Dolly Parton was a country music icon, a natural actor, a prolific philanthropist and a national treasure. Parton recently died after a short battle with cancer on Aug. 25. The death of the queen of country is one being felt deeply across the nation, sparking tributes and memorials in her honor.
I was first introduced to her when I was 10, when my mom showed me “Steel Magnolias,” a late ’80s drama that permanently imprinted on my soul. Parton starred as Miss Truvy, the town’s hairdresser, and from the moment I heard her Tennessee twang and saw her bouncy blonde curls, I was entranced — I wanted to be just like that.
Parton was also known for her “Dollyisms.” Parton always had a witty comeback or joke ready. At the University of Tennessee commencement in 2009, Parton had a message specifically for us college students: “I usually try not to give advice. Information, yes, advice, no. But, what has worked for me may not work for you. Well, take for instance what has worked for me. Wigs. Tight clothes. Push-up bras.”
But my absolute favorite Dollyism is one that I find deeply inspirational: “I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. I re-read passages from my favorite books. I hold the little treasures that someone special gave me. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.”
Parton was always grateful and humble. She constantly reminded me that no matter how busy life gets, family, love and expressing gratitude for what you have are what’s most important.
The list of Parton’s achievements is a long one, but one of her most notable, and her favorite, was the Imagination Library. Parton began the Imagination Library in 1995, inspired because her father never learned to read. The Imagination Library donates books to children from birth to age five free of charge across several countries. The foundation currently has over 3 million children registered and has donated over 332 million books. Parton often spoke about wanting to give all children the chance her father didn’t have, and she said he believed the Imagination Library was the most important thing she’d ever done.
Parton worked up until a week before her passing — she announced on Aug. 18 that she wouldn’t be making the grand opening of a new Dollywood ride. In her statement, Parton said, “That’s why I’m here [in Nashville], because my little butterfly wings are getting kinda tired.”
Her fans and community were at the forefront of her mind while she was dealing with health struggles, and she continued an honest discourse with her community. All the way up until her death, she was committed to doing everything she could for her fans. She lived a selfless life, using every resource she had to care for others.
The world is grieving Dolly Parton. The outcry and pain across social media are clear. Users across platforms shared the devastation they were experiencing and the personal tributes they were holding for her. Her home state, Tennessee, is planning to rename the Nashville Airport after her, making her the first American woman to have an airport named after her. How wonderful it is that her death at 80 years old, after a long and beautifully lived life, is a tragedy.
Parton was an immense source of confidence to me — she was a woman unafraid to be utterly feminine and strong at the same time.
I can attribute my short-lived, uncomfortable tomboy phase from first grade to thinking that being “girly” was embarrassing and made me weak. In my attempts to feel empowered, I only hid a part of me I so deeply cherished. Parton helped me understand that my appearance and presentation are only a small aspect of my diverse character. Femininity was no longer a sign of weakness to me — I was proudly stunting my manicures while I carried chairs when the teacher asked for help from a strong boy.
Parton’s rhinestones, Dollyisms and indomitable spirit made a lasting impact on my tween years, and she helped me develop into a confident woman. She was the utmost representation of bravery, authenticity and kindness to me.
There is one thing nationally agreed on: everyone loved Dolly. For her, today I painted my nails a fresh coat of outrageous pink, put on my most dramatic push-up bra and played “Love Is Like a Butterfly.”
Thank you for everything you’ve done — we love you, Dolly Parton.
Deirdre Pryal is a junior majoring in sociology.
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