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 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 
Reblogged this on Full Stop and commented:
Verklempt…I love seeing so much of Dolly’s good-doing compressed into one place. Just a genuine fucking hero.
Thank you Dolly for all that you have done for many people. I grew up poor but never felt it because my grandmother who was born in Kentuckyy, showed us all the love in the world. My momma raised 3 kids single handedly working swing shift in a glass factory. While we never had much we had the love of family. You are an inspiration to so many!
Thank God for your family. You didn’t become bitter. you became better. Love your attitude.
She is also an extremely smart and savvy businessperson. Smart enough not to give Col. Tom Parker song rights in exchange for Elvis recording it.
Such a beautiful lady. Coat of many colours still makes me tear up every time I hear sing it
Thank you for such a well written expression of such a wonderful person. I have been to the area many times throughout the years loving every part of it. For those that have not been to the area have no idea how wonderful the people are and how Dolly has help her folks. I now live in southern Florida but I will make it back up to Sevier county to help support the great people of Eastern Tennessee with my tourists dollars. I also look forward to the Telethon to help out as well. Love you all!!
Thank you Dolly Parton!
I’m truly thankful you finally, “get it”. People from the south (generally) are the most gracious people you ever hope to meet. We are born and bred that way. Hospitality seems to just flow through our DNA. I sure wish the rest of the country would, “get it!”
THIS IS WHAT CLASS IS. SHE IS AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN A GIRL FROM EAST TENNESSEE AND SHE NEVER FORGOT HOW SHE WAS RAISED.SHE IS ONE OF GOD’S ANGELS HERE ON EARTH. SHE IS AND ALWAYS WILL HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN THE HEARTS OF TENNESSEANS AND PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.
This post brought tears to my eyes! Apart from the wonderful tribute to a beautiful woman, here is the beauty and honesty of admitting you might have been wrong about something and changing your mind. If only this kind of openness to changing our opinions were evident everywhere….so beautiful.
Amen – awesome humility and grace.
You totally knocked her down before you even got to the apology. You are obviously an ugly, nasty hater, who was jealous for all those years.
And you appear to be an ugly, nasty hater now.
Wow. You obviously didn’t get the point of the apology. I’m sad for you.
You completely missed the point of this woman’s humble apology. May God open your heart this Christmas season to release the same feelings of judgement against the author that you accuse her of. Merry Christmas.
Jean I’m sorry you couldn’t see that she had to explain what her feelings use to be so that we would understand the apology. It seems you are the ugly, nasty, hater toward the writer and owe an apology yourself.
She was explaining the reason for the forthcoming apology. You obviously didn’t “get it”. You just sound hateful.
Jenn, I’m sorry your heart has been hurt so much to leave such a comment.
Sending you a little bit of Dolly love, to help you mend.
No, Jean, she was honest enough to say she never looked deeper to see who Dolly really is. She, as many people do, judged the book by its cover, jumped to conclusions, and made assumptions based on lack of, or mere surface knowledge about the person…Much as you have just done. And now, she has seen much more of the big picture and knows she was mistaken. That is what this letter is about. She is being big enough to not only realize she was wrong, but apologize, change her opinion, and do her best to enlighten others who also may not have all the information about who Dolly is and what she means to millions of people.
I have always love bed Dolly! I think if she wants to enhance her beauty on the inside outward, who cares! I watched both movies and hope there is more to come! I tested up reading this letter! Dolly, I think u are an amazing person! Keep on being you!
Peace and Love,
Mandy Curless
Bless you Dolly for all that you’ve done and continue to do!
I’ve always loved Miss Dolly, her music and her story and would love to meet her and Reba in person….
This made me cry and was beautifully written! Myste, Eagleville TN
I have loved Dolly for ever. her sweetness and kind heart is just admirable. I think she may be an angel on disguised. God bless you Dolly!
Thank you Dolly I have always been a big fan and have thoroughly loved the new movies about your young life. Thank you for your generosity to the victims who have lost mos everything in the fires. My husband and I were talking this summer of places we would like to go and Dollywood we will get there this coming. Year. Thank you again. Rosemary and John Davis Columbus , Ohio
Have been going to Dollywood for years,
especially during the Christmas Season.
