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 
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Dolly has been a favorite of mine since she was on the Porter Wagner show on TV. Folks we knew had been to see her when porter Wagner played a venue in WA St. And just raved about her so I just had to watch and listen. I knew she would go far and always try to catch her on TV. Her movies have always been favorites. She has always been true to her upbringing all her life. God Bless Dolly for all she has given back. I hope to see her when we all go to that paradise we have been promised.
I always find it amusing how people who live in a specific region of this country suscribe to a predictable political and or social
Phylosophy. Those who criticize others for tolerance and compasion are typically intolerant and judgmental
towards others who have a different view or those who don’t
Fit the mold and get steriotyped for the way we look or the way we sound. We are all misfits or outcasts in some way shape or form, but how we treat each other with dignity and copassion is
What brings us together.
Cliff I’m just an old Southern Oklahoma Boy but you just shelled down the corn so to speak ! God Bless You an your Family’s an Merry Christmas to you an yours.🙏
I’ve learned something new today. I had no idea that Dolly helped people so generously. I love hearing stories like this, it makes me feel like the world is a better place than I thought.
…. And I cried….
Sounds like this writer is trying to gain publicity from the tragedy of the fires by riding on the coattails of Dolly Parton. Shame on her! Her attitude toward southerners is the typical “northern” attitude of looking down on “poor stupid hillbillies.” Who cares what she thinks and why give her 15 minutes of fame? Why not talk about the poor souls who lost everything including loved ones?
Sounds like you have a northern attitude….shame on you!
Not all northerners have that attitude. In fact, millions have been overwhelmed by the generosity and caring of southerners.
I remember that following 9/11 and the tragic results of the Muslim terror attack on the World Trade Center, there were photos of smashed firetrucks in the magazines and newspapers. There was a town in South Carolina that had scrimped and saved to buy themselves a new fire truck. When it was delivered, their council had a meeting and decided there were those who needed it more than they did, so they drove it up to New York City and handed the keys over to the Mayor! Everywhere there was stunned.
The point is, she doesn’t have the Northern attitude anymore.
Why so bitter! She was apologizing & highlighting her generosity. Yo
This is the rudest, most inconsiderate comment that I have ever read. The writer is simply saying that they’re sorry for the way they viewed Dolly Parton in the beginning. Dolly has a beautiful soul, and the writer is simply stating that they overlooked her sweet spirit in the beginning, and that Dolly has turned out to be an inspiration by helping people the way that she does.
Lame response Cindy..if you can’t say anything nice…..you know how it goes
No, the writer is simply attracting attention to herself instead of the families that suffered.
As a Northerner I take great offense to your comments. I spent 5 years living in the South and I never felt people were “poor stupid
Hillbillies”. I did however run into many ignorant people like you. Dolly is one of the most genuine people of our time and it seems like you could take a lesson. I think the author is sharing genuine humility and that YOU should be ashamed of yourself…bless your heart.
Regards,
A “Northerner”.
I lived 60 miles west of Knoxville and trust me, “Bless your heart” is the south way of saying screw you! But so nicely! Dolly, you are one of a kind and I am proud of you!
I posted that so the person gets the drift! You go Northerner! Lol
Thank you,, Amy. And as a Southerner, born and bred, I am ashamed that someone like Cindy “claims” to be from the same region as those of us who know the meaning of compassion, generosity and love for our fellow man. This young lady’s momma apparently didn’t teach her the values the rest of ours did.
Amy, I am glad you never had this attitude, but let me educate you, many northerners do. I have spent years in the business and social world dealing with this kind of attitude. I am far from ignorant, I am educated and realistic. Maybe you need to educate yourself on how some of your own northerner friends really view the south. I got a good education from many in my fifty plus years of personal experience. I am not ashamed, I agree that Dolly is genuine. I don’t think this writer is genuine, based on the timing of her letter and the fact that this whole article talks about her and not the families or victims of the fires.
