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 
I am struggling to give you credit for your letter. I do not think you are a bad person, not at all, but you are certainly have no problem judging someone by the media. I guess I am judging you so shame on me. I am from West Virginia and after the horrible floods many famous people from WV stepped up and made a big difference. Also us non-famous people donated what we could as well. I wish I could have given to my home state the way Dolly has to hers.
I don’t think I understand your post. It is as though you stopped reading after the first paragraph and skipped the majority of it which was a more of a tribute to Dolly Parton. As a person who knew nothing about Dolly, I’m grateful for her post.
Oh, wow, we’ve found someone perfect, who’s never judged someone before.
Oh. Wait…..that’s exactly what your doing. Was the whole point of your comment to bring down a lovely article?
I mean, god forbid someone be human and own their mistakes. *eyeroll*
Glad you finally accepted OUR Dolly, at face value. LOVE me some Dolly! FYI, she’s even sweeter in person. ❤❤❤
I have already been a Dolly fan. She is one of the most generous people.
She loves people and provides employment for hundreds. The free book program is just one of many that she has. She is a true hero not only to the people of Tennessee, but to many that we are not aware of. God bless you Dolly.
.
. .
I know allot of people don’t care for Dolly and they have their own opinion about her. To read how this person looked at my cousin breaks my heart. I’ve never met her yet in person but I’m hoping one day I do. From what I’ve been told about her she is a loving person she would do anything for anyone. She lives her fans dearly.
I want to say I’m glad that this person finally came to realize what kind of person Dolly is.
Wow…..Amy……your open apology to Dolly has really struck a nerve with me. I have not always been a huge Dolly fan; even though I was born and raised just across the mountain in Asheville, NC.
I grew tired of listening to country music growing up, so when I left for college I turned a deaf ear to that genre of music.
In the mid 70’s I was on a visit back to see my family in Asheville, and I had the most awesome opportunity — almost of a lifetime. I had the opportunity to share a dressing room with Dolly at the Asheville City Auditorium (that was its name back then). I must tell you I have never had the pleasure of knowing a kinder, gentler, sweeter, more pleasant, funny, generous, and talented human being in my life-time. That time with her will forever be etched in my mind. I am a 64 y/o grandmother now, and I love listening to Dolly. However, the thing I love most about Dolly is that she has sponsored the theme park which has given countless thousands of people jobs over the decades. She has raised the financial bar for so many people in the Sevier County area. She is selfless and loves her people as if they were her blood relatives.
I’m so thankful that you had the heart to openly apologize to Dolly, b/c I think this is a terrible misconception about Dolly Parton. The world needs many more Dolly’s.
I grew up in Asheville too & I recall when Dollywood was Silver dollar city, not a great place & now it is a beautiful place as you say.
Um, Silver Dollar City is in Branson, MO, and has been for as long as I can remember. First went there in 1971.
Actually folks, I believe I recall that Dollywood was Silver Dollar City, AFTER it was Goldrush Junction when I worked there in 1966. We’re talking about Dolly’s humanity here, nothing else.
Dolly bought Silver Dollar City in Pigeon Forge and renamed it Dollywood after a total overhaul.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollywood
Check out the history of Dollywood. It was Silver Dollar City Tennessee before it was Dollywood. It was a sister park to the one in Branson.
@DebbieRowley Dollywood was previously Silver Dollar City, as well as Gold Rush Junction – I don’t remember the exact dates. Almost before my time, but I’m guessing the Same company owned both parks and sold the Pigeon Forge park & kept the Branson park.
Dollywood was once Silver Dollar City. Prior to that it was Goldrush Junction and prior to that it was Rebel Railroad.
Silver Dollar City surprised me by being a beautiful place full of fun and excellent shows which are included in your day pass or season pass. It was incredibly beautiful and full of Christmas lights and shows in November when we were just there.
And I believe SDCity is related to Dollywood.
Rebel Railroad>Goldrush Junction>Silver Dollar City>Dollywood is the naming progression.