She makes no bones about her “religious”
upbringing and the shows in the park
get you in the “real” spirit of Christs
birth. Love you Dolly 🙂
1976 Music Row…you were turning left off of 16th, I was about to turn onto 16th we reached the intersection at the same time and both slowed to give each other room to make the turn…..you in your Mercedes and me in my Dodge van. Our eyes met, we both grinned broadly…we had a “moment” and in that moment, I saw a soft, warm, wonderful human being. Thank you Dolly, just for being Dolly!
I have always loved Dolly. As a little girl I use to watch her singing with Porter. She has ALWAYS been my favorite. She is honest and genuine. I envied her not the conditions maybe but the place where she grew up. I love Gatlinburg/Smoky Mountains. This whole area benefits a gois deal cause of Dolly.
Merry Christmas Dolly,God Bless your heart///////
My daughter received the books as well and l❤️ved every one of them! My family and I have never been to Dollywood but hope to change that soon! I’ve heard so many wonderful things about it and can’t wait to visit. Thank you, Dolly for the wonderful books and for what you are doing to help these devastated people. You are truly a blessing! Merry Christmas! You demonstrate the true meaning of Christ by providing many blessings to those in need! I wished more people were like you!
I have always loved her and my favorite quote is her, “Get down from your cross, somebody else needs the wood!” When this Michigander went to college in Kentucky tobacco country, I learned how gentle, how giving and how uncomplaining these wonderful people were and hope I have been able to emulate many of the qualities I enjoyed every day while living there!
I never really paid much attention to Dolly as a person before but what a smart and savvy, compassionate woman. My 8 year old daughter completely looks up to her now. She has watched her two movies now. The first one I surprised her with on DVD for her birthday since she liked it so much. The second brought tears to her eyes as I know she realized hardships and making something out of nothing. When we go to church or hear a familiar song from Dolly’s movies, she remembers the song as Dolly’s. Now when she has a solo at church, she belts it out like Dolly. I am pleased that my daughter has found such a stellar role model and hope her movies cominue.
I had the opportunity many years ago to attend a concert and listen to Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, she has always been a sincere and classy lady! When she gave me her autograph, she acknowledged my little girl who had sat on my lap and watched the entire concert in total fascination! Her love for her fellowman radiates from her in everything she does! Love you DOLLY, from Utah fan!
I am right there with you! I moved to Knoxville 15 years
ago and thought the same thing. This could have been
something I had written (if I could write!). I have
acquired such a deep admiration for Miss Dolly! It
shows not only her compassion, but that of all the people
that live here. I have gotten teary-eyed many times
over how quickly and with such generosity this community
has come together. Thanks for the great article!
Listen to the lyrics of the amazing songs Dolly wrote and you know the heart and soul of this woman. You know she is no bimbo. I wonder if people even know all of the songs she wrote but other performers made the songs famous. The article is honest and well written. Good for the author for reflecting and getting it and taking the time to share!
I appreciate the article. It was well written. You pointed out things that you made a mistake assuming like we all have done. I think that it was a very kind and thoughtful apology and an explanation of her admiration for Dolly and the many people that she helps without bringing attention to herself despite her celebrity status. I want to thank you for seeing the real person. Nowadays not many people who have admitted that they felt negative about someone and ended up seeing the real person and publicly admitting it in their blogs . Your name is on this beautifully written public apology. Welcome to the south and may you have a Merry Christmas! 🎁
Yes, thank you, Dolly Parton. And also thank you, Amy Rawe, for posting a wonderful example of humility. “Thanks, I needed that.”
I always liked Dolly. As well as being a great person, she is a great actress & singer. Not many people this talented or generous.
You can’t judge a book by its cover, you have to open it up and read it all to discover the true storie. Dolly your a true blessing to everyone that knows you and the ones getting to know you. I have loved you from age 3 because you were always apart of our entertainment Music, TV and our Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Vacations I always known you were a loving and caring person. As I was reading this it made me angry as I was getting to the end I
Had tears in my eyes because this lady has become to know the real Dolly. Thanks for sharing your story because this will show others that may have seen it the way you did who the real Dolly is. I would love to meet her in person two southern lady’s sharing a southern hug.
