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 
Dolly Parton is absollutely one of a kind .you will never go to any of the Dollywood shows that you don’t hear something about God and the same in her music . She is a motivator and a positive influence on everyything she tos .
Dolly is what I call a raw true talent ….just herself … and that is all it takes!!!! oxoxo!
Dolly for Prez!
Dolly is wonderful ! She never forgot her people! Love her! Thanks for a great article and for finally becoming a believer in who she is!
I was quite inspired by this. I knew she was a caring person, but I hadn’t a clue just how in depth her Christian ethics are. Thank you for being an inspiration.
We’ve had season passes for years to DW. It’s family oriented and yes, as you’ve come to learn, Dolly is one of few who start at home in their mission work, all in the absence of public ackowledgement. I’m so very glad to spend my money in DW, at The Dixie Stampede, Lumberjack Feud, etc…just as I’ve learned our favorite eatery, Big Daddies Pizza is owned by the same family of restaurants as The Alamo and the employees at the one which burned will continue to receive paychecks. Such little known facts that have such a huge impact on local families.
We live in AL, but during the fall and winter we visit some years monthly and the GSM is our s3cond home. Prayers for you and all residents of TN and to those whose lives have been altered by this devestate on and to Dolly, a true home missionary!
She radiates love to all peoples. Such a big heart. And they return the love to her. Turns out she’s also a brilliant business person. We all cherish you, Dolly Parton.🌹💕
Beautifully written and well deserved tribute. Thank you.
I have always loved her songs, and sing them every chance I get. She is a wonderful, beautiful, creative and talented lady, whose generosity is only matched by her marvelous voice. Visiting Dollywood is now on my bucket list.
Xnd I Admire you for you witness to the Lords Grace in your life. SELAH!!
Dolly,
What a horrible tragic thing for the people of your community and surrounding areas to go through. My heart breaks for all affected by the wildfires. My prayers are with yall. I have only been to Tennessee onetime in my life and that was years ago . We rented a cabin in Pigeon Forge. My kids and I fell in love with the area. We live in Gulfport, Mississippi and went through Katrina. What you are doing for your community is amazing!!
You are an amazing person and have a heart of gold. I wish you the best an hope for all affected a speedy recovery on rebuilding. God bless. Much love and respect.
She turly is an amazing woman
I am learning more about Dolly every day, ever since I moved to Nashville from Maine, 13 years ago. Before that, I only knew of the name Dolly. Today, I feel I know the person! I deeply appreciate what she is and what she stands for! I am realizing there is a whole lot more to this tiny lady with a giant size heart than I have ever known before! Thank you Dolly for your ernest generosity and for standing for truth and justice for all of God’s people! I now know what a very sincere and tender hearted person you truly are. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do!
I am from Tennessee, lived here all my life & I am proud to say you will find more people like Dolly than not. Everyone is always ready to help people in need & we always pull together in tragedies like the fires in the Smoky Mountains. Dolly is a very genuine person. I am so proud to say I am from the south & from Tennessee. Thank you so much for posting this & being honest!
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I recently found out that I am her fifth cousin (common ancestor George Messer). I hope I share some of the genes that make her so awesome.
I grew up on Dolly’s music and yes I didn’t get her either. I’m from Bedford, England. Probably close to half a world away from Tennessee. But there’s something about Dolly.
My friend and I used to sing 9 to 5 at the top of our lungs at karaoke night because it was our anthem! Haha! We were both in sucky jobs that paid the bills but not a lot else.
I didn’t know about the library but it’s so exciting. I am a book worm. I love to read. My boy is almost 2.5 and loves books too. He’s not so keen on reading at the moment but hopefully that passion will come back soon and won’t leave him again.
Thanks for sharing.
I have always loved and admired Dolly. She’s truly an American who believes giving starts at home first. She’s one of a kind. She’s never backed down about her beliefs in God and her love for family. To me she’s an icon. She’s what all should strive to be. Amazing woman.
Stories about Dolly Parton’s generosity of spirit don’t surprise me. I met her in 1986, in Sydney Australia. I had just moved there from London and we were staying in the same hotel – me prior to finding an apartment, she on the final leg of an international tour.
The hotel didn’t have a pool, but it did have a rooftop jacuzzi, and I’d gotten into the habit of sitting in it for half an hour at the end of each day, when I was pretty sure I’d have it to myself. But one afternoon I arrived to find it occupied – by somebody with lots of very curly, very blonde hair. “Mind if I join you?” I asked, as I lowered myself into the bubbles. “Be mah guest,” she replied, and then I looked at her face for the first time. “You’re Dolly Parton,” I said, as if she needed reassuring on this point. “Yes I am,” she laughed. “And I love the way you say mah name. What’s yours?”
I told her, and she said it was nice to meet me, and we shook hands. Me and Dolly Parton. In a jacuzzi. Just the four of us. She was utterly charming. She wanted to know why I’d come to Australia, and if I was missing my family back in England. Then she told me she was touring with Kenny Rodgers and that they were doing their first Sydney show the following night. I confessed that I hadn’t heard about the tour, and didn’t have a ticket, but said I’d buy one first thing in the morning. She said I’d be lucky because the show had sold out. Then all too soon she had to go. She stepped out of the jacuzzi, slipped a bathrobe over her bikini, flashed me the famous smile, and left.
