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 
You’re just now realizing what our little East Tennessee treasure has meant to us for decades. I watched her sing on local TV when she was 9 yrs old & I was 4. she’s beyond precious to us.
Thank you for your kind words, Amy. Dolly is my hero. When someone asks me where I’m from I always say about an hour east of Dollywood. ❤
Dolly has done more for Tennessee than any political party ever thought about doing. She is beautiful inside and out. I grew up in East Tennessee and enjoyed the theme park before Dolly bought it. She has done and continues to do wonderful things with the park. I don’t get to enjoy it now, as I’m a broke college student, but when I did go it would always take me back to my childhood.
I have always looked up to Dolly! She is kind-hearted, loving, caring & generous. She takes care of her people. She is always the first to step up when tragedy hits Tennessee.
Dolly is as genuine as they come. She is an abrilliant business woman and community leader. Her heart for people has been ever present throughout her career but I would say she would just be grateful God blesssed her with the ability to help those in need. Dolly is a great humatarian with a humble heart. Love this beautiful lady.
Amy, Thank you for this wonderful article. Dolly truly is an angel. I work for her at Dream More Resort. I would like to gift you, a couple complimentary Dollywood tickets, so that you can bring your daughter to our Dollywood theme park to see the amazing shows. Contact me and I will arrange getting them to you.
Regards,
Nancy Cusumano
Us country, southern, “dumb” people in the Appalachian region have always “got” and understood Dolly. We sing her praises regularly and feel blessed that she can give back. She has always done that. I am quite a bit younger than her, and don’t remember her days on the Porter Waggoner show, but my memaw made sure I knew about her. She is a wonderful testament to the southern culture, and she is an advocate to the mindset of working hard to be something. That doesn’t necessarily mean to get ahead in the rat race, but if that is a counter result, GOD BLESS! She has always worked hard, and it is apparent in what she has given back to her family, her community, our future adults, and to the world! I loved your letter. I hope other people not familiar with our region and culture read this and take heart! Understanding and appreciation starts with ONE!
Amy, I am so glad you discovered the real Dolly. She is the real deal underneath that wig. We love her. She entertained us out in the cow pasture when she announced the beginning of Dollywood. My sister and I had the greatest time that evening watching her. My sister use to go sit on Dolly’s Mom and Dad’s front porch of the house with the lipstick red roof and visit with them country style. Yes, she is a great asset to the communities around Sevier County and far-reaching beyond that. May God bless the people there who lost so much.
If only our world was filled with Dollys, what a wonderful world it would be!
Awesome apology letter! I know I have loved Dolly since I was a little girl always seen through the “Hollywood” “Celebrity” part that others couldn’t. I would look at her eyes and you could always see the true love, and caring, kind person she has always been. I went to Dollywood once hoping to see her lol, went into a shop in my way out smelled a perfume and now living in Fl I order it online. Love my Indian Musk by Annie Oakley!
Thank you for always being you Dolly!
They should put your name in the dictionary reading Dolly- Meaning: Awsome.
Always a a fan
Cathy
Better late than never. 😉
She is the most down to earth person and is so humble. We have always loved Dolly and respect her so much. She loves her family and all of her great State. I really think she should have been one to receive the award from President Obama. But I may be a little prejudice.
Being from Knoxville myself, I know what a wonderful person Dolly is and what a big heart she has. I love the Smokies and what a wonderful thing she has done that brings so much enjoyment to others. I know she may not remember my Mom MAE Worsham but my mother knew her. I wish this world had more people like Dolly.
Dolly Parton is living proof to not judge a book by it’s cover. And those of us that love books should be the first to crack the cover and see what is inside. I am so thankful that you had the opportunity to read inside the book and found the Dolly that many of us have known and loved for years.
After reading this, I can not see through the tears, nor can I breathe because my heart is bursting….Kudos to you Amy! BRAVO to Dolly for she has surpassed ‘saint hood’… God Bless all of the “Smokey Strong” …Love and Prayers from a born and raised, Smokey Mountain Foothills, Tennessee Girl…We shall overcome.
Reblogged this on Jan Verhoeff Online and commented:
What an insightful letter to a woman I greatly admire, and have for more than 45 years. After meeting Dolly the first trip to Nashville when I was just 13 years old, I’ve admired her incredible personal strength and integrity. Now, even moreso. Thank you, Dolly Parton!
Dolly has been Tennesse strong for many years. She’s a business woman extraordinaire and am proud to say she’s a visionary for her people of Tennessee!
It goes without saying celebrities don’t ask country bumpkins to write a song 9 to 5 and be in a movie with iconic Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda (not a fan of hers) by the same name and go on to star with Burt Reynolds a n another movie. She’s truly a precious gem to us Tennessee folks- So don’t try to take our girl!
