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 
That’s our Dolly. Welcome to the world of her admirers. Not just for her talent but also for her huge heart for her home county but for children everywhere. Truly a superhero.
If people want to know the true depth of Dolly Parton, all they have to do is listen to the lyrics of her songs such as Coat of Many Colors, My Tennessee Mountain Home, I Will Always Love You, Love is Like A Butterfly, and hundreds more. Her talent runs deep and her dreams deeper! She is one of America’s most prolific song writers, poets, and story tellers. She is one incredibly savvy business woman and has given more than any celebrity that I know of. She has NEVER forgotten where she came from and how she was raised, and she truly is MOUNTAIN STRONG. Her looks are deceiving for sure, but she’s dumb like a fox. When she first came to Nashville, several country music stars were critical of her big hair, make-up, etc. My dad, who was an excellent judge of character said, “Let them laugh at her and she’s laughing all the way to the bank long after these other folks are washed up!” When you visit Dollywood and Dream More Resort and talk with her employees, they all sing her praises and talk about how good she is to them! They are loyal to her in every way. And they aren’t all Tennessee natives, either. We met people from Florida, Missouri, Chicago, etc. who had retired and moved to the mountains and loved working for her. We are so very proud of Dolly and her philanthropy, but most of all under all that hair and make-up is a genuine lady with a heart of gold who has given back so much to not only East Tennessee and America, but to the world! Dolly is a national treasure!
I visited Dollywood for the first time just a week before the fires. Was amazed at the number of seniors that work there. What a great thing she has done for the people and the area long before the fire. She is a great person with a heart of gold. Bless her.
I didn’t read all the comments, and perhaps I missed this, but I read nothing about Dollywood’s association with the American Eagle Foundation and what wonderful work they have done rehabilitating, raising, and releasing Bald Eagles and other birds of prey, in addition to the book program and everything else.
Amy, thank you so much for your letter. Your sweet words about Dolly Parton were so pleasant to read. The world needs more people like you who are willing to challenge their thoughts and practices, and brave enough to openly admit when there has been a flaw in their judgment. It takes genuine courage to say “I was wrong”, and you have demonstrated courage in a profound way. I have always loved Dolly Parton – for her Christian walk and her beautiful talent. But, I learned new things about Dolly thanks to your letter. WOW!! If more people had your sweet spirit and were willing to discard negativity towards others, the world would be a sweeter place in which to live. Your open apology has really inspired me!!!
Dolly is truly an inspiration! My 8 year old granndaughter loves everything about her , her music , her Theme park Dollywood (we went there last weekend!) her movies especially the Christmas of many Colors and the Dixie Stampede . My Emmagail was so impressed when she heard about the My People fund and insisted we give to it! A big thank you for being my granddaughters hero!
Me too, we all love Dolly…..shes a country icon
So simple really, just one of Gods Angels that you can see and touch! A true example of love and talent! Thank you God for miracles!
I have always lived and admired Dolly … she has done much over the years to help others and is a true Christian
I have always loved this woman even as a young child beacuse she is so pure and sweet. She is a woman I could see just bumping into and talking she wouldn’t act better than you and would carry on a conversation she is just a down to earth individual with a bigger heart than her whole body!
Maybe look up Dolly’s imagination library and see if you can do it that way
Dolly parton imagination library
How do i sign up for the free books fpr my daughter
http://www.http://imaginationlibrary.com
Go to the website and answer the questions. It takes about 6-8 weeks to get your kids first book. My kids love the books that come in.
Thank you Dolly. God bless your heart
If it wasn’t for Dolly, there wouldn’t be anything much there. Her bringing in the theme park, brought in all the attractions to that area. It was a very poor area. I didn’t get to go to Dollywood when I was there, but I went to many other places. The shops. And all the lovely eateries it was great. The beautiful scenery was wonderful.
My brother-in-law always loved Dolly. He said she had a voice like no one ever had. I think its great that Dolly is doing this with a sincere heart and God honors that. I hate to say this but not very many people would be doing this. This makes me respect her so much. I was raised very poor and didn’t have shoes to wear to school most of the time and never had very many people take an interest of our situation at home. This makes me love her more and I’ve been trying to do different myself. The world would be a better place if we had more Dollys.