Grow up and get over yourself
Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western… it doesn’t matter. What matters is the writer righted a wrong she had professed for years. And she did so publicly, I believe, because others may have had the same incorrect perception. I did.
It is also clear to me you may be angry, untrusting, and have also suffered losses. I hope you get help if you have been hurt by these tragedies or others.
Thank you Amy for writing this apology. Thank you for educating me on Dolly’s incredible generosity.
And Dolly. If you are ever in the Philadelphia area, I would be honored to have you over for dinner. Home grown Hospitality no matter where you’re from.
Sounds like you need a hug. She just exposed the amazingness that is Dolly Parton to anyone who cares to read her story against the backdrop of her earlier prejudices. A beautiful juxtaposition. I was completely unaware of Dolly’s literacy program, and was pleased to hear again the aid she has provided to those who lost everything in the fires, one of which is a beloved friend of our family. I loved it, and will now put Dollywood on my Gatlinburg itinerary every time I go to the Smoky Mountains and will also be contributing to the My People Fund because of Ms Rawe’s blog.
I did not see that at all! I saw a woman who sincerely saw the errors of her thinking and preconceived notions. I saw a humble and sincere apology. I think that if you took your ego out of it, you might see the same thing 🙂
I hate to go on these things and reply to others thoughts, but i often find myself doing so. First let me say, being in the same business for most of my life, Country Music, I’ve had people say all of us were just a bunch of ego maniacs. At first i thought they were just stupid, it had nothing to do with an ego. I suppose after thinking about it for awhile, maybe they were right. I grew up idolizing Hank williams Sr. and when he died i was only 4 years old, but i remember knowing, that was what i wanted to do, become a Country music artist, but i was so shy i would not even raise my hand in school to go use the restroom even though i thought i’d never make it until break time came. So how was i ever going to write and sing in front of an audience? That dream stayed with me through my early years as a child, but i would not let anyone hear me, i would listen to the old radio and fight the static by adjusting the dial constantly to keep the grand ol’ opry clear. We were cola miner families deep in the mountains of Kentucky, so signals didn’t always get through, i would learn to memorize lyrics quickly, even though i could not learn math or science or much of anything else in school, but i could learn to sing, alone on the riverbank, imitating the stars on radio. I spent two and a half years in the Army infantry, volunteered after my dad died because some said, i had a death wish. This was during the draft years, i was drafted twice and refused both times because of a minor health problem. After dad died i felt cheated, he was a good father to 8 kids with my mom and he had been married before her and had two boys. You wouldn’t know who i am because i spent the last 40 years doing what i chose to do at 4 years old. Mind you, i never chased the dollar, never worried about making a living, i played for whatever was offered, i played charities for nothing, actually paying to play because i loved it. I guess maybe, i do have an ego problem, who knows, i just know i never tried to be a star, superstar, hunt and search for writers who could write great songs for me to obtain a major label deal. Matter if fact, i turned down three major label recording contracts because i didn’t want to be controlled, I wanted to be the complete artist, writing my own songs, recording and producing the final product and if i sold enough reel to reel 8 track tapes, later cassette tapes, then 45 rpm vinyl, then cd’s and now in the process of writing and recording two new albums, songs about the years on the road, in the smoky honky tonks and back street bars and all about the life i led (am leading). I have won a few and lost a few, lost a lot, in family and friends because of my choices. So i have seen so many people like this lady who never understood what i did or why i would risk it all, with the chances being that i would lose more than i could afford (not financial) to lose. I don’t know what makes some people see me the same way you saw this letter to Dolly. Yes, i had the opportunity to become friends with a few of the top name acts, worked with a few of them and heard the same comments made about me that you made about her. Thinking i was hanging out with those superstars to get a leg up in the business. Well, NO, I stuck around them because i really liked them as people, even though the majority of the big time people in Nashville never liked them or me, just the money they could take from them. When someone finally understands an artist and let’s them know how they felt before and then after learning that they weren’t really just doing it to ride on their success, often they are sincere and feel the need to clean their mind of being wrong about them. I truly believe this letter to Dolly was honest and just what she stated, I have seen it a few times before, I have also been guilty of it myself, misjudging others as clinging on for selfish reasons. Is it a fake letter to help her daughter? herself? or some selfish reason? I don’t think so and I’m sure that when i heard the same thing about me, i thought, well, if that was so, i would have been on a major label and i would have made a lot of money, but i turned down every chance i was offered, now there are times when i think, wow, that was stupid, you could have had it all and life today (retired on a very small income) could have been a lot better, could have lived a lot easier, but all these years later, i’m still doing what i chose to do, still have a few friends in the business that i could call and get booked to work with, but that’s not what i was about. I think we will both see later if she was looking for a break or if she was sincere. Sometimes it takes years, but if it’s for selfish reasons, it won’t take long to show. I hope it was an honest apology as i believe. Just think about it and read it again, i think you may also find it appears to be real. Hope this doesn’t hurt your feelings, just felt like i had seen this before and recall it being my mistake. thanks, best wishes.
