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’m sure Dolly will sleep better knowing you finally “get” her. Good thing she’s always known who she is and didn’t wait around for people like you to give her permission to be the outrageously talented, intelligent, funny person she is.
Wow. Way to take a positive thing and ruin it. She’s publicly admitting her mistake. How many times can you say you’ve done that??
Great job Amy. I respect and commend you for this well written piece. I used to have the same assumptions but thankfully we know better now.
Well said dee brown i 💯 agree when someone makes a mistake and apologizes for it just accept it and go on .
Lori Vaz, Dolly would accept Amy’s post quicker than she’d ever defend your response to her post. Nobody who possesses the type of character Dolly does would have your response even occur to them, much rather express it.
How rude you are.
Hey Lori… why not cool off in the shark infested coves of the Australian coast withvthe rest of your spineless jelly fish friends.
Wow! How catty and TACKY of you! They and say something positive to a person that learned a big lesson about grace, caring and love.
People sometimes acquire bias through their specific upbringing, the culture specific to the area they live…via osmosis one might opine. Having grown up in the South during the late 60’s and 70’s I can tell you I had my share of bias based upon my situation and true ignorance.
However, in my opinion one of the most redeeming qualities a human being can have in this world, is to say “I’m sorry, I was wrong”.
It is easy for some to sit at a computer, in their safe haven with the anonymity of the internet to hide their true identity and cast stones. I applaud Amy for having the guts to put her failures out there for all to see, just as much as I applaud her sincere apology.
Those who tend to hate do so because of their own human failure…
THOSE WHO TEND TO HATE DO SO BECAUSE OF THEIR OWN HUMAN FAILURE quoted from ghostofpearson. Great observation-likewise if Donald Trump fails it will be because 1/2 of America hates him for being who he is and will not let him bring us together as one country. The haters are the ones that won’t even try.
Give it a rest babe. This is not about the Buffoon In Chief, but about a fantastic woman and philanthropist. Take your Trump obsession elsewhere.
No, I won’t try. Not one of you gave President Obama a chance. Not one of you backed him in any of his attempts to further the country.
Julie Sullivan…I guess you didn’t read the letter of apology…it was about and written to DOLLY PARTON. Take your pathetic political opinions and peach them somewhere else. ..this is ALL ABOUT DOLLY.
Julie, People fail on their own, they also stand up on their own…. Name calling and assigning blame are not going to help mend a decisive country . It is not up to one person to fix the divisiveness of this country. We all have to do our part or it won’t happen.
It’s time for all of us to take a page from Amy and Dolly, step and do the right thing.
Be responsible for who YOU are and stop worrying about everyone else. That is the only way we heal as a country, if we all look in the mirror more and point our fingers less we’ll be better people and a better country.
Amy that was so nice of you to reach out and write this. I’m sure Dolly appreciates it as well! We are all human. And with that being said most of us at some point in time have had preconceived thoughts on someone. To admit it and apologize is what really matters! I grew up listening to Dolly and REAL Country music! I love her and like you, thank her for all she’s doing! God bless the people of that area I love! God bless our country! And Merry Christmas y’all!
Dolly Parton is and always has been an intelligent and giving person beginning as a child and continuing on in countless ways that are shown through the media and so much more that we will never know about. She is one of the truly great people in our world. She is a celebrity and a star in every way. She uses her celebrity status to do good things, I wish the other celebrities that so many people seem to think are someone to mimic and worship would use their status for good and not just for a magazine piece. The possibilities are endless. Let’s all do good whether or not we receive recognition.
Reblogged this on klshandwick and commented:
If only everyone had the same idea to pay forward like Dolly…
My goodness. What a pinched, poor-in spirit response. The good news is, Ms. Rawe isn’t apologizing to *you.* I suspect Ms. Parton will be much, much more gracious and forgiving.