I love you Dolly! ❤
Dolly,
I need your help. Joe Nichols nephew died. He was shot and killed. The family is lost.Joe helped as much as he could. He flew in but, had things to do and will be back Friday for the wake. They still don’t have total cost to pay everything. Tika is Joe’s cousin and my best friend. I know you are helping the families in Tennessee and I commend you for that. Chandler Aaron was shot and killed. Please let me know if you can help. We are all doing what we can. all I can think of is your song with Joe and something just told me to send this. We are in mind, NC. Kisses sweetie, Stephanie Newsome 336-407-2839
Dolly,
I need your help. Joe Nichols nephew died. He was shot and killed. The family is lost.Joe helped as much as he could. He flew in but, had things to do and will be back Friday for the wake. They still don’t have total cost to pay everything. Tika is Joe’s cousin and my best friend. I know you are helping the families in Tennessee and I commend you for that. Chandler Aaron was shot and killed. Please let me know if you can help. We are all doing what we can. all I can think of is your song with Joe and something just told me to send this. We are in mind, NC. Kisses sweetie, Stephanie Newsome
Too bad your out of touch with real folks on politics. Hillary is an awful person.
you’re not your
Is that you Datan?
Debbie Leyhew said EVERYTHING I wanted to say, so I won’t repeat it! I have been visiting Pigeon Forge/Sevierville for forty years and watched with amazement how it’s grown and how Ms. Dolly’s contribution to her mountain town has exploded the tourism and made life better for the townspeople who would not have had much more than farming (not that there’s anything wrong with farming!) I too have visited Dollywood (Gold Pass) countless times and DreamMore Resort a few times as well. It’s TRUE…her employees LOVE her with all their hearts! And let me ask you…what other employer recognizes the value in “older” (even retirees) enough to HIRE them in so many positions at Dollywood?! Sure, McDonald’s lets seniors wipe tables but at Dollywood, it’s wonderful and colorful and FUN to work!! And her Children’s Literacy Library is off the charts! She is the MOST REAL PERSON I’ve ever experienced and I’m her age! She truly LOVES everyone regardless of race or anything else we silly people use to categorize one another! She’s God’s ANGEL on earth!
I admire you for your honesty and openness…you are a role model!
I love Dolly’s singing and she looks awesome at all times. Loved her show in Dolly Wood. She is amazing lady who no matter how rich she is she has a heart of Gold for her people. Thank you Dolly for who you are most rich will not help other that makes you a special person Love Betty Ann
I have always loved Dolly. I got to go to her show a long time ago when Love is like a Butterfly was very popular. She was one of my favorite people then and still is. When you go to Dollywood and think of all she has done for her home town, how could you help but love her. My grandkids have also received some of her books and loved them! All the things she has done to help out the fire victims should make everyone know she cares. I believe Dolly truely is one special lady. Thank you Dolly for being the person you are. Thank you for never forgetting your roots and never forgetting our God above that has allowed you to do the things you have. Wish you the best! Love ya!
Dolly is heaven. I absolutely adored this post.
Good Lord @edward padget 🙄 You aren’t helping your cause…
Agreed people from the south, have that southern hospitality. Unlike the northerners who are extremely rude.
I guess we should feel elated another “northerner” has given us their blessing. I’m so tired of people from other parts of the country stereotyping everyone south of Kentucky as toothless, ignorant, incestuous heathens. These people look down their noses at us and our way of life as though they’ve been called from “on high” to come and enlighten us poor fools. It’s not until they actually come into our world that they truly see the err of their perceptions. The only thing I’d say to Ms. Amy Rawe, in my slowest thickest drawl, is “Bless your heart”.
Mr. Padget, might you read the blog post again and reconsider your comment? Ms Rawe’s title, “An Open Apology,” makes it clear she is apologizing for a perspective she no longer embraces. (A perspective, I feel honor-bound to point out, that did not include anything about toothlessness, ignorance, or incest.) As a southerner myself, I have always appreciated the southern emphasis on graciousness, and respect for honesty and humility. It seems to me that Ms Rawe demonstrates all three in her open letter to Dolly Parton, and goes beyond that to inform her readers about several of the ways in which Ms Parton is generously working to benefit the people in her region of the south, bless your heart.
Bitter much? Your words do not match the original post, either in content nor spirit.
I love Dolly, and she loves everyone. I am sure she would love your post. I am so glad you get Dolly now and all the good she does in this world. We need more people like Dolly Parton, but then again, they will not be just like her as she is an one of a kind. And the world needs Amy Rawe too, who is a very special person. Lovely post.
Dolly has big boobs? Never noticed.
Amy, i couldn’t have said it better. Seeing and hearing about our sweet Dolly tends to open eyes to the real woman from the hills of Tennessee. An amazing lady most definitely. I am a Tennessean from birth and the great smoky mountains have always been one of my favorite spots to visit. I hope you get to enjoy it first hand and let your little one enjoy the fun and excitement of Dollywood. Try the grilled corn on the cob too. It’s the best ever! Thanks for your words to her and for us to see. I hope you enjoy life in our great state!
Thank you, Amy – for “getting Dolly” and for your eloquent apology. Dolly moved mountains when she left her family home, came to Nashville (little ol’ Brinkhaven Apts., right, Dolly?) and grabbed the hearts of country music lovers everywhere. She moved on to the Opry, on to Hollywood, and back home to her beloved TN mountains. Her heart, I believe, had never really left it. Thank you, Dolly, for all you’ve given to all of us – through your music, your words, and your truly good heart. We will ALWAYS love you!