Please excuse the spelling, i know the teachers out there are going to let me know, i should stick to songwriting and stop replying as i don’t proof read replies like i do my songs. lol
congrats on winning the jerk award for today
Unfortunately your attitude appears to look for bad rather than the good in people, how sad your life must be.
Why would you say or imagine something like this? How can anyone be so cynical?
Wow….what a Grinch…have ever thought that this person is acknowledging her error in judgment….at least she is contributing to a good cause with her article….what have you done..besides bash someone who is sincere in showing her gaining respect for someone….
I’m from New York and I ‘got’ Dolly Parton and what a kind wonderful soul she was long before this terrible tragedy. This article left a bad taste in my mouth. I agree – talk about the families who lost so much, not your late to the party enlightenment.
Exactly, no mention of the people who suffered, only the “pat myself on the back for publicity stunt.” And I am glad you are the exception.
Can’t we just accept her apology for what it is? She admits having a closed, arrogant mind towards Dolly and Southerners in general. She is actually hi-lighting Dolly’s attributes. I’m sure even Southerners don’t know all she does. Now they do thanks to this blog. Why take such an attitude towards someone saying something from their heart?
I didn’t see that at all Cindy Roberts. I believe everyone needs to see Dolly and all she really does. EVeryone only knows what Disney does with their big fancy parks. I for one am glad someone voiced what a truly wonderfully talented person Dolly is and generous to boot. If I hadn’t read this I would still be thinking ‘ oh country singer’ I’ve always liked her but now I totally admire and love her.
Wonderful Job Dolly, you have earned my respect too.
Cindy, maybe it was a sincere apology and a chance to share Dolly achievements with others . Don’t be so cynical and hateful without knowing the truth.
We all have made the mistake of thinking someone was not what they should be…but we all know we were wrong….Dolly is a wonderful person and I admire her greatly.
Carl, There was mentioned a $30,000 scholarship and that is good in itself, and all people in our area know about the books available for small children. But sometime back, Dolly was given her Honary Doctrate Degree to a local University for something even more amazing in my mind. Dolly received her degree because she had changed Sevierville High School from approx. 30% graduation rate to a 90% plus graduation rate with a program she had started. This program was costly
to her and demanded time and leadership but she pulled it off by her own initiative !!!
I went to Disneyland as a kid and Disneyworld as an adult but have never been to Dollywood even though I’ve been to Sevierville and Gatlinburg many times in the past 25 years or more. After this open letter I am hoping to make Dollywood one of our stops.
We drove out to NC from Ringgold but did not stop because of the recent fires there to stay out of the way even though we were curious to “see” what the fires did. My friend from WI has a brother that is a park ranger there so we were very concerned especially during the fires. I feel terrible for those that lost their lives, homes, cars and businesses.
