An Open Apology To Dolly Parton
Dear Dolly,
I’ll be honest. I used to think you were a bimbo. I used to think you flaunted your big boobs, teased hair, tiny waist, and your syrupy-sweet southern accent to sell yourself and your brand as a country singer. Granted, I was raised in the Midwest and lived as an adult for many years in the Northeast. I didn’t get you, much less the South.
For example, I’d heard about your origins as a poor girl from the hills of East Tennessee, and when I learned you’d created a theme park in your native Sevier County I rolled my eyes. “Really, a theme park?” I thought. “As if rollercoasters will really help the people of rural Appalachia. Why not create something truly useful to give back to your community, like a library.”
Oh.
You have created a library, actually, and possibly in a bigger and more magical way than any brick structure filled with books could. And this is where my understanding of who you are really began to shift.
When I moved to Knoxville eight years ago I received a welcome letter from “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.” It informed me that Dolly’s vision was to foster a love of reading among preschool children by mailing a specially selected book each month directly to any child under the age of 5. You had expanded it from Sevier County to my county, and if I had a preschool age child, it said, all I needed to do was sign her up and she would begin receiving books each month.
My daughter was not quite two then, and I can still see how her face lit up each time we pulled a book addressed to her out the mailbox every month. Several of them became her early childhood favorites, and are stored away should she have children of her own some day.
As a writer and editor, I’m a book hound and made sure my daughter has been exposed to reading at every turn. But you know better than anyone that not all kids have that privilege. I can’t imagine what a magical gift receiving a book every month must be for kids whose parents can’t afford to buy them or who don’t have easy access to a library. I quickly came to see the genius of your Imagination Library literacy program, and how you were making a difference in so many ways I never realized.
Your father was illiterate, which fueled your literacy passion. Now the Dolly Parton Imagination Library just surpassed gifting one million books to participating children around the world each month. To celebrate, your Dollywood Foundation randomly selected one of those children to receive a $30,000 college scholarship. Two-year-old Evey, from Conway, Arkansas, has no idea yet how fortunate she is, but her parents surely do.
But what finally brings me to this overdue apology is how I’ve seen you respond to the devastating wildfires that swept through your hometown communities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. At least 14 vibrant lives were taken tragically too soon, and thousands of buildings and homes were damaged or destroyed.
You made a public statement saying that you were heartbroken, while also expressing deep gratitude to the firefighters who protected Dollywood and evacuated everyone staying there to safety. Dollywood is the place I once dismissed, but now know is the largest employer in Sevier County and is the largest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee, hosting over 3 million guests a season. East Tennessee will count on that tourism to rebuild.
With the humble generosity and graciousness I’m learning is signature Dolly Parton, you’re not only planning a telethon to raise funds for the fire victims, but you’ve also created the My People Fund to provide, as you say, a “hand up to all those families who have lost everything in the fires.”
Those struggling families—and there are hundreds of them—will receive, thanks to you, $1,000 a month for 6 months. Countless stories detail how these families escaped with literally minutes to spare, and with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. And with each story, there’s a strong undercurrent of hope about how strangers helped one another and how this region is “mountain strong.” Your generosity both reflects and inspires this region’s spirit and resiliency.
Tonight, my daughter, who is now 9 and also loves to sing and act, has been using face paint to dress up as one of the DC comic heroines she and her friends admire. When she finished, she asked, “Hmmm, what other Superhero girl do I admire?”
I sat down next to her and said, “Let me tell you about Dolly.” In fact, I hope to take her to a Christmas show at Dollywood during this season of gratitude, and I’ll be making a donation to your My People Fund. I can’t imagine a more inspiring place to be, or a better way to support an amazing example of what it looks like to make the world a stronger place, starting with your own sweet community.
Dolly, I’m sorry I didn’t get you sooner—and I thank you for all you are, and all that you do.
