America lost an icon this week with the passing of singer and songwriter Dolly Parton. She was the buxom blonde everyone loved. Her schtick of big hair and a big chest was matched by enormous talent, placing her in the top tier of the world's wealthiest entertainers. The value of her estate is estimated to be in the vicinity of $450 million to $650 million, and that is remarkable considering she was born into poverty. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Dolly lived the quintessential American Dream.
Country music gave Parton a start, but it was only a launching pad for her many talents. She was one of the few who successfully crossed over into other music styles and was eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Tennessee native was beloved by millions who were responsible for her songs reaching the top of the charts from the 1970s onward. But Dolly, as her fans call her, was more than just a performer. She was one of those rare individuals of whom no one had a bad word to say.
One of 12 children born into poverty in the mountains of Tennessee, Dolly Parton learned early lessons from her parents, including from her father, who could not read or write but had sharp business acumen. She credited her mother for giving her a love for music. As she later became known for both her business sense and her massive success in the entertainment industry, those early lessons seem to have shaped her life.
Dolly Parton – Working more than 9 to 5
Underneath all those blonde wigs and in between the sequins, the Tennessee native was a shrewd businesswoman. When told she’d have to hand over half of the rights to Elvis Presley for the song “I Will Always Love You,” she refused and stood her ground.
Free with the Daily Briefing
85EssaysUnravel the Constitution
Hamilton, Madison & Jay’s complete case for America, free and searchable in the Publius Reader.
Free with the Daily Briefing. Unsubscribe anytime.
In 1977, Barbara Walters conducted a lengthy interview with Parton. She essentially called the famed singer and songwriter a hillbilly and indicated that the country singer was “a joke.” Without missing a beat, Parton shot back: “I know exactly what I'm doing, and I can change it at any time. I make more jokes about myself than anybody because I'm sure of myself as a person. I am sure of my talent, and I'm sure of my love for life. I'm very content. I like the kind of person that I am.”
Best known for her songs “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “Working 9 to 5,” and as the author of the song “I Will Always Love You,” one could focus on Parton’s story in the high life, but she was so much more, according to those who knew her. At the time of her death at age 80, Dolly Parton had ramped up her game, building a business empire that included a theme park named after her, real estate holdings, and a plethora of “Dolly” merchandise.
Despite being denied the gift of motherhood due to medical issues during her 30s, Parton used her vast income to benefit children worldwide. In 1988, she created the Dollywood Foundation to reduce the high school dropout rate. Another branch of her nonprofit was Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program sends a book to a child from birth until they enter kindergarten. Her book program extends across the Atlantic into Ireland and the UK. Thus, it was not surprising that at the announcement of Parton’s passing, the Royal Family put out a statement, saying: “Remembering the late, great Dolly, who brought joy, comfort and inspiration to so many.” In her honor, King Charles' Band of Coldstream Guards performed “9 to 5” outside Buckingham Palace.
Deep Faith Roots
According to an article in Marie Claire magazine, Parton began every day by reading the Bible and praying. She unabashedly described herself as spiritual rather than religious. Raised Pentecostal in the Church of God, she felt religion was “crammed down her throat” and believed the best way to show people the gospel was by her actions rather than words. She embodied the philosophy often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.” When asked if she believed in heaven, the celebrity riffed with a biting comment: “I guess nobody knows for sure if there is a heaven. But if there is, I just hope to hell I go.”
The word most often used for Dolly was kind, and she was a rare individual who coupled wit with wisdom. She paired these qualities with a wicked sense of humor. Here are a few sayings known lovingly as Dollyisms:
“I’m a self-made woman, and I have the doctor bills to prove it.”
“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.”
“When I talk to a man, I can always tell what he’s thinking by where he’s looking…”
Parton’s self-deprecating remarks were a hallmark of her amusing side, but she also could be profound, coming up with a few proverbs:
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.”
“Storms make trees take deeper roots.”
“Find out who you are. And do it on purpose.”
Parton’s rags-to-riches story is one filled with love and laughter as well as trials and pain. She had a unique ability not just to overcome, but to use her experiences as well as her worldly success to help others. This is perhaps why people remember Dolly Parton not just for her musical ability or acting talent, but for her heart of gold.
.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
