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 
The idea of this unique library is so enthralling. I am a numerologist and the name DOLLY holds unstoppable potential. May she continue to unleash her kindness into the world, but a bigger salute to you to write such a beautiful letter of appreciation and gratitude. A mind that changes its fixe thinking is the most evolved mind. God bless Dolly and you.
Dolly always shows us The LORDS GRACE at work.
This is so well written, I can say I was much the same until only recently. She really is so much more than a talented singer. She’s using her name and image for truly wonderful things.
Thank you for this article
Don’t know how anyone could ever have negative thoughts on Dolly. I have loved her as long as i can remember. Some people you just know are good people even if you have never met them and i have never met Dolly Parton but have always wanted to. you always have talks with friends, co-workers and family through the years and the subject always comes up in these groups of who you would like to meet and i am a huge sports fan but i would always say Dolly Parton. John Wayne would have been another one i would have loved to met but that will never happen. Maybe some day i will meet Dolly? anyways Dolly you are an incredible lady, always was and always will be in my book and shame on anyone who things you are not genuine.
I am very fortunate to have been raised in Appalachia and to have Cherrished Dolly’s GLORY 🌟 for many years. I can see where you all could have misunderstood Sweet Dolly but I, like her graciously forgive you and understand. Better late than never to have known her. Love, Lisa Robinson Charleston, South Carolina
The story is not about the political realms and it’s two candidates. It’s about Talley and what a precious, Empathetic, sympathetic and genuine person that she really is. I am equally disappointed with your comments about Trump and Clinton instead of saying nice and encouraging words for a wonderful Warman that is helping not only her native Tennessee but around the world with her book program. Made up bless you and hopefully the next time you could stay on the subject at hand instead of bringing political crap towards a beautiful story and a very kind and generous woman. Thank you Dolly from the bottom of my heart. I am to a southerner and live in the state of Alabama and I think you’re an angel 🙏🏻💜
” Dolly not Tommy”
And after all that she had horrible things to say about Donald Trump but couldn’t bring herself to say anything about Hillary Clinton.
Very disappointing
What’s disappointing is your lies about Dolly and bringing Trump into this. Really you deplorable, come on grow up. And stop lying!
Wow ! Amy Rawe , I so Loved your story !! It brought many tears to my eyes for several reasons ! # 1 being that I Love Dolly and my family lives there in Tennessee and I go To DollyWood and Pigion Forge and Gatlinburg every time I visit which is at least once a year .. I myself Lost my home to a fire and everything I owned when I lived in Ga. I am greatful and truly Blessed that my family was all safe and realized how blessed I was that it was just material things that I lost ! I did not have a Dolly to help my family move on and help with $$ to buy new clothes to put on my children’s backs and dishes and blankets , beds, furniture, etc. You continue to realize all the things you had after there gone ( for many years ) .. I myself had so many sweet childhood books that I had and read to my children that had so many special memories ! People take things for granted these days , it’s really sad !! Well all I can say is God Bless all the families and individuals that survived the Horrific fires in the Beautiful Smokey Mountains of Tennessee and Dolly Who is helping these families to move on ! My thoughts and prayers will continue for those who have lost loved ones and animals and homes ( some their homesteads that were from many generations ) ..
Thank You Dolly for your very generous donations !! ( Dolly is sincere too , it’s not just $$ , her heart and soul and Prayers are there too !!! ) God Bless You Dolly !!!!
Sincerely,
Lisa in California
Wonderful lady
Thanks Dolly. First saw you on stage 1967 live at the old Grand Old Opry with Porter, Roy Acuff and Marty Robbins. You were a class act then and you continue to be so. Love you.
Your parents named you correctly!!! Your certainly a human ” DOLL”. Thank heaven for true grit like you!!
This letter is truly amazing, and so is Dolly! Thank you for posting this! I recently got the honor of spending some time with Dolly and I can tell you, “What you see is what you get”, she’s the same off camera as she is on camera! If the world would follow her lead, we’d all be living in a better place!
Dolly did not “create” Dollywood. She purchased the park then called Silver Dollar City because it was bankrupt and going to close putting lots of folks out of work. She turned it into Dollywood, saving those jobs. And as for books every baby born in Sevier County gets a book from Dolly’s foundation. Check your facts before making ASSumptions. Cause you know what they say about ASSuming.