I love Dolly because of the loving Christian that she is. I had the opportunity to take my seven year old daughter to her concert a couple of weeks ago and it was incredible. She is one talented lady and I’m so glad I got to see her in person. She is a legend.
Amy,
So very glad you learned the truth about Dolly, she is a class act!
When you go to Dollywood, please go see her show about her family!!! It will explain so much more from her heart!!!
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My husband grew up in Hawaii and happened to live across the street from Tom Selleck during his Magnum heyday. One of my favorite stories from his childhood is about the day a limo stopped in front of their house and out popped a few voluptuous females enthusiastically taking photos of Tom’s house. As he and his brother stopped playing to watch the limo they realized one of the ladies was Dolly. My brother-in-law, who was about 10 at the time, had a huge crush on her but was to shy to say hello. My mother-in-law wasn’t shy at all though and had a conversation with the ladies who were gracious and sweet. Dolly was a huge star already then. I find it endearing that she was star-gazing too while on vacation.
It is nice that you overcame your bigotry. Good for you.
She is one of the greatest women who God put on this earth. Rags to riches, yet never, ever, ever forgot where she came from and is still helping, not only her people, but countless others. I have never known a life story as touching as Dolly! Read her autobiography! I think she’s as great as Mary, the mother of Jesus, and mother Teresa! I was not at all surprised at the announcement of her Mypeoplefund!!! Thank you, Dolly, a million thanks over and over again. This East Tennessee girl admires you more than words can ever express! You are the perfect example of a lady, a Christian, a friend, a helper, a bright shining light, filled with love!!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will gladly contribute to the Mypeoplefund!
She’s also one of the smartest businesspersons in the entertainment industry. Dolly refused to let Elvis Presley record her hit song I Will Always Love You because she didn’t want to give up the publishing rights to the track. She knew the financial sacrifice was too much just to have one of her tracks covered by Presley.
Speaking to U.S. newsman Anderson Cooper, she says, “Elvis was gonna record that song, he had it ready and ‘Colonel’ Tom Parker says, ‘We have to have the publishing, or we won’t record anything.’ I said, ‘I can’t do that!’ He wanted half the publishing (rights)! …It wasn’t Elvis’ fault, it was Colonel Parker.”
Parton admits she “cried about it” after rejecting the deal, but she struck gold in 1992 when Whitney Houston’s version of the track topped charts around the world.
She adds, “Then when Whitney did it, I got all the money for the publishing and for the writing and I bought a lot of cheap wigs… with that!”
Amy, most of the comments here have been about Dolly, deservedly so, BUT they should also be about you-and your journey. You have come a LONG way from where you were with your (no offense) preconcieve ideas about “us” until now. I am so glad we showed you love, acceptance and that we really are just wonderful people who accept all, live and let live and if a neighbor needs help, we HELP.
TN is called the “Volunteer State” for many reasons but mostly from the Alamo era, but that evolved and we Tennesseans take that very seriously. We LOVE each other, regardless of race, gender, politics, we just dont give a damn–live and let live BUT if you are in need, YOUR neighbor or someone who knows someone is THERE. Thank you for this article, it is beautiful. Since you are a reporter at heart, why not go up to the ‘Burg this week and do some interviews, take some photos and post on that? THEN PLEASE let everyone know about Dolly’s TELEPHON on Tuesday-SMOKY MOUNTAINS RISE TELETHON–guests include Reba, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Rogers, Alison Krause and more added daily. It is Tuesday, 12/13 on GAC (Great American Country) station at 8pmEST/7pmCST so PLEASE PLEASE tune in and GIVE
OK several typos in my post so mea culpa, sentiment is the same–spelling took a hit and for that I apologize. That being said PLEASE support the TELETHON instead of whatever I posted above! Thank you and God Bless
Thank you, Leza! Yes, I’ve no doubt learned so much about the incredible TN volunteer “mountain strong” spirit, and am proud to call it home. I’ll be spreading the word about the telethon on 12/13, and beyond. Thank you!
When she was making the movie Steele Magnolias. A couple of the other actresses commented that one particularly Hot and Humid day on set. While they were complaining about being uncomfortable Dolly was sitting the quietly and content with the world. When asked Why she wasn’t complaining like the rest of them. She told them that growing up she wanted to be a famous performer, make enough money to help her family. Now that she had achieved her dreams she wasn’t going to complain about any inconvenience that came with the privilege. (She said it better but you get the message)
I love this, thank you! A movie buff friend of mine also told me that when they were beginning to film the movie she told everyone that there would be no making fun of Southern women. She apparently declared that Southern women are strong (thus “Steel Magnolias”) and not a source of ridicule. Powerful. Thanks for posting, Hazelshappenings
I am so greatful that she is willing to be led by God in the use of her wealth. Thank you Dolly Parton.
