Remembering Dolly Parton
I’ve been thinking about Dolly a lot recently, which is unexpected because she wasn’t someone I thought about much before she passed away. Of course, since her recent passing, every social media app you open is filled with tributes to her. She seems to have been a remarkably good and generous person, and I love it when people have their own unapologetically distinct style.
Only Dolly would wear high heels in the rugged Appalachian Mountains! She was indeed born right in the heart of Appalachia, in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. We are learning so much about her beautiful heart, like her incredible book-giving campaigns that encouraged countless children to read.
We also hear stories of how she quietly helped people who were destitute or going through terrible times. Learning about all of this generosity makes me want to pack up and go visit Dollywood! She truly had a beautiful sparkle about her that was wonderfully contagious.
Never Forgetting Where We Came From
Through it all, she always went back to her roots and was never ashamed of where she came from. I feel it’s so important for us to go back to our own roots and remember where we came from, too. Even more importantly, we must remember that we have a Savior and a beautiful heavenly homeland waiting for us.
As Hebrews 11:16 reminds us, “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”
A Song from the Depths of the Soul
As we learn more and more of her story, it is clear that she was a God-fearing woman. She had a unique story, and she sang her songs straight from the depths of her soul. Her words had real meaning, offering comfort and joy to the people who needed to hear them most.
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She Was Only Three Months Younger Than My Mother
There is another reason Dolly’s age caught my attention.
She was only three months younger than my mother.
Which means, technically, I could have been Dolly’s daughter.
And that may be the closest connection I have to Dolly Parton.
Well…that, and kidney stones.
I have them too.
So I felt especially sorry to hear about Dolly’s struggles with kidney stones.
The Author and Finisher of Our Faith
What a blessing that her passing came swiftly and that she did not have to linger long in misery. It is such a comfort to know that God is the author and finisher of her faith, and of our faith as well.
Dolly is sleeping sweetly in the grave now until Jesus comes.
Interestingly, there is a lovely lady in my church who I have always thought of as the brunette version of Dolly. She has numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews, but no children of her own.
This lady wears high heels wherever she goes and dresses in a very classy, distinct 1970s style that is all her own. She is a wonderful reminder of that same Appalachian charm, but as Lillian would say, “she’s taking a dirt nap now”. Rest in peace, dear Dolly.