What can you say about the great Dolly Parton that hasn’t already been said? She was an absolute gift to the universe. A true bodhisattva of the earth. I know Dolly was a very strong Christian, what I consider to be a true Christian, but as a Buddhist, I totally looked up to her and tried to emulate her.
Look, no one is perfect. I’m sure Dolly had her flaws, though I can’t think of any. She was an angel on earth. Whatever her flaws might have been, she rose above them and did so much fucking good in this dumpster fire of a world. Honestly, it’s hard to face the world each day knowing her goodness is not in it.
Lord, I hope she had great estate planning, and her legacy continues, which I’m sure it will. I don’t want to be a part of a world where people don’t know who Dolly Parton is. That would just be a dark place.
My memories of Dolly don’t come so much from her music. Don’t get me wrong, I love her music, but I didn’t really grow up listening to it. There were exceptions. I wore out my 45s of Islands in the Stream and 9 to 5. However, I really only know the big hits, not the deep cuts.
I did grow up knowing Dolly did a lot of good. That always stuck with me. I loved and respected her generosity. Just think of the world we could live in if people with money gave as Dolly did. It would be amazing!
My favorite stories about Dolly involve kids. I have had numerous friends tell me stories about their kids or nieces and nephews not knowing a thing about Dolly’s music. However, they will quickly point out, “I know her! She’s the book lady!” Now there is a legacy. There is nothing I would want to be known as more than the “book lady.” Bless Dolly Parton for giving millions of kids millions of books. Books are perhaps the best gift of all.
Several years ago, my three college besties and I made a pilgrimage to Dollywood. Now, I love Dolly, but these three other women were true superfans. We had a wonderful time. My favorite part was the museum that told Dolly’s story. You’re not going to get this bitch on a roller coaster.
I loved Dolly’s clothes that were on display the most. Good heavens, she was a tiny little thing. Were it not for those boobs and that hair, I think I could have fit her in my pocket. However, who wants a Dolly without the boobs and hair!? Talk about a trademark! My favorite line of hers is, “If I wasn’t born a girl, I would have been a drag queen.” No doubt.
The world feels a little darker and colder without Dolly’s radiance. I hate it. I thought we would have her for longer. In the end, I’m glad we got as much of her as we did. She gave us so much and will continue to. I hope others take note of her generosity and just the accepting person she was, and follow suit. Lord knows, the world could use some more Dollies in it. Be your own Dolly, folks.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
