One of my fondest childhood memories is cruising in my mom’s old SUV, the windows rolled down, belting out “Islands in the Stream” together. The wind tousled her big, voluminous hairstyle as she sang, and in that moment, I believed she was the most beautiful woman in the world, effortlessly steering through the streets with a soda in one hand and her glossy lips adorned with L’Oreal’s Frosted Coral. I was just a little girl, and Dolly was at the height of her career.
My admiration for Dolly Parton blossomed early in life. Growing up in Tennessee, I visited Silver Dollar City, the precursor to Dollywood, long before I even knew about Disney World. Christmas wasn’t complete until we watched Dolly vanquish a witch and find love in A Smoky Mountain Christmas, where she played the ghost of a country singer with a tragic end.
And let’s talk about the Memphis bridge! I confidently referred to it as the “Dolly Parton Bridge” for years, believing my dad’s description of its double-bump shape—which I thought resembled breasts—was spot-on. In kindergarten, I even dressed as a (questionably) anatomically correct Dolly for Halloween, creating quite the stir while living in Bolivia, far from any Southern influences. It seems Dolly’s presence has been woven into the fabric of my life.
Even as an adult, my affection for Dolly remains strong. While I’m not a fan of her commercialization or the way she portrays Appalachian culture, I recognize her as an unapologetic icon. Her extravagant style, from her glam makeup to her signature big hair and bold outfits, are not the aspirations I hope for my daughter, now 4. However, here are five compelling reasons I want her to discover the magic of Dolly:
1. Dolly Is Intelligent
One of my favorite Dolly quotes is, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” She understands the art of branding and knows how to market herself. With a theme park, water attraction, and a record label, Dolly has mastered the business world, proving that one doesn’t need an MBA to be successful—though I’m sure she’s brought plenty of smart people on board.
2. Dolly Is Self-Assured
Dolly’s bold embrace of her unique style—think larger-than-life breast sizes and sequined outfits—has made her a standout figure in Hollywood, especially during the ’80s, when Southern women often faced challenges. Instead of conforming, she proudly showcased her individuality and created an empire.
3. Dolly Loves Her Roots
Dolly’s pride in her upbringing is evident. Not only does she celebrate her heritage, but she also invests in local initiatives, including her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children until they start school—an incredible gift to the youth of Sevier County and beyond.
4. Dolly’s Audience Is Diverse
Have you ever attended a Dolly Parton concert? If you think it’s just a gathering of country fans, think again! People from all walks of life unite to enjoy her music. Dolly’s concerts are a melting pot of ages, backgrounds, and identities, all singing along to classics like “Jolene.”
5. Dolly Is Authentic
In a world full of superficial lyrics and fleeting trends, Dolly’s songs tell real stories. She captures the essence of womanhood, family values, and the daily grind in tracks like “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5.” Why settle for bland tunes when you can enjoy the richness of her messages?
In summary, my hope is that my daughter will grow up with a treasure trove of Dolly experiences, learning from her intelligence, confidence, and authenticity. If you want to explore more about home insemination, check out our other blog post on artificial insemination kits, and for more resources, this site is an excellent authority on the topic. Also, don’t miss out on March of Dimes for valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.