I have always loved the Parton familys. My mom was married to one of her cousin and mom got to spend a few Christmas with them. I’m think for her books as I am razing a 4year old great granddaughter and I don’t have the extra money for books. So thank you Dolly for all the good things that you are doing.
I have always loved the Parton familys. My mom was married to one of her cousin and mom got to spend a few Christmas with them. I’m think for her books as I am razing a 4year old great granddaughter and I don’t have the extra money for books. So thank you Dolly for all the good things that you are doing.
Wonderful of you to openly apologize and see the wonderful person she is. She is the epitome of the South and the people who live here. I am proud to live in TN and see the goodness of not only Mrs. Dolly but everyone here! It’s a good lesson on not judging a book by its cover. 🙂
Better late than never! She’s a treasure to this entire planet.
I have always loved Dolly from a young kid. And not for any particular reason. I was too young to appreciate her music but there was always just something about her. Hearing all that she has and is doing makes me understand why. She has an amazing and kind heart. Amy, I’m glad you see that as well. I grew up in Tennessee and could see where an outsider would possibly think differently. Your words were beautiful and you taught me a couple of things I didn’t realize about her. I like her even more now.
Well written and heart felt, Amy. Dolly has always been one of our Southern treasures. Open, honest, willing to laugh at herself and giving with a love and big heart. She is a gift to East Tennessee and the world.
Dolly has never got above her raising. She has proved her loyalties over and over. We love her too. After we are neighbors.
Obviously, Dolly’s biggest asset is her generous heart! Thank you Dolly, for showing people what it means to have the means to help folks and acting on that.
Isn’t it a terrible thing to judge another. Dolly has always worked to better the lives of people. Her music her comedy her wisdom her charity. Sometimes a song a joke a story a job or a hand up is all someone needs to change there whole life and with a ripple effect to help change another’s life. Apology or no apology please look hard into your mirror the next time you feel like judging someone.
Michael, do me a favor…get over yourself. It’s a very well thought out, articulate, sincere apology. What do you want? What would satisfy you? For people not to judge others? As wrong as it may be, everyone (including you), does it. I applaud Amy for her honesty and heartfelt apology. A mirror is useless if all you do is hold it up for others to use.
Exactly, Jimmy.
I loved Amy’s blog post too. I’m surprised at the critical comments like this one. It is as though Michael read the first paragraph and then skipped the rest…which was a touching tribute to Dolly Parton. I didn’t know anything about Dolly until I read this. But because of Amy’s post, I’m a huge fan.
Bravo!
I think by writing this apology, Amy is recognizing that she will be looking into her mirror a lot more in the future. By your response, Michael Quinn , it doesn’t look like you are to that point yet.
I’ve appreciated Dolly for a lot more than your persona for a very long time. She is a favorite of my 4-year old grand daughter. Abby will gladly watch and listen to Dolly any time she gets a chance. Abby also loves Shirley Temple. With those individuals as role models, Abby is headed the right direction.
Thank you Miss Dolly Parton for being you!
Thank you Amy for this article.
I hope it helps me look into my mirror with a little more clarity.
Thank you for your gracious understanding, Ann, and for reminding us what a wonderful role model she is for our young ones. Blessings to you and Abby.
I honestly feel the same as you. I just recently became a Dolly fan. I remember when I was a kid, I somewhat thought she was more about “show”. The older I get the more I realize what a truly sweet, genuine, beautiful person she is. Her bubbly personality only adds to her amazing qualities. I have 5 children who have benefited (and still are) from her Imagination Library. They loved receiving their new books. Dolly is one of the “good ones”. I hope she realizes what a huge impact she has on people and how dearly loved she is. She also reminds me a lot of my mom who passed away 3 years ago to breast cancer.
Thanks for your comment, Kristie. I lost one of my best friends to breast cancer, and I’m so sorry you lost your mom that way too. If Dolly reminds you of her, then your mom must have been a remarkable woman.
