Some individuals are simply unforgettable national icons. Think of Betty White, Tom Hanks, Keanu Reeves, and the beloved Mister Fred Rogers. The list is extensive, but in my opinion, the true gem among them all is none other than Dolly Rebecca Parton.
Dolly has penned or co-penned thousands of songs, boasting twenty-five number one hits to her name. She recorded her timeless classic “I Will Always Love You” twice, achieving number one status on both occasions. Whitney Houston’s rendition also soared to number one in 1992! With a lifetime of accolades that’s hard to fathom, her musical prowess has remained unmatched for six decades. Yet, that’s merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our affection for her.
Whether she’s humorously addressing her self-confidence with quips like, “I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know that I’m not dumb. I also know I’m not blonde,” or channeling her wealth into charitable initiatives, Dolly Parton is a true treasure. Even Barack Obama expressed regret for not awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
While it’s impossible to enumerate every reason we adore Dolly, here are some highlights that showcase her brilliance.
Her Generosity During the Pandemic
As we near the one-year mark of lockdowns, it’s important to highlight Dolly’s monumental contribution of one million dollars to COVID vaccine research. Dr. Naji Abumrad noted that her support accelerated the research for the Moderna vaccine significantly. Dolly even took her shot in her signature upbeat style, encouraging others to do the same with a playful twist on her famous song, turning “Jolene” into “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vacc-iiiine!”
Imagination Library
In 1995, Dolly established the Imagination Library to provide free books to children in her home county of Sevier, TN. Over the years, this initiative has grown to serve children across the entire state of Tennessee and beyond, delivering over 154 million books globally. My kids, being Tennesseans, have been part of this wonderful program since birth.
Turning Down a Statue
Recently, Dolly declined a statue in her honor from the Tennessee State Legislature, stating, “Ummm, what the heck you guys? A statue of me right now? Can we maybe just…not?” It was a tactful and wise response to a rather inappropriate proposal.
A Lasting Marriage
Dolly has been married to Carl Dean since 1966, and their unwavering love is evident. While he stays out of the limelight, Dolly shares delightful anecdotes about their relationship, like the time she joked with Jimmy Fallon about her husband’s humorous fantasies.
Supporting Communities in Need
In the wake of devastating wildfires in 2016, Dolly launched the My People Fund through the Dollywood Foundation. Within 48 hours, the fund provided monthly support to families who lost their homes, demonstrating her commitment to helping those in crisis.
Business Savvy
Dolly is not just a musical icon; she’s also a shrewd businesswoman. She famously wrote “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” in the same day but turned down Elvis’s request to cover the latter, valuing her publishing rights. This decision proved fruitful when Whitney Houston’s version reignited the song’s popularity.
An Icon of Kindness
Throughout my life in Nashville, every story I’ve heard about Dolly is positive. She radiates warmth, drawing people in with her charm and humor.
Embracing Self-Love
Dolly’s approach to self-love is inspiring. She humorously remarks, “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap,” making it clear she embraces her unique style and encourages others to love themselves, regardless of societal standards of beauty.
Dolly Parton’s charitable contributions are vast and varied, showcasing her as an extraordinary artist and genuinely kind human being. We are fortunate to have her in our lives.
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Summary
Dolly Parton is a beloved icon not only for her musical talent but also for her generous spirit, commitment to community, and ability to inspire self-love. From her significant contributions during the pandemic to her charitable initiatives, Dolly exemplifies what it means to be a true national treasure.