trollopâ she proved early on that her looks were but a small part of her identity, often surprising new listeners with her genuine talent.
She championed being a friend to all, seeing through differences, and leading the way through child literacy, quietly giving away more than 250 million books worldwide as of this post. When her riches exceeded her own needs, she brought it all back home and in 1986, opened Dollywood in the smoky mountains of East Tennessee. The park serves as just one of her legacyâs, providing completely free college tuition to any of its 4000+ employees.
Living in the times weâre currently enduring makes Dollyâs passing especially difficult. It seems she was one of the last people that everyone could truly agree on. Her kindness shown in everything she did and she never grew tired of giving back.
Dolly, we will always love you âĽď¸
âWhoever you are, be that. Whatever you do, do that. Anything else is just an act. Whoever you are, be that!
Some may leave you little choice, donât be afraid to find your voice. Speak your mind and make some noise, they call that being free.
(And)Stand up for who and what you are; He knows the intent of your heart.â
Excerpt from âBe Thatâ by Dolly PartonđŚ