Hello, Dolly

 

As a young girl on the farm, the Porter Wagoner Show was a regular part of family entertainment and Dolly Parton was the star, regardless of the name on the opening credits.

 I listened to her auto-biography Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics  through Harris County Library audio books and was able to hear her tell stories and sing pieces of her songs. (PSA-Get a library card!)

 

What I have in Common with Dolly Parton

It seems a bit unlikely that Dolly and I have anything in common given her flair for hair, costumes and makeup and my lack of interest in those areas. But here are three.

Love of Family

She often shares stories of family members and has lifted up their talents and included them in her work. As Dolly says, “I was blessed to have family members who encouraged me to pursue my dreams.”

In blogs, I, too, share stories about my family.  They don’t seem to be convinced that my using their stories for laughs and lessons is the same as Dolly giving her family jobs.   

Physical Appearance

We are both large bodied, just in different places. And we are both 5 feet tall.  As Dolly says, “I walk tall; I got a tall attitude.”

Married to her Childhood Love

We both married young, and in spite of the odds, it worked for us. She and her husband celebrated their 50^th anniversary with a renewal of vows and a big family party.  Martin and I will have our golden anniversary this summer and are celebrating with a year of travel and adventures. As Dolly say, “The humor has kept us together over the years. Carl (and Martin) has a crazy, warped sense of humor. He is extremely funny and I suppose I am pretty funny too.”

 

What I need to Learn from Dolly Parton

Generosity

Dolly has a long history of giving highlighted by her literacy program (Imagination Library) providing one book a month for registered children from birth to kindergarten. As Dolly says, “…helping kids to read gives them a great start in life.” And her generosity continues as she gives to Covid-19 related causes.

Acceptance of My Body

When I walk down a sidewalk and see a reflection of myself in a store window, I smile because that person does not look familiar and I always smile at strangers. Dolly says, “I’m comfortable in my own skin, no matter how far it’s stretched.”

Acceptance of others

Dolly considers herself more spiritual than religious and that spiritual maturity has made her accepting of people of all backgrounds.  As Dolly says, “We’re all just a bunch of sinners, but we do the best we can.”

 

Yes, I am a fan and admirer of Dolly Parton and I am hoping that someone at my funeral will quote her. As Dolly says, “I want to go and go, and then drop dead in the middle of something I'm loving to do. And if that doesn't happen, if I wind up sitting in a wheelchair, at least I'll have my high heels on.”