Seaguyparty, Here’s a definition of create: Can’t see how you think it doesn’t apply. Perhaps you should take your own rude advice about checking facts.
Create | Definition of Create by Merriam-Webster
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/create
transitive verb. 1 : to bring into existence 2 a : to invest with a new form, office, or rank b : to produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior
My advice was not rude your response to it was.
This is a lesson in “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” and judging people isn’t kind. I’ve followed Dolly since she and I were in our 20’s. She is a woman who needs to be written about seriously in our history books for her talents, brains, business sense, generous nature, etc, etc, etc.
A very fine article, very thoughtful appraisal.
Bravo.
Cheers,
Frank
The truth will always come out. The apology has thought the world so many things
Sometimes it is not easy to make on apology. And there are millions of us who speak before we think and stick our foot in our mouth, sometimes both feet
Pingback: An Open Apology To Dolly Parton | Hippie Lady Ideas
I have just read this write up I have always admired Dolly Parton and am pleased Amy has felt the need to apologise in writing for the unseen work that dolly does for people less fortunate than herself especially the books to pre school children . What does surprise me is you Amy seem as though you are quite capable of providing books and other things for your daughter so why accept the books when they could be given to someone who really needs the help , so yes I do think an apology is the least you owe dolly .
We should show more love and less criticism. Sometimes when you criticize someone. You may find that you have to walk in their shoes for a mile and see what her reasoning was for excepting the offer of receiving books for her young daughter. I really think Ms. Dolly would be happy to know that her little girl was so excited every month to receive a book in the mail address to her!
And aren’t you guilty of exactly the same error that Amy was? Judging in the absence of facts? How do you know what contribution she makes to other children and the wider community? Judge not lest ye yourself be judged.
I have grown up with Dolly, she has always been my hero, I am not a young woman, but when I was younger I always admired her, I never saw her outwardly only ever did I see the person within. She is smart, a good business lady and has a big heart, she is funny and she has the voice of angels. It is no surprise to me that she is now giving back to the people of her home without hesitation.
Well that letter is certainly an eye opener. Who could not respect Dolly Parton after reading it? Humility is an honorable trait Amy .I suspect your daughter has it because of you.Before reading this,about the only aspect of Dolly Parton that made me feel good, was her version of Joline..absolutely one of my favorite tunes.So I too, after reading about Dolly Parton’s stepping up to help those whose lives were upended by the devastating wildfires,have a new respect for Dolly Parton .Your prior experience with her benevolence certainly validates that her character was always there,we just weren’t aware of it……Signed..An Ignorant Yankee from the North no more..
Well, I live in Costa Rica, have never been in Tennessee or the Appalachia area, but I have always felt that Dolly had a certain “angel” and for mee, that reflected in her spirit and her music. Now that I read about all of these other beautiful aspects of her being, the more the reason I admire her and now I understand why she shines and radiates warmth and kindness.
Thank you Dolly for all you do. I’ve always known how great a person you are.
Dolly is an incredible talent. Apart from her charitable and community-minded projects, which are considerable, Dolly has gifted the world with her music and has had a significant impact in the music world. I hope that the author, and others reading her article, will not only acknowledge Dolly for the towering talent that she is, but they will also stop judging women in general on the basis of their physical appearances or sexual attractiveness. Being blonde and having large breasts does not mean anything about a person except that they are blonde and have big breasts. Being sexually desirable does not make you any more or less worthy as a human being. Can we in 2016 get over evaluating and judging women based on their objective desirability to men, please??!
well done
I’ve been a Dolly fan all my life. I grew up in Chicago, and my Mom, Dad and I loved watching her show with Porter Waggoner. My musical tastes are pretty eclectic. I especially loved her interviews because she would always joke about the simple country girl that was underneath all the makeup, wigs and glitter. I FINALLY saw her live this past October at the Hollywood Bowl and watched in awe as this tiny thing, with a heart of gold, set that stage on fire! Best concert EVER!! Her philanthropy is legendary, yet not boastful. Thank goodness for Dolly. I’m so glad you “saw the light”. Peace.
GOD WILL CERTAINLY BLESS DOLLY FOR ALL OF HER TALENT AND THOUGHT FULLNESS FOR OTHERS ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE BEING FINANCALLY SUPPORTED BECAUSE OF THE FIRE, GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS DOLLY
Beautifully written
What a well written, thoughtful letter to such a deserving woman. Kudos from Canada!
