25 Comments
User's avatar
Christene Barberich's avatar

What a gorgeous piece of writing and a BEAUTIFUL testament to the woman and the LEGEND who taught us all so well. Dolly 4 Ever✨✨✨

Marielle-Pivot Master 💜's avatar

So happy for your gran’s loose rules and the woman you are today, and the cheering for Dolly!

James Fanjul's avatar

Reminds me of this scripture:

“And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.” - Mosiah 2:41 from the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Natalie Mills's avatar

I can never think about Dolly Parton without also thinking about my Mother. Reading this confirms I’m not the only one.

Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

A lovely tribute to Dolly, Virginia! What an amazing woman she was. I've never seen any confirmation that Dolly was covered in tattoos, just a lot of speculation about it. "Here You Come Again" is also my favourite song of hers!

Emily K's avatar

I admit I was super curious about the tattoos mention, and I found a buzzfeed “article” with quotes from Dolly about having gotten them to turn scars into beautiful things to adorn her body.

Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

Sounds like Dolly, but also wishful thinking. I choose to believe! 🦋

Virginia Chamlee's avatar

I have a journalist friend who saw at least one 😉

Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

Get out! My love for Dolly is even more! Thanks, Virginia!💕🦋

Jenny Schmitt, PhD's avatar

"Here You Come Again" being a favourite is a good sign. It's the one where the songwriting shows most

Jaded Curator's avatar

Thank you for writing this. It’s the best thing I’ve read all day. And the movie you reference is absolutely fantastic 😊

Sabine's avatar

What a well written, heartfelt tribute to the icon who was Dolly Parton. You've captured the dichotomy of her "doll-ness" and warrior woman so well. She was a truly unique, beautiful person. She will me missed.

Emily K's avatar

Absolutely loved this tribute, Virginia! You highlight so many reasons why Dolly was so marvelous, and thank you for bringing up the weirdness found in the South- a great reminder to this Texan.

Szana Marr “Z” ~  @VERZAwear's avatar

Spot on per usual 💕 We will miss you Dolly. She was so fabulous. And such and great person. 😥💯💖💕

David Lay's avatar

I had not known that, in modern American usage, nonplussed has acquired exactly the opposite meaning to what it had in16th century England and still has, in that country, today; surprised, confused, perplexed.

Since it is not a common word I do not know what the accepted usage is in Canada.

Virginia Chamlee's avatar

It is a fascinating word in that experts still use it to mean surprised but modern American usage has embraced it as the opposite.

Jenny Schmitt, PhD's avatar

The commercial version of what you're describing: she never once updated the look. Everyone else in music rebranded per decade, and she wore the same silhouette for fifty years, which is why a five-year-old could pick her out of a lineup. Consistency at that level normally reads as being stuck. On her it compounded and created a brand identiy.

And she was ruthless underneath it. Turning down Elvis because the deal wanted half her publishing on "I Will Always Love You" was a fortune declined at 27, and the Whitney version later paid for it many times over. The wigs were the decoy the whole time.

Michelle Jarrard's avatar

Beautiful sentiments, beautifully written

Nicole Barlass's avatar

Beautifully written tribute to an amazing woman!

Dawn Rodriguez's avatar

I’ve always known we were sisters (yes I’m the older sis) but this cements it more 😉

Stefanie's avatar

Thank you for the video of my favorite Dolly song “Here You Come Again.” The fringe on her dress - swoon! 😍