Your biggest new fan,
Amy Rawe
_____
Read a Q&A with Amy about this post: An “Open Apology” Gone Viral
WBIR interview: Writer publishes heartfelt apology, thank you to Dolly Parton
Rawe-struck 
Amy, had a hard time reading this thru my tears. Thank you for expressing so eloquently Dolly’s impact on this community and beyond. She has never forgotten her roots.
Mary.. I got emotional 😭 too
I can identify! Please post a link on FB So I can share!
Thank you, Mary. I just posted it.
I can’t wait to see that amazing girl transformed into Gladys! Shazam!
Thank you Amy for your amazing apology and I am so glad that you finally “get” Dolly. I remember hearing Dolly for the first time on the Porter Wagoner show. I was a young girl. I memorized and sang her songs. I sang Coat of Many Colors to my children many times and it became a song my oldest grand daughter would request every night before she went to bed. I think at one time, I knew every word of every song she recorded. Her songs and those of Loretta Lynn, helped to shape my life.
She truly loves her family and community. So many of her sisters and brothers, neices and nephews have been involved in her singing career and performed at Dollywood. I came from a large and very poor family so I could relate to her upbringing. I’ve only been to Dollywood a few times but I loved every minute of my visit. Hearing her songs throughout the park, enjoying the beautiful flowers and butterflies and the crafts are amazing. I always wished that maybe she would be there on one of my visits. She does visit quite often. Maybe you and your daughter will get the chance to meet her one day, I hope so.
What a lovely article! Thanks for writing this. Suze
Sent from my iPad
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Ditto
Amy,
What a thoughtful well written article. We were lucky enough to go to her show opening the park several years ago which she shared with her guest, Bob Hope. We also too Grandma and Aunt Isolene to Dixie Stampede. She has always shared a lot of joy.
Mom
Mom you are so right
Dolly is a treasure….
That she is.. for sure.. a gem 💎
When I moved to Knoxville from New Jersey 10 years ago (grew up in CA), I didn’t get Dolly either. Isn’t she just wonderful? What a lovely and heartfelt tribute.
Amy,
As an employee of Dollywood I would like to donate you Dollywood Tickets for you and your Daughter. Please contact me at Dustin.Paynep@icloud.com
That’s awesome Dustin!!!
Awww my goodness…
How so very sweet…
Dustin.. you are an angel
Amy,
What a,sincere apology and beautiful letter. I had to stop a couple of times because of tears. I’m so glad you see Dolly as,we have always seen her,a very genuine, thoughtful ,sharing and giving person . She has done many great things for our community overall. Thank -you again for realizing this and talking to your daughter about her. Have a great time at Dollywood !
Thankful for this kind apology and letter. One of the reasons I love Dolly and country music is because of her. Her influence for those of us who have grown up in East Tennessee is amazing. She makes me proud to be a Tennessean! Thankful for her! I appreciate you pointing out a couple of the ways she has given back – she is a very giving and endearing lady.
Thank you, Tara. I love how you say “a couple of the ways she has given back” because she gives in so, so many ways to so many people and my letter can’t even begin to cover it.
I love ❤️ her too… and her songs..
and I’m a Jamaican girl
Great sincere article. I love Dolly and have for years, am glad you do too….
Thank you for your kind words, Shanna. How lucky to be born and raised in these mountains.
Amy,
I was born and raised in the mountains of Appalachia. I have always understood Dolly. When you live in these mountains, even now, the slightest recession affects everyone in your community. I am still crying from reading this heartfelt letter of apology. Thank you for sharing this letter.
Shanna
Wow Amy this is so sweet. I’ve loved Dolly as long as I can remember. I love her movies and songs. My daughter, also 9, is a huge fan and watched both a Coat of Many Colors and the new one the came out the other day. She counted down the days. We live in Texas. We know about devastating fires because it happened here once. My 19 year old son is a firefighter. We always make a point to give and help others and I plan on doing what I can to help those in Tennessee. I know Tennessee did the same for us Texans. Plus my youngest son, born and raised a Texan, identifies himself as a Tennesseean and loves the Titans and the college. He’s planning on moving there one day. It’s in his heart lol. We are avid Texas lovers being that we are all born and raised here but somehow he chose Tennessee as the place he loves. No he’s never been there either. We’ve embraced his love of Tennessee and I will continue to support his dream even though he plans on leaving me here in Texas lol. God bless you and I love your letter.