“But they didn’t understand it, and I tried to make them see, that one is only poor, only if they choose to be.” – Coat of Many Colors
Well said, Sister mania: I might add, if you are judging someone, anyone, because of appearances; you do not know their heart, and your judgement comes from your own heart. Have you ever heard of projecting your own faults on others? That’s why Jesus said if you judge, you will be judged. Thank you Ms Dolly, for all you have given.
My apologies to you, klshandwick! The comment I posted below was intended as a response to Nicole Wouda, not to you. Peace.
So now that she fits a little more of your criteria about what is acceptable in a human being, now you apologize? How dare you judge this woman in the first place? And how dare you assume that your opinions are fact? This is a horrible apology and you should be ashamed of yourself!!! This is a perfect example of people who claim to be the most liberal and tolerant, or the most angry, racist, bigots on the planet. I am so sick and tired of people like you judging others because they assume they have a moral superiority.
Get over it Nicole, it sounds like you have a lot of bitterness residing in your head. This woman just apologized and got some good information out there and all you can do is bitch? Yeah, that’s helpful.
What a mean-spirited response! How can you say “I am so sick and tired of people like you judging others because they assume they have a moral superiority” without seeing the glaring hypocrisy?
Shame on you Nichole,for looking for a way to find negativeity in this apology.
Oh, the irony is thick with Nicole’s comment. Hey Nicole? How dare you assume your opinions are fact? You should maybe reconsider the judgement you’re passing here…
My goodness. What a pinched, poor-in spirit response. The good news is, Ms. Rawe isn’t apologizing to *you.* I suspect Ms. Parton will be much, much more gracious and forgiving.
“But they didn’t understand it, and I tried to make them see, that one is only poor, only if they choose to be.” – Coat of Many Colors
Nicole, are you judging? How would Dolly view your attack on a lovely apology? I see nothing wrong with the apology and if anyone is spewing hate and anger it is the woman in your mirror.
You say “How dare you judge this woman in the first place? And how dare you assume that your opinions are fact? ”
Well, I dare say Nicole, you could actually learn a bit from Amy on how to be gracious. She is willing to learn how to be gracious and loving and tolerant from Dolly. She chose to change her mind and attitude, I applaud her.
Amy, bravo!
You know, I’m sure Dolly wasn’t at all offended by this as there are a lot of people and opinions in this world, but what you just said is exactly what you are arguing about. You are the one being angry and intolerant. You just made a judgement of this lady’s letter assuming yourself better than her with your words. I wonder how many times a day you judge someone? Maybe the homeless person holdi,g the “will work for food” sign, maybe the young girls in the store that is wearing something a little too revealing. So what if she had a misperception of Dolly before, I bet some people think you are kind. The point is, she admits her mistake publicly, that takes courage and a humble heart. Courage because she knows there are people like you who will bash her attempt at telling the world about all the good that Dolly has done without showboating, and maybe change the mind of someone else that “judges” based on what someone looks like. Good for you Amy, for writing this letter. I had no clue of all the good she had done and though My opinion of her was not negative, it has definitely changed for the better.
Down Girl….jeez eat a candy cane or something😲
This isn’t so much an apology as it is the authors thoughts on what it’s like to think one thing about a person only to learn quite the opposite. I thought it was a beautifully written tribute to Dolly Parton. It was filled with positive thoughts, regret for judging her in the first place and most importantly, real facts about the actions and contributions of Dolly Parton. The author did her homework and made sure her readers became informed of the larger scope of nice things that Dolly does. Further illustrating how wrong she admits she was for judging Dolly in the first place.
Who among us has not sinned, judged or assumed incorrectly? Dolly Parton must know that many people judge her. I doubt she loses much sleep over each individual person. I think the writer of this blog post used the example of Dolly Parton to prove that we all must look a little deeper at those we judge.
You might want to check YOUR moral superiority. Why do you think it’s okay to to write such an aggressive comment to someone who is showing personal growth? We should encourage people to be more like this writer rather than shaming them for their past judgements and personal thoughts.