I was in my 20s when I so wrongly brushed Dolly off as a “bimbo” and then just shelved that thought until moving to Tennessee in my 40s. Maybe the older we get, including having children, we see more clearly what’s really true. At 50, I certainly hope and trust that’s my case! Thanks again, Kristie.
This makes my heart swell with love and my eyes fill with tears. I have loved and admired Dolly for as long as I can remember. I’m 50 years old. I am so opposite of Dolly. Never had “big” hair, always worn minimal makeup, pretty quiet and shy-definitely not an outgoing person. So, basically, nothing much in common with Dolly. Except the love of country music and God. I have always felt a kinship with her. I knew in my heart she was an extra special person. I knew she was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. I love that so many other people are coming to that same conclusion. I am loving that other people from around the country and the world are becoming Dolly fans. Now that is one lady that is definitely a role model for future generations! Thank you for your letter. And thank you for loving our wonderful Dolly!
Thank you, Elizabeth. I’m like you, also 50, not flashy and don’t like a lot of attention. But you were way ahead of me in realizing what a role model Dolly is. I’m grateful to be in such good company.
Amy, what a wonderful and beautifully written letter acknowledging what I’m sure a great many individuals think of Dolly. Having met her, I can tell you that she is the most down-home, loving, and generous person you will ever meet. She has never forgotten her roots or the town she grew up in and has given back to the community in more ways than we probably even know about. Thank you for sharing your letter and I hope you enjoy your time at Dollywood. It’s a wonderful place and I know you and your daughter will have a wonderful time. If you ever get the chance, be sure to go on opening weekend next year so that you can see Dolly. She’s always there.
Amy, I also listened to Dolly every morning on the Cas Walker Show. My Dad would turn in the TV to get the news and weather and there was always someone singing. This was in the late 60’s and I was a m-town girl but my Dad would say Dolly’s from here and she’s determined and she’ll be a star one day. And my Daddy was right, she s a star shining bright and and still determined to make our corner of the world better , brighter, bigger, and just the best we can be.
Beautifully said, Gail. Thank you!
Reblogged this on Erika for President and commented:
As a long-ago transplant from the Midwest, I can relate. I live in South Carolina now, but Servier County Tennessee will always be my home. And I’ll always be honored to have Dolly and her family as neighbors.
She truly is a class act and a real role model. I moved here from Indiana almost 30 years ago. I wouldn’t go back. I learned early on that we Tennesseans may be called names or made fun of because we’re ‘Hicks’, ‘rednecks’, ‘stump jumpers’ and we’re accused of toting gun racks in the back of our trucks. But we go out of our way to protect our own or lend a helping hand to those in need. Until you live here you you cannot fully grasp the meaning of the Volunteer state.
Well said Jennifer! From a fellow, “hick” who loves wearing those “clod hopper” shoes while “stump jumping!” Thank God for all of the Dolly’s in the world.
Beautifully said, Jennifer! Thank you.
Thank you for your heartfelt apologize. I do understand why you would think like that. Most celebrities are so self-centered, just not this sweet soul. She is a true example of our southern hospitality.
You and your family will truly enjoy Dollywood this time of the year.
Thank you for your donation. You will be blessed.
Merry Christmas
Is there some proof that the money isn’t coming from her income? That she isn’t using the income from her music or her theme park or other countless business ventures that are funding the Imagination Library or donating to the victims of the horrendous fire in Gatlinburg? I would think that unless you are her accountant, you can’t say where the money is coming from. Yes, she made a plea for others to contribute to the cause, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t putting her own money into it. I don’t know her personally, but I can guarantee that this woman is as sweet, caring and heartfelt as she appears to be. Never heard an ill word about her. Please don’t make assumptions about something you know nothing about. Dolly is genuine…to the core.
Sorry..I meant for that to go towards someone else. I thought the “reply” link was above the comments…not below. My apologies.