Your son will love Tennessee, Amy. It’s a gem. Thank you for your kind words, and for reminding me about A Coat Of Many Colors…I believe I saw that it was being re-aired (23rd?) and will watch with my daughter, too.
The new one is on Hulu. It was almost as great as the first in.
So so wonderful to see all you dolly fans
This is a really lovely article with multiple strong points… with the exception of the opening few lines. Women calling women “bimbos” because of how they choose to present themselves 🙄 come on. It’s the 21st century, let’s check some of that internalized misogyny.
Good point and graciously taken. After writing this, and consciously deciding to keep that word, I realized I have another apology to write — judging Dolly, or any other woman, largely on how they present themselves in any which way. I appreciate your perspective.
Dolly is a treasure.
But, if you think someone, even Dolly, is a bimbo, I see absolutely nothing wrong with thinking that.. Especially since she has sort of projected that in a way…
This political correctness bs is going to be the downfall of so much..
Feely goody stuff does not really cut it in the real world out there and I think it does nothing constructive…
And I figure a bunch of liberals are gonna chew on me…
Well said bruh
what a considerate and kind response; thank you, amy. I owe many women apologies as well; all part of a greater effort toward considering all people by the merits of their heart and character instead of their appearance. thankful to have women like you (and your daughter, I’m sure) contributing your voices.
@jerald; gauging someone by the content of their heart instead of by the way they look isn’t “feel goody” or PC, it’s human decency.
Like many, many of us I admire her for her genuine kindness and generosity. But what has always interested me most about Dolly is that she is a genius marketer and an extremely shrewd business executive and investor–and she explains that she created her look, which she usually describes as “trashy.” So very likely she would not consider having her finely-crafted brand described as making her look like a “bimbo” and insult. That has always been her intention.
Amy.. that was truly a very humble answer..
Bari. Be nice. She was just trying to make a point ☝️…
We all are guilty of this..
when we misunderstood and judged just by looking at the persona
Great letter, Amy. She is everything you’ve celebrated here and more. I’ve loved Dolly all my life, and was really touched to get the books when mine were little, too. Not to overstate the obvious, but her singing and songwriting are not to be missed. I’m especially partial to the early work, but it’s all good. Cheers
This is a beautiful letter to our beloved Dolly! Thank you for expressing your beautiful thoughts about East Tennessee! We love our Smoky Mountains and this has hit us all right in the heart! God bless you Amy!
Dolly, you truly are a National Treasure! Your movies and songs have al system been favorites of mine. The “Coat of Many Colors” and this year’s follow up is awesome!
Awesome post, Amy!! Dolly really is something else!
Totally agreed
Thank you for such a heart felt apology! It makes me so proud to call East TN my home!
I’m truly sorry that such a complimentary article started out with such superficial, and what I feel were unnecessary, comments about Dolly’s appearance.
Peggy, I think you missed the point. The fact that Amy’s original opinion was based on a lack of knowledge of who Dolly truly is, actually helps to inform others who may share that misconception that they are wrong. Amy shared an honesty about how she felt about Dolly and then apologized for feeling that way. The fact that her opinion changed is exactly why her initial comments needed to be made.
Great 👍 obversation dan
Thanks Amy, as Tennessean’s we admire our Dolly. We know deep in her heart she is the true Tennessean – ready to do what you can for your neighbor. The Gatlinburg Fires have proved she sticks by her word as many people, businesses and organizations came to aid the victims during this tragic event. But thank you for taking the time to post your apology for the public to see.
There should have been two people chosen for the Nobel in Literature based on their influence on American music… Dylan and Parton.