I always wonder about people who write comments like you have written. I hope your life isn’t sad and that you have some joy to balance this negativity.
Instead of being “sick and tired” that someone USED to judge Dolly Parton, maybe be “joyful and happy” that Dolly Parton has another new fan.
This reply confuses me. Isn’t that what apologies are for? Admitting she made an error in judgement and learned from it is a good example of how we can all do the same.
Nicole Wouda, you say…”how dare you judge this woman in the first place”….isnt that what you are doing to her? If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
Nicole, I am seriously lol. “I am sick and tired of people like you judging others because they assume they have a moral superiority”. Back at ya. If your post is not “judging” I don’t know what is. I am sure you have never done, thought, or felt anything you needed to apologize for. But if you ever do, you might read the one above. It might give you pointers on what a heartfelt apology should sound like.
Nicole,
Did you even read the article? The overly aggressive tone and unnecessary anger of your response seem out of place as a response to this article.
It was a really well written article about some of the great things that Dolly does. the underlying message is that sometimes our first impressions of things can be wrong……like how Amy thought that Dollywood was a frivolous thing to build only to come to realize that it is the largest employer in East Tn and brings in a massive amount of tourist revenue to the area.
If you had read the article what you might have understood from it is that when we are quick to judge, as perhaps you were in your response, we often miss the more subtle things that given another moment we would see.
Dolly has always had my heart. I watch her growing up. What People never seem to get is pass the outside of a person. Pass their looks. Well let me tell you my Grammy always taught me beauty is in Gods eyes, therefore we as people are all shaped in His image. People are never what they look like, People are a lot deeper than skin.
God Blessed Dolly with the knowledge and means to help others. I for one am Blessed that we as a society have Mrs Dolly Parton. She has so much love and caring for her Mountain People as well as everyone else. All I can say is God Bless you Dolly always for you are His Blessing to us.
Dolly has always been a very giving person. This country would be blessed to have a lot more people like Dolly.
Dolly is nothing short of a blessing
To understand where this went wrong…and it did…let us flip the script.
Imagine the furor and outrage if someone from the South (let’s say) gave full throated vent to her prejudices about a region (say, Brooklyn) and a musical noteable from that region (say, Jay-Z) and then ‘apologized’ for mistaking him for one of the (in the author’s obvious opinion still basically correct) stereotypes of people from that region.
But we in the South and in East Tennessee in particular are used to being the only group of people in the US, with the possible exception of the White Working Class, who are thought to be worthy of such reflexive disdain.
Bless your heart.
I fail to see how this apology has anything to do with Dolly being southern. It is clearly stated that she judged her for her big boobs and big hair. A woman being judged for how she looks and how she dresses. Pretty common right? Dolly is an example of a woman looking how she wants, for herself, while also being a wife, a follower of Jesus and a good person all around. This apology is about owning her mistake and showing her daughter a shining example of living an authentic life. Please take a moment to re-read and if you still feel victimized by it, bless your heart.
I guess you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
While this is off topic, it does reference the subject of the apology. I just want to say to those who compared themselves to Dolly and the person she is because of where she’s from and you voted for the President elect, you’re nothing like Dolly Parton. Ever!
To Amy, sorry for hijacking your comment section – you have admitted your prejudice, apologized for it’s short shortsightedness & ignorance and then extolled the virtues of the person you’re apologizing to. Perhaps Mz. Dolly will be an example for all of us to reach out to help our fellow humans regardless of how we have embraced our shortsightedness, ignorance & prejudices against them in the past. In Christ’s name, I pray so.
Back at you, Red. You cannot bless one and condemn another out of the same mouth without being a hypocrite. This is an observation of the one you claim to worship. Talk to Him about it. He’ll help you recognize it.
Very good!
Reblogged this on Marilyn Slagel and commented:
Beautiful apology and admiration for Dolly.
