The world is a little less sparkly today without Dolly Parton in it. No one looked like her or sang like her. She was a true marvel with her bouffant hair, towering stilettos, and velvet voice. And those rhinestones! Parton grew up with very little in the way of material possessions. However, that did not stop her. In fact, it seems to have energized her. She rose, solely by dint of her own efforts, to the height of fame and wealth.
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Nevertheless, Dolly Parton remained approachable and without grandiose airs. She was always there for others including strangers, especially in times of need. Parton transcended political, cultural, and artistic boundaries. Hers was a world without walls.
I was struck by how so many well-known individuals paid tribute to her. They were people of very dissimilar interests and backgrounds, yet they all agreed on one thing - we have lost a remarkable woman who was an American success story writ large.
What Jelly Roll Said
One of those who honored Dolly Parton on the day she died was Jelly Roll. This week, the "Need a Favor" singer is subbing for host Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live! His monologue is usually full of belly laughs. On the night of Tuesday, August 25, though, Jelly paused to strike a somber note. He solemnly reminisced about the late, great Dolly Parton.
He shared, "We lost a legend today, the great Dolly Parton. She was such an inspiration to so many, myself included. We're both from Tennessee and she meant a lot to my family, y'all. We used to sit around the kitchen table and listen to her music together as a family. I'll never forget it. I learned so much from Dolly over the years, about songwriting, how to handle this crazy business, and how to support your community. So I want to send my love to East Tennessee and Sevier County right now representing her. We love you Dolly and we miss you."
"We Will Always Love You"
Then Jelly Roll concluded like this. "She was infinitely talented. She was relentlessly funny and adored by all. She might be the last American that everyone liked. We will miss her dearly, Rest in peace, Dolly." He ended with the signature line from one of Parton's most beloved songs. "We will always love you."
