08/25/2026
Today feels personal. đź’”
Dolly Parton has always felt like more than a Tennessee icon to me. Her music has been woven through my life and through my family for generations.
When the news broke today, my son immediately called me to offer his condolences—because he knew how much Dolly meant to me. And somehow, that made the loss feel even more real.
Her songs raised me. Then they became part of my son’s childhood. And now, they’re part of my grandchildren’s lives too. When our family is together, it’s nothing for “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” or “Islands in the Stream” to come on and every one of us to sing at the top of our lungs. Three generations, knowing every word. ❤️
And Dolly gave my family more than music.
I signed my grandson up for Dolly’s Imagination Library when he was little, and month after month, those books arrived. I read every single one of them to him. At the time, they were sweet moments between a grandmother and her grandson. Today, I realize Dolly was a little part of those memories too.
That was her gift. She had this extraordinary way of being part of our lives without ever knowing us.
Here in Tennessee, we were always so proud to claim her as our own. But Dolly belonged to the world. She showed people that you could be wildly successful and still be kind. You could be glamorous and still be genuine. You could never forget where you came from—and spend your life giving back to the people and places that helped make you who you are.
Today, Tennessee is hurting. I’m hurting.
But tonight, I think we’ll turn the music up a little louder, sing every word, and be grateful that my grandchildren are growing up loving the same voice that helped raise their grandmother.
What a beautiful legacy.
Thank you for the music, the books, the laughter, the generosity and the memories, Dolly. 🤍
From one Tennessee family to our Tennessee girl… we will always love you. 🦋🎶