I guess that will teach you to never judge a book by its cover..
Miss Wouda sweetheart – what did you just do? Judge another?
I am appalled at the vicious responses I have seen here. There are very few of us who have not prejudged people in our lives. I respect your apology and your and your public delivery. Shame on the people who judged YOU.
I love you Dolly for who you are and what you do to make it a better world. If everyone could do the same the world would be great again. Only one judge and that’s God.
Thank you for this writing, Amy Rawe. As a ypunger girl, I didn’t get Dolly so much either. My Dad loved country music and I just had to grow into it. As I grew up, I came to appreciate Dolly–hair and all–with her sweet voice and occasional reads about her struggles. Dolly became more human and my hero on earth.
Thanks again, Amy Rawe, for a brave and insightful article about a remarable human.
“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.””
Because creating a business that employs people AND attracts tourists to your town who will spend money THERE too “doesn’t” help the local people.
Don’t cha know, businesses don’t create jobs and wealth, only charities and governments do that…
David,
Did you finish the article? I find Amy’s honesty refreshing. She is being open about her own personal thoughts and how she got from there to here. Why fault her for that?
Have you ever written an article where you made yourself vulnerable and posted it for all to read and comment on? She is admitting that she came from a place of ignorance to a place of understanding.
We are all guilty of grow up absorbing certain biases from our surroundings. It takes a strong person to realize that what they’ve taken for granted most of their life may, in fact, not really be the case. So kudos to you for now publicly admiring Dolly! She is a celebrity admired by many, but Tennesseeans know her as a citizen with a huge heart for others. She’s more than a celebrity; she loves her people, her state, and her country. Merry Christmas, y’all!!
In my opinion, Dolly has always been her own person……Apparently, she has had a successful marriage, even tho she is in the spotlight….so many celebrities hop from one marriage to another…..Dolly has kept her feet firmly grounded for all these years……she has not forgotten her roots and continues to give back to her Pigeon Forge area, providing jobs, etc.
For those of you attacking Amy, show a little grace please. This article is a mea culpa and a tribute to a person that she acknowledges that she misjudged. Many people cannot even find the strength to admit when they are wrong at all; the fact that Amy wrote this glowing article honoring Dolly’s work on behalf of her communities shows great strength of character. Thank you for enlightening us all, Amy. I didn’t know these things about Dolly myself and it warms my heart to hear of this goodness.
“Welcome to the party, pal.”
You people who scorn the south could stand to spend some time there.
Nicole Wouda, I respect your right to free speech however wrong and hateful it is.
Please redirect your thoughts and look inward, for this post is a reflection of you, not anyone else.
Just because we are of the human race, I couldn’t disagree with you more.
Be kind and have mercy on your fellow man.
I wish you a Merry Christmas, and pray you will be in good health, and prosperity in your life.
Tim
Dolly was also known to sit at ordinary tables in Nashville restaurants and allowed fans to approach when they liked. Happy to sign autographs. When waitstaff offered her private tables, she explained that she owed everything to her fans and wanted to remain available to them. ❤
The victimhood and anger in these comments is astounding. I thought this was great. You thought (as did I at one point) that she was a selfish bimbo. You learned new information that changed your mind. And you felt bad for the way you thought of her before. I don’t see how people are managing to turn this into a negative thing (or even a Trump thing).
Well said. Thank you Dolly and others helping behind the scenes to make all this happen. We should all work together to make this a better place. It would be easier the being against each other. I know God is smiling on this one.
This was beautiful. Thank you.
Oh, for Pete’s sake, people! Just relax a minute. The post wasn’t about Donald Trump or prejudice or the election, it was about the good work that Dolly Parton does. Good grief! Give it a rest. It’s very easy in this celebrity obsessed culture to misjudge the motives of people in the spotlight, or oversimplify their lives like we really know them when we don’t. Let’s just stand back for a sec and applaud both these women for their authentic efforts to shed light in the darkness. Don’t be a jerk; say something positive. I think it’s fantastic that kids are getting books. Better than video games, for sure. And catch a Dolly concert if you can – she is stunning.