Dolly has done more for this part of our country (Eastern Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains) than anyone else ever has. She has a wonderful voice and big heart. But remember…..she personally is not giving this money or paying for the books out of her pocket. It is just the use of her name that causes the general public to donate to all her causes. She has the name and allows it to be used. THAT part is her generosity. As it turns out, her name is worth millions.
Is there some proof that the money isn’t coming from her income? That she isn’t using the income from her music or her theme park or other countless business ventures that are funding the Imagination Library or donating to the victims of the horrendous fire in Gatlinburg? I would think that unless you are her accountant, you can’t say where the money is coming from. Yes, she made a plea for others to contribute to the cause, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t putting her own money into it. I don’t know her personally, but I can guarantee that this woman is as sweet, caring and heartfelt as she appears to be. Never heard an ill word about her. Please don’t make assumptions about something you know nothing about. Dolly is genuine…to the core.
Thank you for your letter. It brought tears to my eyes as i read it. Dolly is the face of Sevier Co. and is a great treasure from our area that we hold dear to us. That is for everyone around the surrounding counties are the same way as Dolly is and ahe continues to inspire all of us by thee things that she does to help her “Tennessee family” of everyone from around here that continue to love her and support her anyway we can. My child also recieved books from her library. As a fan of Dolly’s, I take pride in knowing that she helps our community in ways that is unseen to others but know that she does it. Thank you for your letter
Wow. Just wow. I had no idea. Thank you for writing what should be an apology from all of us who have so quickly dismissed her. But because of your post, I too am now one of her biggest fans.
Years ago someone asked me who I would like to have dinner with out of everyone alive or dead. I surprised myself by blurting out “Dolly Parton” since I had never given it any thought, but then I thought that it really made sense. She’s a heroine to us hillbillies. Years later, I haven’t changed my mind…she’s still at the top of the list.
We all aquire wisdom in different ways, and at different times in our lives. The key is to keep our hearts and minds open to accepting changes in our lives. Glad this young lady did so and shared her story, particularly at this time of year, and particularly dealing with this story. Hope this opens some eyes , minds and hearts
I grew up in East TN and remember when Dolly was on the Cas Walker Show early in the mornings. I have known for a long time that her brain is larger that her big hair. She is a brilliant business woman with a huge heart. East TN has no better champion. It never surprises us when she steps up to help our people. She loves us and we love her right back!
The tip of the iceberg my friend. Dolly is a national treasure and Tennessee claims her with open arms. Her music is her profession, but her true legacy is her genuine love for others. Find as many interviews of her as you can and you’ll see her true self, though you clearly have already.
I am glad that you changed your mind about Dolly. My mother works at Dollywood and she told me that when Dolly comes to the park she has a “handler” who is actually her very best friend, who has to keep Dolly from talking to people because if she stops to talk to you she won’t stop talking and she will never make it to where she has to be! I always thought that was so sweet!! Do you have tickets to Dollywood?
See, the truth will always come to light and you have seen the truth about Dolly. I have always been a huge fan. I’ve found that the older I get and the longer I admire her, the more sentimental I get about her. The first time I saw her in concert, I cried the entire time. She just fills my heart. I saw her last month and managed to only cry about 70% of the time. Just listening to her talk you can feel her warmth and sincerity. I’m very happy that you’ve come around and have shared your apology so maybe someone else’s eyes may be opened to the joy that is Dolly Parton!
Dolly is a very special Soul!! I love your letter of apology. You should try to go see her in concert…why? because you will be able to see and get to know her in a very special way. She embodies Faith!!! her concert experience is a true blessing. you learn her life, her love for god and for All people, not just her people and her humor…well she will have you crying and laughing! oh… and Welcome to Tennessee and Dolly Country!!!!! You are becoming a real southerner now and understanding us much better…thank you for that! #Tennessee #dollycountry #southernprideisreal
Personally, I think Dolly Parton should be the Living Patron Saint of Tennessee. She is unbelievably generous. I am from west Tennessee and I just want to say Thank You to such a fine woman.