This is an eloquent expression of exactly what is good, no GREAT! in the world! Your seeing things in a different light and softening your heart and opinions…and people all reaching out to be people… loving and supporting one another! If only THIS could be a lasting feeling that spreads!!! Let’s all try to spread the softened hearts, open minds, and incredible support of one another!!! Thanks for a great read!
Wow, thank you Diane. Couldn’t say it better … people all reaching out to be people, loving and supporting one another with softened hearts, open minds, and incredible support of one another. Thank you for seeing my offer that way.
I’ve always adored Dolly Parton, probably because we lived so close to Pigeon Forge and I’ve witnessed her ongoing dedication to that region and philanthropy. I remember when she would give every student that graduation from Sevier High School $500 to increase the graduation rates. Her resilience even in the midst of ongoing judgment and ridicule make her a woman to be admired. As soon as I heard of the travesty of the fires, I knew somehow that Dolly would come through. And that she did. ❤ her.
I want to say good on you, but I’m not feeling terribly charitable of late about bigots who condescend to whites, particularly poor southern whites. The inability to recognize the humanity of people who are different from you is shameful, but that’s pretty par for the course for old(ish) single women, particularly when those old(ish) single women cast their gaze on beautiful, successful, married women.
It’s nice to see an apology, but it’s really not enough anymore.
Doesn’t she also pay college tuition for every child born and raised in Seiverville?
Dolly, you are so greatand beautiful inside and out. I pray God will continue to bless you as you bless others. I have and will always LOVE YOU. Saw you in Biloxi Mississippi and it was the best concert I have ever been to. Please come back and another. You are amazing!
Dolly’s rendition of “He’s Alive” helped being me out of a very long and deep depression. Dolly has always been a good steward of the talents and skills she was born with and developed during her life on this earth. Dolly is one of those folks who never have to declare, “I’m a christian!” Her life proves it by the love, generosity and compassion she shows toward not just people, but animals and nature. God bless her even more abundantly!
I first found Dolly in 1960 when she was on old Cas Walker’s ‘Farm and Home Hour’ on Knoxville TV – I think she was maybe 12 or so and hadn’t started ‘developing’ yet. But she was sweet, at ease with the audience, and had a real sparkle about her. I’ve loved her ever since. Not for just her voice and her sparkle, but because she’s so focused on helping others. What a rare quality in this world.
Being a struggling musician in Nashville years ago working my way through the thousands that come through that great city I was blessed to have met and became friends with Johnny Russell Del Revees Billy Walker and lots more and hanging around the great guys that backed up all these great country performers one such group were the girls that backed up and toured with Porter I still remember hearing Porter being in financial trouble and had to sell the rights to all his music this gracious lady took it upon herself to buy back all his music and present it back to him I was so taken back by what a heart this lady has I kno that she has done a lot for other people but this touched me very deeply and now being a writer and player I understand what that meant to that great man God bless you Dolly Ted 🙂
I had always thought Dolly Parton was a good person and have enjoyed her music. This brought joy and tears to my heart to have my thoughts confirmed. Not all stars are self centered, thank you Miss Parton.
Miss Dolly, I have been a fan since you first went on tv. I understand you wanting to dress up and wear makeup and have different hair styles. For me, that made you my hero because you dared to dress differently and wear those different wigs to change your looks. When you are poor you always want to be colorful and be noticed. I know beneath all that dress up and make up you have the biggest heart in Tennessee. It makes me proud to be your fan. I have been to Dollywood at least five times, met a relative of yours who offered to give us passes if we called him and he gave us his phone number. We never took him up on it because I know the money people pay to go to hour theme park and splash park is helping you do the things you do. I am looking forward to bringing my six year old granddaughter to your park this next summer. She is such a fan mainly because of your tv movies, Coat of Many Colors and Circle of Love. She wants nothing more than to visit Dollywood and perhaps see you. I hope I can make that dream come true. My husband and I are both 73 years old and we have so much fun keeping her connected to country music and country music singers. She listens for your songs on the radio and starts to sings with them. Keep on being Dolly because she is you and we love you.
I mean, I guess this is nice and all. But it says a lot about you that it took you until 2016 to realize those ridiculous stereotypes and that bilious cynicism weren’t accurate.
You didn’t actually read this, did you? Try again.
I met Dolly when I was a kid. She was as sweet as cotton candy and gave me the biggest hug. Still smile whenever I think back to that day. She is awesome alright.
Dolly has always been a beacon of inspiration to thousands of people. Always optimistic, always encouraging and always uplifting in her dealing with people. It is no wonder that we love her.