Reblogged this on HX Report and commented:
A blog post that went viral in the last week or so with over 2.5M views, and still climbing. Worth a read, and informative about a side of Dolly Parton that most would be unaware of, outside of the USA at least. The author thinks its popularity has something to do with the current social divide in the US of A. Maybe.
Amy
I am from East Tennessee and I think your awesome. I am from “Dolly” country and I felt the same vibes. But like you, she’s got some quality under that appearance.
I’m from a small island in the Pacific called GUAM. We grew up listening to country music. We knew when Momma and daddy were up cause they’ll be playing the latest of they’re collection. The ones that stuck out was Dolly Parton & Porter Wagner, Loretta Lyn & Conway Twitty. I’ve always enjoyed listening to Dolly. Her voice is like an angle and her songs always told a meaningful story. Some brought tears to my eye. Such as “Letter to Heaven” and ” Two little Orphans “. To hear of Dolly’s generosity For the fire victims is so humbling, but not surprising. I’ve never met Dolly, but I know she has a big heart. I see it through her smiles and through her songs . I’ve been to Seymour, TN, and gone to the Big Mama Recording Studios. I saw all the famous artists that have recorded there , to include the famous Dolly Parton. I didn’t get to see Dolly, but meeting her and Loretta Lyn will be a dream come true. May God continue to bless You Ms Dolly Parton!🙏🏻 As you continue to bless others.❤️️
Wow! That’s so beautiful…
Dear Amy,
So many in this world felt exactly like you!
A little background about me…. I too grew up a poor little feminine boy in a small town in West Virginia & did without many things such as running water, electricity & without money of course. My family including, my 3 siblings & I, lived in a 1 bedroom home with no insulation and nothing on the inside of the 2 by 4s. We learned to grow a garden & we sang to pass the time just as Dolly did. At just the age of 4 or 5 I discovered Miss Dolly Parton from my mothers singing & one day we were watching CMT at my grandmother’s. That is when I heard Dolly on TV singing my mother’s all time favorite song “HE’s ALIVE!”
When I got some money from family saved up my mom helped me get the cassette of that album called “WHITE LIMOZEEN! That’s when I grew to love Dolly more and more as I wore that cassette out rewinding it and listening to it over and over. When I turned 11 and we moved to a home just a mile down the road that is when we learned what a Bathtub could do!
Moving on into my adult life, in late 2003 I was 20 years old and wanted away from the hills of West Virginia. My best friend moved to East, TN area but she wanted me to tag along and so I did! I knew I was close to DollyWood & I HAD TO GO!!! I bought season passes each year that I lived there, in hopes to running into Dolly! After going about 8 times I was star struck when I seen her! I hurried up close to her & I burst into tears as she hugged me. Camera phones hasn’t came out yet! So I didn’t have a camera to ask for a pic with her but she said to me as she hugged me and looked at me…. well good looking why you crying? I said you inspired me so much as a child that I didn’t know what to say when I actually finally got to see you. She said without missing a beat “I see the sweetness of your heart in those gorgeous steel blue eyes & I bet there is a story to tell behind them!” I smiled and said you have no idea but I’m just blessed I got to be this close to you. She said chin up and I’m sure I’ll see you again.
Years went by and this past year I got to see her here in WV doing a small concert. So I got to get close once again and in that moment we looked at each other & she said I remember those beautiful eyes! I was struck with confusion at first but smiled when I remembered what she had said. She then spoke and said, “seems like all those past sorrows have finally faded away!” I couldn’t believe it but it was like she knew what had happened to me as a child & how far I had come to where I am today.
The reasoning for my post & reply is to say so many judged her but I believe Dolly is truly a gift from heaven! As a child I was beaten severely by my father until I was 13, then at 16 I almost committed suicide because I am gay, at 18 I flipped my car end over end 6 times and then side ways 3 more times, at 25 I was in the process of transitioning into the lady that I knew I was inside but only to be jumped/beaten by 3 men & raped. There are so many things I can tell you about my past that is truly sad but it took me years to overcome things & move on. At 33 this year when I seen her she didn’t miss a beat but with her loving & calm voice it reassured me I was going to be ok again.
Over the years I had to defend Dolly’s true character just how you thought so many did before & after you. Just remember this what Dolly said about you can’t judge a book by its cover … don’t let these false eyelashes lead you to believe that I am as shallow as I look because I run TRUE & DEEP!