Glad you have learned to to love our Dolly, did you know all members of the Sevierville Highschool Bamd get a scholarship to college from her? Also she didn’t create Dollywood per se, she bought the old theme park called Silver Dollar City and rebranded, expanded and created new jobs 😉
Love
I had tears in my eyes….I thought she finally gets us…and in no way amid putting myself in the same realms as Dolly, but this is who we are here in East Tennessee! I can’t begin to speak for her, bit we who !really from here have gotten her since the beginning! I love what you said and it makes me so proud to live here all my life! Thank you!
Thanks for this Amy. It’s well-written and speaks from the heart. I probably felt the same way about her, but have had my eyes opened. With all the hate floating around these days, this is very refreshing.
She’s old enough to be my mother and I have loved her all of my life from the tv and radio! I remember that my mother and her best friend took me to a concert that she was one of the entertainers in the early 70’s in Mississippi. She is indeed beyond precious. My grand daughters receive her books too and I am so very greatful for them. There is gold in them hills! Love to Dolly for her heart of gold.
Love Dolly. She is real.
I was born in PA and live now in AZ. I didn’t “get” Dolly either and did not like the image that she projected. I didn’t get to know her past that image. BUT all that changed with my love of eagles and the American Eagle Foundation – An eagle breeding and release program at Dollywood and their ambassador eagles like Challenger that raise the spirits and National pride of so many. Through postings from the foundation, I came to know many aspects of Dolly and her generosity.
She is an amazing woman. Talented, smart, kind, loving…we need more people like her. I loved reading about her library. Another thing I didn’t know about her. I hope to visit TN someday (I did one drive through several years ago on my way home). I am sure there are many that would love to meet her; and I am one of them. There are many celebrities doing things to only advance themselves. Instead, Dolly works quietly in the background making the world a better place. Much love to you Dolly.
Thanks, Arlene. I’ve been learning about the American Eagle Foundation thanks to you and a couple others…amazing work!
I have always loved Dolly and her story telling. I loved the past 2 years and the shows about her when she was little. They are so warm and heart filled. Thank you for all you do.
She has always helped us, her people, her community. I have a dear friend who works for Dollywood and many years ago her home burnt and her and her children barely made it out, her smallest literally in only diapers as the home went ablaze in the middle of the night. Dollywood through Dollys generosity was able to assist them in finding temporary housing then long term. They helped clothe her family and furnish their new little place. Here in the south generosity is abundant and we don’t like our neighbors to go hungry or homeless. It’s just the way we were raised with “blessing” hearts. I’m sure you’ve learned that living in Tennessee and you’re daughter will learn that too. 💕
What a treasure Dolly is and has been for many years. She also shows that a blond-headed big boobed woman can be a fierce business woman , probably the BEST business woman of her time. Always keeping her home and hometown folks first and foremost in her dealings. Her musical talent is God given and she has always known that also. I appreciate your comments and just hope the world realizes what a gift Hod has given us and overall what God loving people we are.
Thank you for that. I meant Dolly in the 70 at the time I was dating a dis jockey .We were there behind the stage talking to her and Kenny Rogers . They were so kind and treated us like we were their best friends . She just gets kinder and more caring with age .
My entire family adores you.
The real thing,a real true HERO
I’m a native Nashvillian, still living here. I’m glad you now know what we Tennesseans have always known. There’s no one kinder and more genuine than Dolly.
Growing up in Tennessee, and having similar beginnings to Dolly, I have always had great respect for her. Seeing her at the Grand Old Opry,in my younger years, was a dream-come-true! Nurturing a desire to make a difference in the world, as Dolly has always done, was a dream that I could only hope to make a fraction of the difference that Dolly has made. However, in my forties, I got an opportunity to go back to school to become certified as a classroom teacher. Teaching children gave me much satisfaction, and hopefully made a difference in many children’s lives. Also, when taking a test to enter the teaching program, I was required to write an essay on a person that I admired. Guess who I wrote about! Yes, I wrote about Miss Dolly Parton, and how she has remained true to her Tennessee Home and her roots. By the way, I received a high score on the essay! I truly admire this special lady!!!
What a great story, Betty, thanks for posting it. And kudos and gratitude to you for teaching children — that’s such a noble profession and a true service.
DOLLY IS AN AWESOME PERSON WHOM NOT ONLY LOVES HER COMMUNITY BUT SHE LOVES THE WORLD MAY GOD BLESS HER ABUNDUNTLY
She is as deep as they come! What a great example to young women in our nation! She’s a beautiful lady…..inside and out!!!
Believe it or not, my aunt and uncle are professional clowns, and they were performing at Dollywood when my aunt’s son died. Dolly Parton’s response was compassionate and selfless, putting the grieving parent ahead of the “almighty dollar” and contracts.
So, when I heard about her donation to the fire victims, I was not surprised, but my respect for her only grew.