It was only a month or so before that that NW GA and Chattanooga had fires all around us but not in this magnitude. I like what Dolly is doing for her neck of the woods and the kids with reading books. I think it’s great!
For many years now my many friends and myself have been donating to the World Wide Work helping educate people about the Bible with New Bibles, Watchtower and Awake! magazines, brochures and publications, providing places of worship called Kingdom Halls and disaster relief. I have even helped to build these when I was younger and more able.
We have a literacy program for those that can’t read and write to help educate them to really learn what God’s word says in the Bible. You too can donate by going to http://www.jw.org
It’s kind of Funny, whenever I said I loved Dolly Parton, the first thing people would say to me is it was because of her looks. I would set them straight right away. I am not a big Country Music fan and her looks have nothing to do with it… it is her heart. She is one of the most compassionate, giving and caring person I have ever come across. We should all strive to care about people, like she does!
Dolly Parton is one of those cross-over artists where even people who state that they hate country like her.
I also had the chance to re-watch 9 to 5 recently and I kind of love how the script deals with the perception that she’s just a hot woman without a brain in her head (the dominant theme with all those hur hur big boob jokes that were so nauseating) and turns away from that and shows how awesome she is (of course, it’s depressing to think that after 9 to 5 these really good rolls for women dried up and we had to invoke the Bechdel Test to shame Hollywood).
I am a little annoyed with the writer for having that attitude, but ultimately it’s a sweet article and Dolly Parton is a national treasure and you come to her in your own time.
Of course, I was raised in Minnesota and live in New York, and I have plenty of “dumb Southern” stereotypes rattling around in my brain (mostly unfair and wrong I will admit that) and I can recognize Dolly Parton as a wonderful woman.
Cindy, you may want to remember the adage “if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.” The world would be a nicer place without your negativity. You should apologize for your rudeness.
It’s obvious you didn’t read the entire post, so look in the mirror !!
Cindy Roberts; how much did you contribute?
Cindy, there’s a time and a place for comments like that. This was neither. Eastern Tennessee has been through way too much in the last few weeks. We need to show love to one another right now. Not to mention, you have no idea what her intention was, only SHE knows that. I’m sending you a hug.
Dolly is one of a kind and that about c overs it and Goleeeeeeeeeeeeee I like country Music and The great ones are now rare and far and few between today. The best have already past by,
she took down the confederate battle flags at Dollywood long before it became a mainstream concern – in the 80s or early 90s. I also had discounted her as a “bimbo” before I learned that fact.
I am reading all the positive information and have a honest query. There was not a single mention of the African-American struggle or presence in a show we watched at Dollywood. This show was about the story of USA and did show the Native American story but nothing about the Black people. What I am reading here conflicts with what I saw. I would love to learn I was wrong…
I think Cindy Roberts must be one real piece of bitterness. Her response is pure vitriol, and indicates a low level of intelligent reasoning. To make such remarks as she did about what was obviously a sincere, gracious and well written letter of praise and appreciation to Dolly Parton is shameful.
Because Cindy Roberts, whatever you might think of Amy Rawe, she just brought awareness to tens of thousands of people to Dolly’s charitable work and to the plight of those effected by the fire. Many who might not otherwise give it a second thought. Hopefully, you didn’t damage the good done here by epidimiseing their stereotype of a “poor stupid hillbilly”.
I am from New York and my Uncle is from.Tennessee..We have been visiting since I was a kid. Dolly has done amazing things to support her local community and to support education. As a teacher it’s great to see a star give back and encourage kids to graduate. Now with these devestating wildfires.Dolly didn’t hesitate to step up and help. The person who wrote this letter signed her name. That’s more than most people do these days. Good job giving credit where credit is due.
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Many people, like Amy, have wrong headed opinions of others based on stereotypes. While I hope she has stopped feeling that way about Appalachians as a whole, because those stereotypes are absolutely false, I admire her for recognizing how wrong she was about this particular mountain girl and for making that recognition public.
