What Would Dolly Do?

This week, we lost a legend, and the whole world is mourning. Like everyone else, I have watched and listened for decades to an incredibly authentic individual with the voice of an angel: Dolly Parton. Her talent and smarts were undeniable.

Dolly always seemed to live by the motto, "Be true to yourself." And was she ever. Never has there been a force who united people far more than she divided them. Her nature was to look at the world and want to make it better. She shared love, learning, looked for the best in people, didn’t care about the naysayers, and always tried to help those less fortunate than herself.

I know she would say in interviews that “she is no saint,” but I am sure she is now! My personal love for Dolly runs deep and has since childhood. I am sure "9 to 5" helped shape the woman in business I am today and my early sense of empowerment to be a strong woman. No other song motivates me quite like it, either.

This week, stumbling out of bed to pour myself that cup of ambition was harder and slower. In many ways, I almost felt silly for feeling so sad about someone I did not know in life. But the thing is, Dolly made you feel like you did know her—through her music, the way she would talk directly to you through the camera lens, and how honest she was about life and herself.

Dolly’s storytelling—through her writing and music—is something you can turn to when you want to feel happy, motivated, sad, nostalgic, sexy, longing… the list goes on. She gives you space for every emotion through her art. Growing up, I spent my summers in Menard, TX, with my Grandpa and his wife, Ramona, who became one of my beloved bonus grandmas. She was the kind of woman who could bring warmth and life to any room. Her table was always full. Her voice had the twang of a true Southern belle, and she literally sounded like Dolly. You can see where my childhood love for Dolly comes from.

All these years, anytime I heard Dolly speak, all I could hear was Ramona. I remember when Steel Magnolias came out—I was obviously thrilled Dolly was in it—only to realize Dolly’s character was a hairdresser, just like Ramona was in real life.

My other grandma, who I grew up spending time with, had Dolly’s dimples and was also a true Southern woman. So, for me, this week has been about losing what felt like my last worldly ties to my beloved grandmothers.

So, just like all the rest of you—and I mean the world, literally—let’s rejoice in all the wonderful love that was Dolly! Turn the radio up and sing loudly! Also, listen to "Joshua" if you don’t know the song—another personal favorite. That Dolly, always finding the good in people!

If every day we ask ourselves, What would Dolly do? I think we’ll leave every day better than we found it. Dolly from Ruby and I, and everyone at the farm in Appalachia and around the world, we will always love you.

Hit reply if Dolly’s music touched your life too. I’d love to hear your stories and memories.

With love and gratitude, always.