Talent, of course, not only did she write songs that were unforgettable and hit the heart, bit when she sang them, they became hers, even though many other singers would record them. She didn’t follow fashion trends, she made them. Whatever she wore, no matter how sparkly, she made it her own.
But, and this, I think is the most admirable thing about Dolly, she was famous, but never sought fame. In her lifetime, she turned down many honors other chase. After being nominated for the class of 2022 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, she declined, saying she had not earned the right to be in a rock music category because her career was in country music. The Hall of Fame kept her on the ballot and she ultimately accepted the honor. In 2021, she turned down a proposal for a statue of her art the Tennessee State Capitol, saying putting her on a pedestal was not appropriate given everything that was happening in the world.
She also turned down two offers to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump and Joe Biden because she didn’t want to be seen as political. She said she had as many Republican fans as Democratic fans, and didn’t want to alienate anyone. But while Trump is cutting funds to libraries, and his supporters try to ban books they consider “woke,” Dolly’s Imagination Library has for 31 years sent books each month to more than three million children all over the world. And let’s not forget the million dollars she donated to help fund the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to the Vanderbilt Medical Center.
The one thing she did build with her name on it was Dollywood, the place where families could come to be together and have fun. The theme park, with water slides, roller coasters, and live music, provides jobs for those living in her native East Tennessee. Whenever there were weather disasters in that area, Dolly stepped up with help and donations.
Trump has ordered that flags be lowered throughout the U.S. to honor her. But does he really understand why there is such an outpouring of love and admiration for Dolly? Does he look at how she ducked every opportunity to accept medals and honors and contrast it with his own selfish need to have his name and face on everything, from passports to money, to buildings and monuments?
Dolly’s charitable actions have helped so many people. While some of her donations have been made public, it’s not hard to imagine what she did behind the scenes because she never sought publicity. She did it because she truly cared about people and wanted to help
By being herself, Dolly brought people together. And her music will live on and her philanthropy will, hopefully, inspire others to use their influence and resources to make life better for those who are struggling. That’s quite a legacy.
Top Bigstock photo by DFree
Dolly Parton arriving to “Joyful Noise” Los Angeles Premeire on January 19, 2012 in Hollywood, CA