Oh, Cindy…. Bless your heart❤️
That’s perfect, Beth! LOL
Oh brother. She is such a fake and this story is too. What a way to get her name out there!
Where is the love from you negative people. Merry Christmas Dolly
I have always loved Dolly’s songs, movies and admired everything she has done.
Dolly God has a special place for you in heaven what you are doing for the people of Tennessee is wonderful.I grew up in my bedroom with this stereo playing records,I was Dolly,Loretta,Tammy all wrapped up in one.My family and I love you Dolly thank you for being who you are.
I have always admired Dolly Parton for her beautiful voice and sweet fun nature and ability to laugh at herself. The fact that she cares for people makes her even more endearing.
Personally I could not imagine my childhood without books. This is truly the best of a good endeavor with a significant impact for the children in Tennessee.
The author of the apology sounded sincere.
The world is blessed to have Dolly Parton in it.
I have admired Dolly since she started out. I’ve always thought she was a wonderful caring lady. Her voice & personality is like no other. Love everything about her. One classy gal.
Thank you Ms Dolly for helping all the people out there …you certainly have my respect…i have friends there who lost it all…THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU STAND FOR..i hope to meet and thank you in person someday …
Jesse
She is an angel from heaven. If I could help others like she does I would. I do what I can in my way. This world needs more Dolly Partons and I always thought she was a beautiful classy lady. I visited the Smokey Mountains this past summer and Dollywood! Just a beautiful place with beautiful people.
I have always loved and admired Dolly, but her actions regarding the people who lost homes and loved ones in the fires were remarkable. When asked by a friend for my opinion, my words were ” Dolly is class and Love in action as far as I am concerned. Only God can move in a person’s heart and fill it with such compassion for others and she will be greatly blessed because of it. I hope one day to meet her and let her know how much I admire her and what she stands for. Love you Dolly.
nice share
I met Dolly some time around 87 while working for ERA MAGNUM in Honolulu, Hi. She was looking for a little more room, maybe 920 sq ft instead of her 700+sq ft place on Diamond Head. Dolly was busy opening a bar-b-que place on Kalekaua, I think. I’ve since seen her in concert; she in undoubtedly the same person. I have been a Viet Nam widow, I buried those 2 children. I remarried, unfortunately, after 25 yrs he married a 25 yr younger woman. I’ve buried my mom, dad, sister and finally, buried my 29 yr old baby son with a broken heart. Dolly loves Jesus, DOLLY LOVES OUR GOD. SHE IS A BEAUTIFUL APOSTLE IN HER OWN BEAUTY, WIGS,DRESSS, PRESENTATIONS. LISTEN YO HER AND RAISE YOUR HEART AND JOY!!!!!!
I remember reading an interview with Dolly Parton. Her business acumen had been noted and her generosity. She replied something like (I can’t remember the exact wording) “People don’t realize there is a brain under the wig and a heart under the boobs.” Thank you for your tribute to a lovely lady.
This is a beautifully written letter from a new fan , to a beautiful woman, both inside and out. The good Lord expects us to give back, whenever and however we can. I’m sure that he’s extremely happy with her! God bless, Dolly.
You shouldn’t be so judge mental . She is just a normal country girl she has a heart of gold. Good faith girl. Grew up poor like me .Dolly has always been my biggest super hero .yes she has the good looks but heart full of gold .so stop been so harsh DON’T JUDGE PEOPLE .what dolly has done has been a blessing. And GOD will pay her with her good deeds.
Dolly Parton is not just a warm and wonderful spirit. She is not just a shooting star with a radiant beam of light. She is what America should always strive to be: Love. Faith. Hope.