I’ve enjoyed her acting in the movies (especially Steel Magnolias) long before I ever saw her heart, but knowing what I know, now, and hearing you mention she helps children to read, my admiration of this wonderful woman has just increased even more.
Thanks for reminding us that it isn’t the outside of a person or their social status that counts, but their heart.
That is beyond Awe Inspiring………and Deeply Heartwarming!
I was there Sunday afternoon, left on Wednesday. I had a cabin on Ski Mountain
Was relocated to the other side of PF . One hour after we left the road by the river
had become engulfed with fire.
Bless your heart Dolly Parton.
Keep up the good work.
She is what she is, when you born and raised with only love, and some people say you are poor, the truth is if you got love and family, you are richer than you will ever know, been there did that,and i can hold my head up because i had the greatest mother ever was born, let her rest in peace,and MERRY CHRISTMAS
I wish you would lower prices to go to Dollywood when we comewhen I take my family itvcost. Us sowe could all go out one time she talks about how poor she was then she needs to realize with all the jobs gone it not possible for us to go,5 adults 2 kids but if every one went it would b more than 20 with5 chuldren
I’m from West Tennessee, but I’ve always known Dolly is a special lady! We Tennesseans are proud of her! She tells it like it is! You go Dolly! Tennessee strong!
It’s just so sad that you found it necessary to apologize only after such a tragedy. Throughout her entire life, Ms. Parton has consistently demonstrated values of integrity, honesty and Bible’s universal command, “Love thy neighbor…” Glad you’re now there too.
It’s just so sad that you felt the need to bash someone who had the courage to publicly own up to her misconceptions and admit she was wrong. Instead of being encouraging to people I find it disheartening that some people take whatever opportunity they can to turn a positive into a negative. Perhaps it would have been better if she never admitted it? Hid it? Lied about it? Instead, she inspired a LOT of people on this thread who feel uplifted and encouraged and are sharing their own stories and drawing together instead of being divided, but you chose to focus on the negative. Every single person has a misconception about someone or something and if you say you don’t you are a liar or a hypocrite or both. Wouldn’t it be an awesome world if people felt safe enough with each other to be able to admit the yucky stuff, get encouragement, learn and grow with each other without someone having to rip them to shreds and pull them down for being human?
Dolly has been and always will be an East Tn treasure. I signed my son up for the Imagination library before he was born and read every book he recieved countless times. Dolly shows by her love for our region what this state is all about and that’s why we are Tennessee Strong!
I respect you Dolly!!
Hi Dolly I am a very big fan of yours I love your new movie it is the best My family love it I lost my mom and dad and sister too and your move help me a lot so I just wanted to let you know that I thank you
I’m glad this lady has seen the light that is Dolly Parton. Sadly, so many people from the Northeast and the Midwest and the West Coast lump all Southeners into a blob of ignorant, backwoods, racist bigots. We do have a few of those but not any more than the rest of the country. I’d venture to say we have even fewer! Hospitality is bred into us in the South and the last hundred years has seen friendships and families blended from all races and religions, probably as many or more than most places on earth. For every backwoods bozo we have a thousand polite, educated, friendly and generous souls. We take care of our family, our friends, and our communities and we are happy to help folks from other places if they need it. We don’t just donate money. We will take it directly to them if we can and try our best to do anything they need. It’s who we are. It’s how we were raised. We consider friends family. And family is everything to us. Welcome to the family Amy Rawe. ❤️
I really don’t know where to start. My family have been going to pigeon forge and Gatlinburg all my children’s lives. Which has been 31 yrs. We have always had Dollywood season passes. I have always love the theme park it makes you feel as if you have come home again. Dolly has been the back bone to making her hometown a thriving place. Everywhere you go you can see the love she has for her people. Everyone needs to pray and give all you can to help Dolly build her community back to full stream. God bless you Dolly.
A great letter. Dolly has always been
a wonderful person in my eyes. Thanks
for opening your eyes and heart to Dolly
and her mission in life. Always caring for
others.
Portia Franklin
Thank you for your beautiful words about Dolly. She is a Tennessee treasure. I’m glad you came to that realization. ❤️
Every show that you see at Dollywood will point you to the real reason we celebrate Christmas. The Birthday of our savior Jesus Christ.
I love this. My family is from (and still in) the area, though I’ve always been a northerner. I just wanted to let you know that when I was a kid and first went to what is now called Dollywood, the park was called Silver Dollar City. It’s easy to think she created it, but it actually had a couple other iterations before Silver Dollar City. Dolly has done some great things with the park, but she bought it and improved it (though at first I resented her for changing the park that I loved – resistance to change and all). I just thought you might be interested in case you didn’t already know, since you wrote that she created it.
Thanks for the wonderful post!
And you know what, she is as genuine and beautiful in person…not speaking personally to her, but listening from a chair in a hallway…and she acknowledged everyone she came in contact with…a national treasure indeed!