Thank you so much for this letter. Dolly is a treasure here in East Tennessee and around the world. If you are not yet familiar with her Christmas album from a few years ago, please look it up and listen to the songs she wrote and sings. It clearly shows her Christian roots and only adds to your list of reasons to respect and love her. The song “The Greatest Gift of All ” is my favorite from that album.
Not to mention Dolly takes care of ALL her employees at Dollywood and the hotel. A friend of mine who works for Dollywood was going through a tough time paying rent, electricity, and just making ends meet for her family. With no questions asked, Dolly paid her rent, electricity, and met her other basic needs. Dolly was raised in a region and household of love and compassion for others; due to her family stuggling and doing without basic necessities. For this reason I am proud to call east Tennessee home and have a deep love in my heart for Dolly too.
Lived my entire life here in K-town. My grandmother was born and raised in those mountains. I grew up a few blocks away from Cas Walkers store on Central and remember shopping there! I remember Dolly from way back when she was just starting out. There was always something special about her. Something that went way beyond the hair, rhinestones, and makeup. I think it’s always been her good soul that one could just feel. I sure wish our world had many more Dolly’ s! Blessings to her and all that care about our mountains and people.
I haven’t missed a Dolly concert in 34 years. I’m not so much a fan of country music or even Dolly music – but I am a fan of the person! Thank you for saying what most everybody in the country has thought at one time or another!
And on top of all that — she’s one heck of a musician! Definitely has some great bluegrass chops and what a songwriter.
Loved your writing, I clicked on this link from a friends page and was pleasantly surprised to see your name, someone who I have had the pleasure in getting to know, was the author! Yes, I cried a little reading this!
Beautifully written and read through many tears. Having a love for the east Tennessee area, we watched with utter shock and tears as this fire burned through such beautiful nature and tore the lives of many down to nothing. Thank you for writing this.
Great article ! She’s as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside ! I seen her on a nite show she said it takes a lot of money to make her Look that cheap ! I loved it , it’s my motto now ! Glad you saw the light !
Yeah when I came from Chile to Knoxville. I was reluctant to receive an invitation to her theme Park at first. I though . What kind of Park that will be. I was in AWE when I saw it I had fun. And learned she created hundred of Jobs. No one in Tennessee say a bad word against her. So my concept of who is he Gained my respect. I admire this gesture to recognize publicly we were wrong. Bless ya Dolly.
I too have loved Dolly all my life. In high school my best friend could sing her lije no one. When my best friend died a few years ago I took some of her ashes with me to Dollywood and may have left a few there so she was with Dolly for ever. My son also works for Dollywood he is only 16 and already thinking of a career, after college of course. So glad you get to see her generosity so closely.
I have raised my children in Sevier County and many years back when kids weren’t finishing high school she started a buddy system. You chose a friend and if you both graduated you both got $500.00. That’s a lot today but a whole lot back then!! It greatly improved the rate of graduates! She’s an inspiration here and I feel God has a special place for her one day. I’m glad you got to realize what a wonderful person she truly is.
We love Dolly, she is Tennessee’s treasure. Down to earth and true to her roots. Even before it happened we knew here in Tennessee that she would take care of her people. Thank you Amy for taking time to get to know the real Dolly and for teaching your daughter about what a real hero is.
Beautiful heartfelt article. I love Dolly, too…always have, always will.
Man…. This brought tears to my eyes. I did grow up poor in these mountains. As a matter of fact, we lived on Dolly’s family’s property in Sevierville at one time. She really has done a lot for her community. Much respect.
Being from East Tennessee I have always thought of Dolly as just normal people. The fact that Dolly was so genuine and remained the same through all of her success was Southern at its finest. But I too owe her an apology, for there is nothing normal about her. She is the most remarkable woman you can find anywhere. God bless you beautiful lady!
Our accents often lead “outsiders” to believe we are ignorant. Thank you for seeing the real us!