My parents loved Dolly Parton so I grew up listening to her a lot. My mum in particular influenced my sister and I to like the single “She’s an Eagle when she flies”. My mum had written down the lyrics in an old paper she had preserved from I guess the 80s and she gave me that paper to copy down the lyrics for myself. And mind you, I’m from Kenya and none of us in my immediate family have ever been to the US. So Dolly’s talent touched people across the world. I didn’t know what other projects she has been involved in to give back to society. Thank you for enlightening us and should Dolly read this, I’m sure she will feel the sincerity of your apology from your words.
Very well written! I’ll admit, I was of a similar ignorant opinion and I had no idea. Thank you for writing this. She has an amazing heart of gold!
Wow this brought tears to my eyes or streaming down my face. Such a humble apology. Dolly is so amazing and this is amazing all she does for others! She sure does share her gifts god gave her and her fortune well.
I lost all respect for her when she validated Miley Cyrus. She is just another sell out.
I’m not a fan of Miley, solely because of her music, but Dolly is her godmother, and I would not begrudge either over their relationship.
Wow, I had no idea! Thank you for the insightful story.
Great story and so heartwarming. We all need to see more things in the media like this!
Thank you ABBA for giving this woman a heart like Yours! Thank you Dolly for your faith to do good works for others…..
I have always loved Dolly based upon her spirit, although I admit I did not realize the extent of her service. Thanks for sharing more about the wonderful lady, Dolly!
I love Dolly for her talent (her lyrics; that voice!) and her generosity of spirit. Thank you for this post!
I have always loved you Dolly Pardon. Your song “Coat of Many Colors” has always been my favorite. You are a wonder and generous person. Thank you for all the things you do for so many people. Merry Christmas and A very Happy New Year. God bless you and your family.
My husband, 10 year old daughter and I visited Pigeon Forge for the first time this past May and had such a Wonderful experience. It was our first time at Dollywood and I have to say it was a great experience and not just because of the rides, but because we learned so much more about Dolly Parton than I had ever known. Even though I have been a fan for many, many years, I now feel
like I understand what motivates this tireless woman to be such an incredible force for good in her community, in our country and now in the world through her foundation. The recent tragedy in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and her response to it does not surprise me and underscores her commitment to helping those who need the most help and in never forgetting her roots. May God Bless you Dolly Parton and all those who are suffering due to the wildfires.
Dolly is truly an amazing artist! I’m happy that you came to realize what a great person she is and always will be.
Dolly I have been a big big fan for years
And years! I love how you make no bones about life as we know it and
How you are open about your spirituality and lov of God and his world
I have not been to your theme park as I am in the caregiving business and
Most recently caring for my92 yr old father who wants to be home and
Not in a facility. Since I am an only child and have quit working, I can grant his
Wish! It ain’t easy but I manage. Keep up the great work you so graciously do
And maybe some day I get to that great park to visit! KEEP ON TRUCK’IN
Dolly! You are my Super Hero
I have always loved Dolly and appreciated her but I know a lot of people who felt the way this author did. Dolly is an amazing person and she makes the world a better place. I am glad more people are giving her the respect she has earned by being a talented performer, a brilliant business woman and a beautiful lady with a loving heart.
Misjudgment is the easiest thing in the world , I do it all the time.
Such a heartwarming story , with tears running down my face I am typing this ! I too had some thoughts about Dolly Parton just doing all that she did for publicity , but I was so wrong !! Thank God for Dolly Parton and the good works she is doing !! Thanks again , Linda Crump ( Georgia )
Interesting read, Amy. I had no idea people thought that way about Dolly Parton. She is a terrific entertainer, loved by millions, is sincere and honest, and seemingly does a lot of behind-the-scenes good.
DOLLY IS AN ANJEL I KNOW OF SO MANY CASES SHE HAS HELPED
POOR PEOPLE. WHAT A PERSON????
I had know idea how talented a performer she was until I went to her concert in Reno NV a couple of years ago. I couldn’t believe all the many instruments she can play along with her beautiful singing. She certainly gave us our money’s worth as she started at seven and was still singing when I had to leave at ten.
She is an awesome, class act!!
What a wonderful program. But, did you ever think that you were able to take your daughter to the public library for books and that another child could have benefited much, much, more?