Youre not her biggest fan 😜 i am. Im am east TN girl myself. Dolly is one of the many reasons Im proud to call this place my home. I just want to hug her so bad 😢 especially after this.
What I love about Dolly she never judges those
Who judge her. She just loves them. I don’t
Think she has a hateful bone in her body.
I am so proud of my beautiful state of
Tennessee and especially those of East
Tennessee. I grew up in those beautiful
Mountains of East Tennessee. No matter
where I go I will always call East Tennessee
Home. I thank God for all the gifts Dolly
has given not only to Tennessee but to the
world. All the world loves her for the gifts
God gave her (her beautiful voice, a loving
heart).
something else about dolly, i don’t know if you know, or if it was even put out in the news. i’m a volunteer firefighter and was deployed to pigeon forge on the 29th to fight fires.early weds morning around 3am we were sent to dreamore resort to sleep, Dolly opened her resort for firefighters to rest shower and sleep, at no cost to us.
Thank you so much for letting me know, Chris. Yet another selfless, inspiring act of service from Dolly. And on that note, thank you for your volunteer service fighting the wildfires. You, along with all the other courageous and dedicated firefighters, are heroes. Thank you.
Something else that wasn’t in the media was that after the fires were controlled and no longer a threat to DreamMore, Dolly’s resort, they opened their doors as a place for the firefighters to come in, take a shower & get a much needed rest. My 2 brothers stayed there & after the next morning they found a sign hanging on the door that said ” Do not disturb! One of our firefighter heroes is sleeping.”
I cannot tell you what it means to our family that they would be so generous, as the firefighters paid for nothing there! The staff was so wonderful to them.
I have amazing respect for Dolly and would love to tell her how much I appreciate her providing my brothers a safe, warm bed to rest in at the end of a very exhausting day.
May God bless Dolly and all the people who were impacted by the fires!
Thank you so much for posting this, Jennifer! The comment just before yours was from a volunteer firefighter telling about the same gift. What an amazing, loving way to care for the firefighters who were putting their lives at risk to fight the tragic fires. I’m beyond grateful to your brothers for their service, and am grateful to you for passing this along. Your words about the sign that was hanging on their door got me all teary eyed. Thank you, Jennifer.
Love the out pour of positive energy to you Dolly, I have visited Dolly wood a few times and wrote you a letter about the care one of your employees Cher had taken with my daughter one year on a trip there…it confirmed what I already had been taught by my grandmother, mom and Aunt that you are one of a kind that surrounds herself with kind people. As the recent fire tragedy happened it was no surprise that you extended a helping grace to your home land… it was a time for me to reflect on how I grew up with those country roots and thankful for the family that taught me about the circle of Love and that although we may never meet you,Dolly you have inspired us and many others peace be to those that lost there families, friends and business. And a big Thank know you to you Dolly for showing that if you are able… You Can make a difference. Thanks for all you do and have done…. My grandmother is now in her late 80s…but oh how she loves to watch the women of country music and has always said those ladies have the power to change the world aren’t they beautiful…
We add out thanks to her as well. We are well aware of her charitable efforts and tireless work to use her fame, notoriety, connections etc to help those around her. We live in South Carolina and when our baby girl was born 15 years ago, received the books in the mail out of the blue. We figured it was a gimmick and a bill would soon follow, so we were careful with the books. They kept coming month after month with not so much as a marketing letter. I was always a fan of her music but not a swooner. But after 20 years of watching all she has done, I am continually amazed. And we are aware of many things that never hit the press. Kudos to her and all the others reaching out to help those affected.
Tereasa Grant Hurt, all we xan do is all we can do. Dolly can do more than many, and she is doing much more than most. When yoy do all you xan, don’t beat yourself because orgers can do more. Tennessee is not only known as the “volunteer” state but the comeback state. Dolly is a prime example of Tennessee spirit.
Dolly continues to make all Tennesseans proud and I too was shocked how people can still cling to old stereotypes & bigotry.