I have always loved Dolly Parton. She has a beautiful heart and soul, and sings beautifully. A little song bird! I believe she writes most of her own music/songs. She has worked very hard all of her life to bring nothing but love and joy to the people, to children. Never good to pass judgement about anyone based on their appearance/talents….or anything else really. It is doubtful that Dolly may see your post, perhaps a personal letter could be delivered to her with your apology.
She walks the walk and talks the talk. And everything about her is real!
I too owe her an apology. I grew up with the old adage about store bought strawberries, all looks-no taste. My mom called them Dolly Parton’s and I never thought twice about it until a handicapped client I worked with came back from a concert and she had come down and said hi to him, making his night. Later I heard about the book program, and the help with the fire victoms. If each of us were as kind and caring as she is this world would be a much better place!
Someone I know works at a venue near my home town where Dolly performed. She told me that after the show, Dolly was waiting on the crew, serving coffee and food to them. Where most stars expect to be waited on, Dolly was catering to the crew and staff of the venue. This impressed me and shows us what a down to earth and giving person she is. God bless Dolly Parton!
rarely, do I ever even want to “share” my thoughts with the public online. I was extremely moved by Amy’s blog about Dolly. Dolly is truly a great, caring person. What blows me away, is all the people who actually take the time to log in or whatever necessary to be so dang negative.
muntokvolunteers.wordpress.com
I enjoyed seeing this post about Dolly Parton, and can add one more thing to the nice things about her. I am a transgender woman, and I am pleased by how open she is to the troubles we in the LGBT community face, and how she has encouraged people to not be judgmental of us. Hers is a voice of sanity in this crazy world. Add that to the reasons to be grateful that she is more than just a pretty face and a pair of boobs!
I have liked Dolly since I was about 5 when she and Porter Wagner sang together. I am now 58. As a child I saw her kindness in her eyes. I could never understand why the concern was much more in her physical attributes. It says more about our society – that in general we are “shallow”. We need to go deeper. What drives a person. Though my children never received her children’s books, I thought it was an awesome project and I understood it – especially with her father being illiterate. Some things are priceless – my mother would have loved to have graduate from high school. As an adult I have more come to stand that.
I encourage everyone that is in a position to visit the area where Dollywood is. It is very beautiful country. The people there are resilient. Like the dear people in Joplin, MO after the devastating tornado, they will rebuild. The people may not have much; but they have each other, and they have Dolly. Dolly is a force of nature; she is an excellent marketer – with a good heart. Much love and peace.
That was sweet of you to apologize , after years of misconception about Dolly. And after reading your letter i now know the good deeds she has been doing which i never knew.
I always knew in my heart she was a beautiful person. The movie Coat of many colors was a glimpse of her heart and how she was. Her response to the wild fires was proof. So very glad you have seen the light. Thank you, Dolly, Dollywood and most of all Jesus!
Thank you Amy for writing this. Most heartwarming!
My mom grew up in the coal mining town of Jenkins, KY and had to move to Richmond, VA when she was a teenager to live with her older sister, due to health issues. due to all the coal dust she was exposed to. I will say this, it doesn’t matter if you’re a “northern” or not, people will always judge others. She too was called a “hillbilly” and made fun of. How could this incredibly sweet, pretty, and outgoing young lady with a southern accent have a brain cell in her head? My mom continued to be her authentic self and never changed who she was and how she was raised, just to fit in or to please others. She raised me the same way and always told me never to judge others based on what they look like. She said, “You could be the most beautiful woman in the world, but also the ugliest person”. What she meant by that saying is, it doesn’t matter what you look like, it’s how you treat others and the kindness of your heart that truly makes you beautiful. Never judge a book by it’s cover was one of her favorite sayings. When she passed away at the age of 53, every single person that offered their condolences stated that was the kindest, sweetest person they’ve ever known. That’s how we all should want to be remembered. The author of this post was simply apologizing for ‘judging a book by it’s cover’.
WE HAVE KNOW WHAT A JEWEL WE HAVE IN TENNESSEE.GOD BLESS OUR DOLLY…