There are some events that are so shocking and impactful that we all remember where we were when we heard the news. Only time will tell, but it sure feels like the passing of Dolly Parton has had that kind of collective impact.
Dolly’s love and light shone so brightly, and she somehow managed to earn the admiration of people of all ages, races, political affiliations, religions, and nationalities. You might find people who aren’t huge fans of her music, but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who isn’t a fan of HER.
I’ve thought a lot about this incredible legacy of Dolly’s over the past couple of days. In a world that is divided over EVERYTHING, how in the world did she unite us in our love and admiration for her?
I suspect it comes down to three things: her grace, generosity, and humility.
Dolly found a way to be kind to everyone. To love people without first deciding whether or not they were worthy of being loved. It’s hard not to love someone who loved you first. Isn’t that the definition of grace? To extend your whole heart to someone, even when you don’t see eye to eye with them?
Her generosity has impacted more people than any of us will ever know. I, personally, got a taste of it when we signed a child we were caring for up for the Imagination Library. Every month, we’d get so excited when ‘Aunt Dolly’ sent Mateo his new books. Over 300 MILLION BOOKS and counting have been distributed through the program, which Dolly started because she knew how important early literacy is for children.
I also remember when a terrible wildfire burned through much of Eastern Tennessee, close to Dolly’s hometown of Pigeon Forge. Dolly helped raise and donate enough money so that every impacted family received $1,000 per month until they could get back on their feet. Over 900 families ended up with a total of $10,000 each!
Dolly could have easily died a billionaire. Instead, she chose to bless, and bless, and bless - some conservative estimates are that she gave away over $550 million in her lifetime.
Finally, Dolly endeared us with her humility. She never forgot her humble beginnings. She’d make jokes about herself before anyone else had a chance. She seemed like the kind of person who never once entertained the idea that they might be “too good” for another person. She was thankful for the fame and fortune she earned, but she never let it go to her head.
As I get older, I think more and more about the legacy I’ll leave. I wonder how well I’ll be remembered after I’m gone. It probably shouldn’t matter, but it does. And I’m inspired by Dolly to live each day with more grace, generosity, and humility.