The next morning, before going to the office, I went to the concierge to ask him get me a ticket to the show. But before I could do so he handed me an envelope. Inside it were two tickets and the briefest of hand-written notes: Enjoy the show. DP x.
Not only does Dolly give generously to individuals, she contributes to colleges and universities in large amounts. Especially smaller schools in and near the mountains. We owned a small business and had season tickets many years and were asked to make a plaque for Dolly. She was awarded “Doctorate” by University of the Cumberland. Many thanks to you, Dolly. The plaque is mounted on the wall in the museum at Dollywood. God sometimes gives miracles among us!
Sorry this letter makes me shake my head. What kind of back handed compliment is this? Like Ms Parton or anyone needs your seal of approval to validate their actions or life. Yeah, she built a theme park that most likely employs thousands of people that would otherwise not have a source of employment. Plus all the axillary businesses that flourish by the tourism created. YOU get her now. Well thank goodness dolly was really worried about that.
Bitter Party of one?
You sound like a sad and bitter lady! To find fault with this beautiful tribute is absolutely pathetic. Shame on you!
My grandma loved Dolly… I never did get it until she passed away last year.
I watched Coat of Many Colors with her as she lay in hospice. Dolly is truly a sign of hope for struggling poor or anyone facing obstacles to overcome.
We live in the U.K. And a few years back we watched Dolly perform at Glastonbury Festival, we watched with our then 18 month old daughter, she was enthralled, now nearly 5 when we visited Santa last week she as bold as brass sat and asked for “a Dolly dress up outfit please, so I can sing Joleane proper!” At first I thought, really? Dolly? All boobs and hair?? Really? But you know my daughter has chosen an amazing female role model, thank you from the bottom of my heart, we have a pink cow girl outfit with a lovely blond wig all ready to put under the tree…. oh and a greatest hits CD too x
I’m glad you and others are realizing this about Dolly. Not only has she dedicated her life to helping people, she has made it possible through her continued successes. I think one thing that Northerners may not understand about Dolly is that she is and always has been a very, smart SHREWD business woman. Anyone who has ever thought she was nothing but a blonde,big boobed, back wood, hillbilly has been and is in for a big surprise. She has used that assumption of her to prove them wrong. BIG TIME! Dolly doesn’t play when it comes to business. Other Southern women understand her because we’ve had to take similar generalizations , and use it to our own advantage as well. Trust me when I say that in life it is hardly ever a bad thing to be under estimated. Usually, it gives you the upper hand. Dolly knows this better than anyone. God bless her for all she has done, and all she will continue to do. She IS a class act!
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What I like about Dolly is she is down to earth in a interview I seen about her they asked what she liked to do and she said her favorite thing to do was travel with her husband in their RV and she also has a great sense of humor they asked her about her plastic surgeries that she has had over the years and she told them if things started to sag she had it nipped tucked and sucked and then let out that infectious laugh that she has just love her she may have wealth and fame but she hasn’t forgotten her people or where she come from.
Reblogged this on YouViewed/Editorial.
“Dolly, I’m sorry I didn’t get you sooner—and I thank you for all you are, and all that ”
Well that’s nice of you. But I think you owe yourself far more reflection.
Starting with : Who are you to judge another person’s life?
Sad little person! A beautiful TRIBUTE that you just do not “get”.
This is one of the things that pisses me off to no end, people from other parts of the country think that Southerners are stupid or fake. They think that the whole world is mean, rude and hateful just like they are and sadly they’ll never understand how communities such as Gatlinburg pull together and become one in times of tragedy. Dolly is a what you see is what you get kind of person. She’s as genuine and generous as they come. That’s just how southerners are! I’m glad this woman has seen the light, but it won’t make a difference, northerners will still make fun of us, call us stupid and illiterate. It doesn’t Matter though, we know better and it’s just their illiteracy that causes their cynicism.
Sad little person! A beautiful TRIBUTE that you sadly just don’t “get”!
I agree with everyone about Dolly being an incredible inspiration and role model. I would like to emphasize here that this is such a great example of why it’s so important that we not judge others, make assumptions or jump to conclusions. We are all unique and special; let’s treat each other with an open mind everyday.
I absolutely love Dolly Parton. I am from East TN. I can still remember watching her on Cas Walker as a little girl. She just is real to the core where it counts. I respect her and look up to her. She loves her family. her neighbors. her fans. She doesn’t judge she just loves and that’s how it should be. She has over come a lot. I hope one day to meet this angel on Earth. Thank for posting this article. She really is someone very special. Your people appreciate and love you Dolly. God bless you.
As a blogger I hope that you will be able to read the negative comments on here and dismiss them completely. They are small minded, negative people. Your blog is beautifully written, heartfelt. I am so glad I found you.
I am from Southwest Virginia, my love for Dolly runs deep and true, as now yours does.
