08/25/2026
💔 Today feels a little heavier.
Dolly Parton was one of those rare people who somehow felt larger than life and completely relatable at the same time. She was talented, hilarious, unapologetically herself, generous, kind, and just… Dolly.
And for me, she was more than just a celebrity I admired. She is actually the only celebrity I’ve ever impersonated.🥹
Years ago, I entered a corporate lip sync battle in Nashville and decided that if I was going to do it, I was going to go ALL IN. I put on the wig, the sparkle, the attitude, and performed *9 to 5* as Dolly.
Looking back, I think part of the reason I loved impersonating her so much was because Dolly never seemed afraid to be exactly who she was. She was glamorous and goofy, brilliant and humble, wildly successful and still deeply connected to where she came from.
She reminded us that you don't have to take yourself too seriously to take your life seriously.
And she proved that you can be kind without being weak, ambitious without losing your heart, and successful without forgetting the people who helped you get there.
So today, I’m raising a little imaginary glass of sweet tea to the woman who gave us so many songs, so many laughs, so much inspiration… and gave me one of my favorite stories to tell.
Thank you, Dolly. ❤️
You really were one of a kind.
And somewhere, I hope there’s a stage waiting for you with a rhinestone microphone and a whole lot of *9 to 5* playing in the background. ✨
Rest easy, Dolly. You earned it.💕