Sincerely,
Tranny T
Dear Tranny … Your story moved me to tears. I’m so sorry you’ve had such painful struggles along the way, and were treated so unfairly. I’m glad Dolly saw your heart and inspired you from a young age, and it’s beyond beautiful that she remembered your eyes. Wow…just wow. You know, from all that I’m learning about Dolly, it’s very likely that you touched her heart just as much as she touched yours. And you’ve most certainly touched mine.
Where are you from in WV? My parents are from New Martinsville, and until the passing of my last grandparent I spent a good bit of time there.
My favorite Dolly moment, she was on Johnny Carson one night and he asked her if all the dumb blonde jokes bothered her. She replied “No, because I know I’m not dumb,..(she hesitates a few seconds)..I also know I’m not blonde. I’ve been a fan for years and this is just one statement in a long line of wisdom and wit that she shares. Gotta love her 🙂
Pingback: 2016 Medley #31 – Live Long and Prosper
She has always been great in my heart.
What I’ve always liked about Dolly, besides her generosity and that she writes many if not all of her own songs, is that she is always the first person to poke fun at herself. Truly a good person. And why anyone would go to your comments here and run you down for any of your apology here is beyond me. Disagree, yes. Run you down, no. If you don’t have anything nice to say, start your own blog and write all the hateful stuff you want to there.
Thank you, trailertrashdeluxe, and so true about Dolly. There was a piece on our local news tonight about a UT professor who’s using Dolly’s story as a tool in a new take on teaching history… one of the comments was how Dolly could tell an “off color” joke one minute while praising her faith the next. And somehow she manages to straddle the growing divide of our political fault line. So admirable.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/ut-dolly-parton-class/368711904
Dear Amy ~
My, how hard this piece must have been to write when you consider how open and vulnerable you had to be to show your shortsightedness. Congratulations on being brave enough to outwardly repent and ask forgiveness. Regardless of how people feel about the content of the article, I’m certain your Father in Heaven is proud of you as you ask for mercy and grace. Good for you!!
Amazing writing! It really inspired me to think about the people that I judge a lot without knowing much about. I really need to stop doing that and try to learn more about someone before I form an opinion about them. Or to let one thing define someone versus all of the lovely nuances of their identity. Thank you!
Thank you for understanding, Beverly. My wrong opinion of Dolly Parton came from my 20s, and I just never revisited it until moving to Tennessee in my 40s. Perhaps age, motherhood, and just grace opened my eyes, but I believe we all make false judgments—it’s human nature. I want to face my own, and I feel comforted by the accepting company of people like you who are open to doing the same. I appreciate you and your comment.
There is SO much more to people than what we see superficially. Dolly is just one example of love in action without seeking ‘publicity’.
It seems apropos to mention the old adage, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. So many folks do good, from celebrities to the lady next door and most of us will never know of it. Glad you’ve discovered the ‘real’ Dolly.
Pingback: An “Open Apology” Gone Viral: Amy Rawe on Blogging, Community, and Dolly Parton — Discover – Car & Truck wreckers for cash
BOI. Who ever insulted my main woman Dolly parton should be expelled from hogwartz school of wizidary……
You go from disparaging her and calling her a bimbo (which also means “slut”) to naming yourself her biggest fan? You piece of drek.
Pingback: An Open Apology To Dolly Parton | yatharth05
This is a well-written and thought-out apology that I’m sure was accepted. I had no idea Dolly Parton had done so much for this area, but it does not surprise me. She has always been a “you-get-what-you-see” kind of lady and Tennessee is lucky, very lucky, to have her. And you deserve the attention your apology is gatting.
It is difficult to find a new good blog, with all the meaningless posts written each day. I am happy to have found your worthwhile post and plan to return to find out what else you feel is worth your time to write about.
Dolly has open gay and lebsbien days at her park:She also supports same sex marriages be not deceived:
I am intrigued time after time when I read news about Dolly Parton, her presence in country music and commerce. But when I read ur post in the same hour I sent it about her charity foundatn: how u benefitted and how she is offering pecuniary relief to victims of a recent tragedy in the US, I will say, still her, she is a shining model among her contemporaries. Her harvests will exceed her expectations, and now to u, Amy Rawe, well done on this narrative. Adetimehin Olufemi George, Nigeria.
Reblogged this on Kindness Blog.