I love Dolly… Always have. Kudos to Amy for finally getting her and expressing it so eloquently.
What I don’t understand is why on earth Donald Trump was brought into this thread. I am so tired of the division in our country.
Read the letter again and be thankful their are people like Dolly in this world making it a better place for all.
Dolly is the epitome of what living in the South is all about, she is selfless, genuine, and absolutely loving. If she never made a dime she would have still figured out a way to help. It takes a special person to change the way they think and even more to admit it. Thank you and God bless.
Well…well…well seems you touched a tender cord. Rule #1 never talk about anyone in the south unless you are related to them especially if you’re a Yankee. Rule #2 never let folks know you are a Yankee. Rule #3 when you do talk about some one always say “Bless their little ole heart”… that makes it all better. Yes I am a born Yankee but love living and working in the South and have some great friends here both northern and southern. I wouldn’t have what I now own without God and some of my southern friends in East Tennessee (almost Georgia).
For years I wanted to move south finally that day came. I have great respect for the South it’s heritage, customs, and people.
I would like to be able to say how lovely this is but really this just pisses me off. I saw a self righteous mid-westerner and yankee (I have taken to using that term over the last few years) who embraces and perpetuates the vile drivel filled dialogue regarding the Southern Men & Women. I am sick and tired of being the only faction of our society that is open season to mockery & contempt. I’m glad Dolly won this particular “writer & avid reader”, how many people do you employ?, over with her philanthropic response to the fire. I think she’s about 40 years late for appreciating Dolly’s talents, we are, after all, talking about a woman who has written over 3200 songs, such as Whitney Houston’s “I will Always Love You”. Most of us, however, don’t have the resources to build thriving theme parks and build libraries to win the hearts and minds of yankee liberals who find fodder in our not straight black hair, I mean good heavens, we wear colorful clothing and speak in one of the few remaining dialects original to the earliest times of our country, which, if studied by an educated linguist is easily tied in to the English accents the original settlers spoke. I spent the first 12 years of my life in Yankeedom. I was always uncomfortable with the rascism and bigotry that permeated the society around me but when I found out we were moving to Southern Virginia in ’81, I was certain I’d be living under Jim Crow. I couldn’t have been more wrong and neither is this author. Shame on her. I hope she continues to use her reading and writing “talents” (where’s the rolling my eyes emoji?) to continue to educate those poor, illiterate mid-westerners and northerners. I pray to God for them every day. Like a good Southern girl with teased blonde hair in a brightly colored shirt
Heather,
I’m sorry you feel so……..I’m not sure what you feel other than contempt for anyone not from the south. I was born in southern Va, most of my family is in TN. I live on the other coast but spend a good deal of time in east Tn, Tn, and Va. I saw Dolly in 9-5 and I’ve seen her in concert, mostly at state fairs. I may have had more exposure to her than most people from where I live and I didn’t know about her Virtual Library or how large of an employer Dollywood is or that it is such a huge tourist attraction.
None of my southern cousins have big teased blond hair nor do they play up that southern stereotype. I have a lot of friends who have moved here from the south, and the only stereotype that holds true is that unwavering love of college sports. As a kid I was most uncomfortable in the deep south because of overt racism that surrounded everything. I don’t see it so much anymore, is it not there anymore? Sadly, I fear it’s because I’ve become accustomed to it when I’m there.
There are a lot of great things where I live, too. Things we are very proud of and people who have become famous for one reason or another. We like to think that everyone knows about our little corner of the world, we are after all a world class tourist destination, too. We are sometime surprised when people honestly don’t know about of things or our famous people or they have old information. But people get busy, they are involved in their own lives, they often don’t have time to keep up with what is going on across the street let alone across the country. Don’t take it personally, God knows it wasn’t meant as a personal slight to you or your fellow southerners.
