This week I think I finally figured it out. After many years of uncertainty and indecision, I think I finally figured out what I want to do with my life.
I want to grow up to be like Dolly.
Yes, this week Dolly Parton passed away. I was sitting on the beach scrolling on my phone when I saw the news.
My wife and I were babysitting our grandson. My daughter has gone back to work at Norton High School so we’re back to work watching the little guy a few times a week.
I actually didn’t want to tell my wife the news about Dolly because I knew how sad that would make her. How many times has that happened in your life?
I’ve read so many stories about Dolly Parton this week and what people have had to say. Country singer Jelly Roll called her “the last American that everyone liked.”
Might be.
I haven’t read anything negative about her this week, and truthfully, if I did I would have ignored it.
I think the woman was amazing.
She was a talented singer, songwriter, actress in movies and television. Not to mention theme park owner. Dollywood is certainly on my bucket list.
She was also a decent person.
Dolly put her money to good use. She started a program called “Dolly Parton’s Literacy Library.” They mail free, age-appropriate books to children up to five years old. Dolly started the program in 1995 to honor her father who never learned how to read or write.
She never forgot her humble beginnings. Dolly Parton grew up in poverty as the fourth of 12 children in East Tennessee. She made her mark in the world but never forgot where she came from.
Some Dolly quotes from over the years:
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
“I always count my blessings more than I count my money. I don’t work for money, never have.”
“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
“I tried every diet in the book. I tried some that weren’t in the book. I tried eating the book. It tasted better than most of the diets.”
“My songs are like my children —- I expect them to support me when I’m old.”
“The way I see it, if you want to see the rainbow you got to put up with the rain.”
“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
“If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.”
I read one story this week that I had never heard before. It came from a producer I know of. He produces a syndicated radio show and is one of several cast members of that show and he’s only on the air briefly every day. He mentioned a time when Dolly was a guest. When she came into the station he was sitting in one of the smaller studios and she made it a point to walk in and say, “And who is this young man?” He mentioned how she didn’t have to do that. Most other people just walk right by him and go to see the host but she made it a point to see him. He said she would light up any room she entered.
Can you imagine?
Caring enough about people so that they feel important and happy for the fact that you were there. To spread joy and happiness just with your presence.
The world is a better place because Dolly Parton was in it.
Let that be an inspiration for us all.
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