She honestly could have said “I didn’t realize who wonderful a person & great of a humanitarian you are” instead of you’re not quite the dumb bimbo I thought you were apology…
We still seem to have many differences in the way we act and perceive the action of others.
Very well said Amy. I currently work at Dollywood and know how much we are dependant on Dolly to keep it up and running. As a host at the theme park, I have some comp tickets and would like to offer you two tickets to come visit us this Christmas season. You have my email address so I look forward to hearing from you and leaving you the tickets for you to enjoy our beautiful theme park.
Billy, that is incredibly generous of you. I’ve had a couple other Dollywood employees send me similar offers via Facebook, and it really shows the gracious spirit of all of you who work at Dollywood.
That said, I’d like complimentary tickets to go to people who have been affected by the wildfires and are in need of some real hope and joy this holiday season. I’ll email you about how to arrange that. In the meantime, my daughter and I are making our plans to come visit with her grandparents, uncle and cousins, and can’t wait to see Dollywood. Thank you again, Billy.
Dolly is a giving and loving person. I most likely will never have the opportunity to meet her. But I’ve been a fan since she was on the Porter Wagner Show. I love her movies and everything about her. Dolly, make God continue to bless you!!
Oh my from this Tennessee born an raised gal you could never ask for a more real true person. Who loves people an gives freely from her wealth. I watched Dolly get her start on local TV program Cas Walker. She also would show up in schools, county fair I met an talked with her when she was getting started people in this area
knew where she lived what she came from her up bringing faith in God never left her..she has given so much to this area so it comes as no surprise to anyone in this area,that she would do any less..shame on you for judging someone by the way she looks
I am a new fan of Dolly!! I had the opportunity to see her concert last month. She is so very talented!
Look what you’ve missed all these years. Dolly is an angel sent straight from above.
Listen to “Coat of Many Colors,” and you will begin to understand where she came from and the heart behind the costumes. An amazing and gracious lady, in the best sense of the word.
Have loved Dolly all 42 years of my life! What an inspiration! I too am raising my 2 grandchildren and we LOVE the books! Thank you Dolly for everything you have ever done and continue to do. I live you so much and I have a 9 year old special needs child, whom her world revolves around you and Hank Jr. I hope so much for her to get to know you all one day! You are a true hero and my family loves you more than words can say!
My friend I am glad you acknowledged Dolly’s contributions. However, you have just scratched the surface of the real Dolly. Read all you can about her. She will amaze you even more.
Amy, Dolly also pays for the tuition at Walter State Community College for every Sevier County High Shool student that graduates from high school. She has been doing this for years. She gives back to people more than anyone I know of. My family lives in Sevierville and we feel so blessed to have her.
Sandy, thank you so much for letting me know! I’ve knew she gave Sevier County students an incentive to graduate high school, but didn’t know about the Walter State tuition support. Her generous acts seem endless, and are so inspiring. Thank you, Sandy.
I have always been a fan of Dolly! She is an amazing entertainer, singer, song writer, actress and most all a Wonderful human being!! She is so incredibly smart and is kind to everyone she meets. She is loved dearly by her family and by those of us who feel we have become her family over the years by just being one of her fans. We (the fans) feel like we know her as well as her own family does. That is because she is a real down to earth Southern girl at heart. I am proud to be from the South because the majority of us always try to do what we can to help others, just like Dolly. When we are needed, we step up, even when we are not asked to help, we just pitch in and do for others!! We are not “dumb” as some other parts of the country would like for people to think. Yes, there are some who don’t use proper grammar, spelling or are not as book smart as others. But we certainly have the “smarts” to know that we all need a helping hand from time to time. I personally would much rather have that than all of the “BRAINS” in the world!! Thank you Dolly for just being you!!! Much love from one Southern girl to another!! Tennessee STAY MOUNTAIN STRONG!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Dolly, I love Dolly so much, been to her theme park several times, and she recently came to Charleston West Virginia for a concert and my baby daughter surprised me with tickets because she knows how much I love her, thank you Dolly for who you are and for being such a great roll model to so many.