Let go of that contempt, no one that matters is judging you or any other southerner.
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing woman!
So am I to understand a compliment from a “Yankee” is to be rejected? And that bigotry doesn’t exist in the south? Wow. Just wow.
When I was a volunteer for concerts to raise money for good causes Dolly is the only one that came out before the show and wandered among us workers and sat and visited with us just like she was one of us. She loves her fellow men. Don’t let the good of one remark turn into something ugly. My mama always said if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.
what a great tribute to a great lady!! I applaud your honesty and abhor what a lot of the commentators have tried to turn this post into, just another political rant on someone who technically is not even in office. be careful, karma is lurking, watching and waiting to exact revenge!!! LOL MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.
Reading through some of these responses I’m having a hard time understanding why some people feel it is very important to criticize and bring down, rather than lift up others. Perhaps when one can hide behind a computer monitor and keyboard it makes it easier to judge. When you do not see another human’s face I guess it makes it okay. Maybe, just maybe this is part of the division in this country. We would rather point out the faults of others, even when they are trying to do something good.
I, for one, appreciated this post. This was written by a woman who searched her heart and saw that a pre-judgement. I did not get that the “So now that she fits a little more of your criteria about what is acceptable in a human being, now you apologize?” comment at all. I did not feel she was showing moral superiority at all. The comments criticizing this woman’s story is pretty sad. Have we become such a society that when a person recognizes their own shortcomings, we must somehow be judge and jury? And that when someone does not fit into “our own little mold” of what we think is righteous and good that it is our job to point our finger and criticize?
Anyone who says that they have never passed judgement on someone needs to take a good look at themselves. We may not think about the little things we think in our minds as judgement of others, but it is.
Perhaps it’s time we sit back, take a breath and understand that there is not one person on this earth who is perfectly righteous. The last person on this earth who was perfect was crucified for humanity’s imperfection. Perhaps instead of looking down on others who have humbled themselves, we should look up and thank God that there are still human souls out there who understand humility.
Thank you Debra!!! I couldn’t have said this any better myself. It is so sad reading these comments and how rude people are. It breaks my heart to see how far we as a society have fallen. Thank you for posting this. God Bless you.
May God bless you as well Nicole. Merry Christmas.
Thank you for this story. I have always thought very highly of Dolly. She is a wonderful person inside and out. She has a beautiful soul. God Bless you all.
Truth be known, more of us should learn a lesson from Amy. I will admit I have based a friendship on hearing things about someone before meeting them. I try not to form an opinion about a new person that will possibly be a new friend. I try to give them a chance to prove themselves to me, while I should be the one proving myself to them! I think a lot of our faults are determed from our culture and that is ashamed. I have noticed that people express themselves in writing and the next person reading it, have read with the wrong interruption. But, as the old saying, what goes around, comes around.
I’ve read a few of these comments and I’d like to add this:
Amy Rawe, it never matters when you realize the truth, as long as you realize it. Thank you for your efforts to let others know how they can be a help, like Dolly. While your article didn’t change who Dolly is, it is always nice for someone to know they made a positive impression.
Very well said. DOLLY PARTON HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL SOUL, INSIDE AND OUT, HER ENTIRE LIFE.
I’m also a coal miners daughter. I have listened to her music since The Porter Wagner days. She is true to the soul. My grandchildren have received her books from birth till they were five. I will always love her. Thank-you for your kind words. Well said. Love you Dolly.
Amy, you brought up many things I didn’t know, but I am so grateful to you and your humble letter from bringing all of these wonderful things she’s done to light. Many people did know these things, and that’s great for them. Some of us did not, and that doesn’t mean we think negatively of her or of any Southerners. What she does, she does NOT do to call attention to herself, but for the good of others. I applaud all of her efforts and obvious generosity to serve the communities she calls home. And I applaud you for having the courage to say “I was wrong, and I’m sorry”. She gained another fan in me, but so did you.