Dolly is “the boss” as my 17yr old daughter with Aspergers reminds people since i work at Splash Country and my husband works at Dollywood. We love her and as the fire swept closer to the park i was devasted that it could be gone because of the long term impact that would have on the area. Another thing that happened for employees was that those who were scheduled to work while the park closed due to the needs of the area were paid their normal hours. And within Dollywood there is an employee funded program which reaches out to meet the needs of employees so many were helped that way. Hope you and your daughter enjoy our park and i am glad she received books from the library.
thank you so much dolly i have always loved you because you were just you i guess i kind of thought a lot like you i did not care who you were are where you came from i still liked you
Thank you, ma’am. Your words have negated much of the junk passing for sentences on many sites. Agree to the Nth degree. Blessings.
Thank you for seeing in Dolly what we Southerners have known for years. We are all guilty of making assumptions about others, profiling they call it, but when we do, we often assign negative traits to entire groups of people. Once we learn to see others as true individuals we then open ourselves to new friendsahips.
Absolutely beautiful!!!! Dolly is a precious soul!! She has created so many jobs in Sevier county with her attraction dinner theaters. Her hotel. And her Dollywood theme park! She has a heart of gold and we should all strive to want to give back like her and love like her!!shes also been married for over 50 years! Such a rarity these days and especially in show biz and the music industry. She’s an example we should all follow and learn to love through Folly colored glasses! The world would be a much grander place! We have loved her books for many years with our 3 children who love the monthly gifts with their names on them and we are now too on the giving side instead of the receiving side!!! Thank you for writing this!!! I hope it goes viral! I will be sharing it on my Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/nikkivoiles1
Thank you for writing such a sweet and heartfelt letter. I am glad that you are part of our area. Enjoy your visit to Dollywood!
That was just great just great
I am a native of Tennessee and I have lived in Sevier County for over 30 years, how you see Dolly now is how she’s always been to us in our home town. Thank you for your honesty and for giving “Our Wonderful Dolly” a chance. What you see is what you get! God Bless you and your daughter!
Dolly Parton is a remarkable woman. Living here in East Tennessee I’ve had the privilege of knowing many business people and fans who have met her. I myself have not had the opportunity. But all those I know who have met her have been deeply impressed by her business acumen, and her love for her community. She has established herself as a legend and her acceptance of people for who they are is a shining example of how we should treat each other. Above all, she proves class isn’t restricted by where you were born or the income class in which you were raised. She is a self-made woman who is delightful, entertaining and down-home. Thanks Amy for writing this wonderful tribute!
Amen, sister! Dolly represents everything that is right about country music, entrepreneurs, women, and especially DOLLY!
It takes a good woman,Amy to admit when they might have made a mistake on who a person really is. I am very proud to have worked at DW for 23 years. I had to retire because my Mom has Alzheimer’s but they were loving enough to leave a door open for me to return home there when my Beloved Mom goes to Heaven.
Dolly has always been a Give back Lady and it rubbed off on all of us.
I am glad you are seeing what all of us have known for years. The Smokey Mountains is and always be her home and her people.
Thank you for your letter. Thank you for being open hearted and loving.
Love and prayers,
Elaine Stanton
Thank you.Sometimes we are all blind and don’t see the real person for whom they are.Im very guilty of it.It takes a very big, humble person to put pride aside and apologize.I know your daughter will Love Dollywood Christmas.Its my favorite place to go.
May we all learn to look at each other with eyes of Love.Ive always loved Dolly.I bucket list to to meet her someday.Im a distance cousin on her mama’s side.She is a Amazing Woman with a Giant heart for others.God Bless you,Merry Christmas!
Thank you for a beautifully written letter to Dolly. Before I even read every word, I had tears on my cheeks. I have always admired and respected Dolly not only for her singing and acting but for the kind and generous woman she is. I’ve never been to Tennessee but it is on my Bucket list.
i admire you for your apology. admitting that you are wrong is not an easy thing to do. i believe you are sincere and i hope every day you find something you enjoy about this area of Tennessee. You’re family now so come on in and let us love you.