Hello (And Goodbye) Dolly

Dolly Parton 1946-2026.

The death of the legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has left a hole in many people’s hearts. Sue Pritchard tries to understand why.

“How do you know all the words to that song?” my husband asked in amazement last night.

We were watching one of the many TV tributes to the Queen of Country Music – Dolly Parton – who passed away yesterday at 80 years of age.

“I’ve never heard it before,” he told me.

Unamused by my rendition of his namesake Dolly Parton song called Me And Little Andy, my husband Andy was more impressed by the fact I knew this old, and in his view, somewhat obscure song - word for word.

And it got me thinking that thanks to my dad, Dolly Parton played a big part in the soundtrack of my childhood.

Wise Words

Perhaps with his judgement somewhat influenced by her blonde and busty trademark looks, my dad was nonetheless a country fan and loved all of Dolly’s music.

Over the years I became a fan too, and Dolly taught me about life as well.

From her songs I knew that Just Because I’m A Woman, life might be hard sometimes. Things could also get worse if Jolene lived Two Doors Down by The Bargain Store, because although Love Is Like A Butterfly, it can often lead to D.I.V.O.R.C.E. But I if I could see the Light Of A Clear Blue Morning, I’ll always know everything is going to be alright.

And as an aspiring feminist, I also paid attention when Dolly sang about the problems of working in a man’s world from Nine To Five. This is not only the song that became the anthem for generations of working women everywhere, but also the song that made my hen night 26 years ago and has been my go-to karaoke number ever since!

Dumb Blonde

The first hit song to kick-start Dolly’s 60-year music career was, perhaps rather tongue-in-cheek, called Dumb Blonde.

This diminutive lady who dazzled the world with her larger-than-life persona and trademark glitzy glamour and blonde wigs, was most certainly not dumb. She also wasn’t blonde either, she’d comment with her charismatic sharp wit, when questioned about her looks and the impressions they gave.

Dolly may have known it was hard being a woman, but she also knew how to play the patriarchal world at its own game, and won in glamourous style.

For Dolly was no fool. She said people may think she looked like a joke at times, but the joke was on them because she knew what she was doing.

When enticed by Jane Fonda to play a part in the blockbusting film 9 To 5 in 1980, Dolly agreed on the proviso she could write the theme song. She also refused to give none other than The King, Elvis, her song I Will Always Love You.

Elvis loved the song. He even sang it to Priscila Presley outside the courthouse after they got divorced. But his team wanted the copyright and Dolly knew she needed to hang on to it for longer. When she finally relinquished the song to Whitney Houston, it made Dolly rich.

She also thanked the woman who flirted with her husband and inspired her song Jolene. Ranked on the Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, Dolly says without that woman she wouldn’t have written Jolene and made lots of money.

There was much more to Dolly than fame and fortune though. Although becoming one of the most successful and influential singer-songwriters of all time was remarkable. She was also a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry and became a pioneer for feminism, breaking barriers and defying expectations.

When I started out, Dolly said, it never crossed my mind I wouldn’t make it because I’m a woman. I wasn’t afraid, she added.

Dolly was also inclusive, crossing boundaries and generations with her music. In fact it was one of my daughters who broke the sad news to me about her death. They both fondly knew her as Aunt Dolly after her appearance with Miley Cyrus in the TV show Hannah Montana.

And with her cute little giggle, Dolly also loved to laugh. When filming 9 To 5 with her, Jane Fonda said most days they’d be laughing so hard they’d have to cross their legs!

Dolly Parton sold over 100 million records during her 60-year career in the music industry.

Find out who you are, Dolly said, and do it on purpose.

Big-Hearted

Although small in stature, Dolly was known for her all-encompassing kindness and compassion. Through her Imagination Library, reportedly inspired by her dad who was never taught to read, she donated 300 million books to encourage children to do so. It's also claimed she wanted to be remembered for her books, and not her looks.

Dolly was always keen to support causes close to her heart, and donated millions of dollars to medical research and disaster funds.

As her website says, Dolly’s life is a testament to dreaming big, believing in yourself, and lifting up others.

“I broke a few boundaries by being myself,” Dolly agreed.

Always unapologetically herself, she encouraged others to be the same. Although she acknowledged she may look bizarre and artificial to some people, she assured everyone she was totally real on the inside.

Like A Butterfly

I’m sitting here wondering why I feel so compelled to write this tribute to a woman I never knew or saw.

In fact, why is it that the deaths of celebrities often affect us?

Maybe Dolly knew the answer to this.

Reflecting on her long and remarkable career, she said she’s been around for such a long time now, she probably seems like a member of the family to most people.

And perhaps knowing my dad also loved Dolly so much, makes her death feel like another broken link in the chain of memories leading me back to my childhood, and him.

Bittersweet memories, as Dolly sang.

There’s another tug at my heart too. Dolly had a lifelong love of butterflies. She said because they didn't sting or bite and are colourful and gentle, she felt they were a reflection of her personality. So she claimed butterflies as her own emblem throughout her career.

They also reminded her of her childhood and chasing them from bush to bush in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. She’d be so enthralled, often getting lost so her mum would have to come and find her.

And it’s my mum who I believe is now using butterflies as her sign, trying to find me from beyond the grave.

Earth Angel

I heard someone else describe Dolly as an earth angel yesterday. And it’s true that although we may have lost an angel down here, the heavens now have a sparkling rhinestone star, forever shining in her glory up there.

When I’m done, Dolly said a while ago, I can rest in peace knowing I’ve done my best. She also hoped she could leave something behind for others to use, so they can lift themselves up when needed.

Well, you may certainly rest in peace now Dolly. That was a job well done. We’ll continue being More Dolly down here.

And if you do happen to bump into my dad up there, give him a hug from me - it’d make his day!