Merry Christmas!
Wow speaking of judging people! Oh and not everything has to turn political – please! Good job writing this Amy ☺️
I reslly liked reading this apology which just further reminded me of, who are we to judge ??? B4 any judgement is even contemplated one should question who am I to and am I worthy to pass judgement on another ??? If half of what is said were true, why wait 7 years of receiving books, ect ect B4 checking source ? And if in fact a reader, author, ect., should you not question source of who is sending reading material to a youngster that may influence their minds forever ?? From 2 till 9 is a long time to sit on a ‘apology’ that doesn’t scratch the surface of a beautiful and talented human being that she is. Look her up in wipipi. !Just the fact that she wrote ‘I will always love you’, a Parton compositions appears in the film: “Sneakin’ Around”, performed as a duet with Parton and Reynolds, and a two-stanza version of Parton’s 1973 composition “I Will Always Love You”. The film version of “I Will Always Love You”—the original recording having been a U.S. country chart topper for Parton in the spring of 1974—was released as a single in July 1982, and again reached number one on the U.S. country singles chart. (Whitney Houston also used this piece).
Dad always said, ‘the best I can teach you, is when to keep your mouth shut’ !
I’ve loved her for her talents for many, many years and learned to love her for her graciousness, her giving heart and her astute business head over the years. She is a hero!
Dear Amy,
It turns out that you and Dolly have a lot in common. You now heave the unenviable opportunity to follow her example of just being you no matter what anyone posts in response to your beautiful message. It is normal for people to miss their opportunity to appreciate simple beauty. It seems so tempting to take the gift you offered and use it for selfish promotion. I met Dolly in 1978 at a Porter Waggoner concert. He was the star, and she was the hit of the show. It didn’t seem to bother him one but that the crowd went wild over her performance. So many beautiful examples of humility. It is true that your message had absolutely no connection to politics, and some folks misused your message for their own agenda. Dolly has dealt with this her entire career. I think she would be proud to call you friend.
Loved the letter Amy…love Dolly too. And for all the others that made a mountain out of a mole hill….shame on you. Bet Dolly smiled when she read it and took it for how it was meant. But I did love the response “just calm down and eat a candycane”. That was priceless. ——From a GA southerner and proud of it.
Why cant people just enjoy the apologies of someone instead of going on about something eles that has no consequences to political meaning it goes to show that we dont take care of our on back yard before giveing every one eles the benefit of doubt. So mine our on business keep bad thought to our selfs and the world would be a better place gossip has destroyed this country.i like dolly and what she does but it dont mean everyone else have to thany you dolly.
I saw her for the first time on my birthday this year in Pigeon Forge. She is born to perform and put on an amazing show, at 70! I cried 5 different times..starting when she sang Jolene. She told jokes and stories and poked fun at herself. Her voice is otherworldly live. She is one of the most talented singer/songwriters of all time.
I love all the hate some people seem to be throwing about pre-judging a person you don’t know while judging a person they don’t know. Back off.
I didn’t know much about Dolly either. I liked her because I liked 9 to 5 but that’s the extent I knew of her. She was cute and cheeky and I see why others might look at her in the same light that you did. What I think this was really about was being BRAVE enough to admit you were wrong about someone. We all prejudge at some point but being open enough to see someone differently speaks volumes.
Dolly, thank you for being such a strong talented, and brave lady!
Dear Drinking : here’s an old maxim that MIGHT save your life..or at least save you from a miserable death. Goes”our suspicions confirm the depth and breadth of OUR charechters” if this shoe fits I hope you find a new and comfortable way of walking through life in the bright sunlight.
Dear Drinking, Your comment confuses me. Are you aware the comments are pointed toward Jeanie, a commenter, and not Amy, the blogger?