Thank you, Teri.
She also funded a Woman’s Center at the hospital in Sevierville. She has done so much for the area she grew up in, she has never forgotten her roots.
I Grew up in Southwestern Virginia and across the mountains from Dolly’s hometown. I now appreciate all that Dolly has done for East Tennessee and her home area. A true Southern girl and beautiful music that I love.
She has always one of the (SOUTHS) most valuable treasures!)
I am originally from WV and have loved Dolly since I was a child. As a matter of fact she was my very first concert…back in the 70s. My parents took me to see her when I was about 6-7 years old.
Dolly recently performed in Tampa, where I now live. So I had to go. Being at one of her shows is like sitting at your best friend’s or close family member’s house. She tells stories and sings. And her sense of humor…no words!! I laughed all evening. She is very delightful and an inspiration.
If you ever get a chance to see Dolly in concert, go!!! You will not regret it.
Truly amazing woman!! Would that every human being could follow her example of kindness and humility.
I had thought the same things until seeing her Christmas movie, A Coat of Many Colors, last year. It, and this year’s sequel, opened my eyes to her faith, her brilliant mind, and beautiful heart. I am a newfound fan and have a tremendous respect for her and for what she has done to help the people of East Tennessee and the Great Smokey Mountains.
Reblogged this on That Organic Mom and commented:
I think a lot of people didn’t get Dolly 🙂 she’s got a heart of gold tho
Dolly is a wonderful person with a larger heart than her tiny frame shows. Her warmth and generosity will forever be famed in the hearts and minds of many.
If only 10% of all the “celebrity” status would share back to the communities something that really makes a difference instead of sharing their self center opinions this country would probably be much better off than it is.
God bless you Dolly!
I havys always loved Dolly great person in heart love her movies. Sure hope she makes more
I didn’t even attempt to read all the comments, so I may be saying what’s already been said- it’s my understanding that Dolly gives money to every high school graduate in Sevier Co., which raised graduation rates significantly when started. Just because someone doesn’t shout their generosity from their nstive mountaintops, and dresses like a Barbie doll, doesn’t mean they are not one of their country’s finest citizens. JS
This great tragdey has shown so many how big the hearts of the people who live in the Smokey Mountains are.. and the love and caring of the people who just get to visit and call these mountains our home away from home. Dolly Parton is the prime example of why this Love is so big and strong with her kove of God and family. These mountains and these people are her family God bless her and all those who have been affected. Please for those who can’t make it to support in person support her telethon or in any way you can God Bless!! I can’t wait to come back!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😍🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’ve always love Dolly. She’s the most honest, down to earth , God loving entertainer I know. I love her to prices, as we say in the south.
It’s going to take much more than a library, scholarships, a theme park, and a philanthropic hillbilly singer to make any difference in the South.
That’s what neighbors do in Tennessee. Thanks Dolly.
Love her,she is a lady,Merry Christmas . Thank you a Dolly for helping these people.
I’ve loved Dolly all the way back to the charming teenager on the black and white Porter Waggoner T V show, several lifetimes ago, it seems. She’s never lost that charm, – – – if anything, more charming as the years go by. God bless Dolly Parton and everything she stands for.
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I took my daughter to the Dixie Stampede for her birthday when she turned 12.
Her birthday is in December so we were able to see the Christmas show. If you go early you can visit the horses and drink hot chocolate. The show was delightful, the food was great, and the sacrifice of this single mother to take her to such a show at Christmas was worth every penny. That was 11 years ago and I still remember it. I highly suggest the magic of Dollys Christmas Dixie Stampede.
Loved your blog.
I have always loved Dolly the very first time I heard her beautiful voice. She is one smart and talented woman. Has a heart of gold, a great business woman and gives back to her Tennessee 10 fold. I was so happy to see her perform this past week in Sunrise Florida and she knocks it out all the time. God has truly blessed this beautiful young lady in many ways and we are all very lucky to have her. God Bless you Dolly for all you do!!!! Xo
Listen to the words of her song “Coat of Many Colors”, it would be impossible for anyone who hadn’t lived that life to have written it. I’m from WV, and I know, because as a second grader my mom made me a shirt of silk. My dad had rescued a pilot from a tree, where he was entangled in his parachute. Mom fixed him breakfast, and cleaned and treated his many scrapes and bruises, he thanked them both by giving them his parachute. That parachute magically turned into school clothes for me and my younger sister under my mothers talented hands. Dolly is simply one of a kind in her profession, but one of many in her “mountain lands”!
I never met Dolly, but I have always thought of her as one of the most intelligent people in show business. She would have to be in order to present herself as an entertainer, and be able to live a normal life offstage. The fact that she has done so much good with her earnings is not only a sign of compassion, but an indication of where her true heart lies, helping others, and alleviating suffering wherever she can.
Dolly and her entire family are genuine Christians who love their neighbors as they do themselves. Dolly knew decades ago that her folks needed jobs, and not welfare. Many people don’t “get” Jesus or Christianity, and fight it and despise it. But Dolly, and I believe and so should you.