One of my fondest childhood memories is cruising in my mom’s old Bronco, the windows rolled down, belting out “Islands in the Stream” together. The wind tousled her hair, reminiscent of a Flock of Seagulls meets Dorothy Hamill look, as she sang with enthusiasm. To my young eyes, there was no one more stunning than my mother, effortlessly navigating the streets of Nashville with a TAB soda in one hand and her lips adorned in L’Oreal’s Frosted Coral. I was just five, and Dolly was in her prime.
My fascination with Dolly Parton started young. Growing up in Tennessee, I visited Silver Dollar City, the precursor to Dollywood, long before I even heard of Disney World. Christmas didn’t feel complete until we watched Dolly face off against a witch in A Smoky Mountain Christmas, where she played the ghost of a country singer who met an untimely end.
And let’s not forget the iconic bridge in Memphis, which I confidently called the “Dolly Parton Bridge” until sixth grade when I learned its real name (it’s a double bump, resembling a certain feature). I even dressed as an anatomically correct Dolly for Halloween in kindergarten while living in Bolivia, an experience that left many scratching their heads.
Even now, my admiration for Dolly endures. While I don’t always appreciate the way she commercializes the Appalachian culture and realize her persona is quite over-the-top, I do hope my four-year-old daughter will create her own special memories with Dolly. Here’s why:
1. Dolly is Savvy
One of my favorite Dolly quotes is, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” She understands the business of branding and how to market herself. With a theme park, a water park, dinner shows, a record label, and thousands of songs under her belt, Dolly knows how to make a profit—without pretending to be something she’s not. I bet she’s smart enough to have a few Harvard MBAs on her team, too.
2. Dolly Exudes Confidence
Dolly’s signature look—those EFG (for Extra Friggin’ Grande) breasts and sparkling coveralls—may not fit Vogue’s standards, but she never conformed. Instead of altering her accent or trying to fit into Hollywood’s mold, she embraced her uniqueness and launched a theme park.
3. Dolly is Proud of Her Roots
Dolly’s commitment to her hometown is commendable. She continually invests in local services and initiatives that benefit Sevier County and the broader East Tennessee area. Her Imagination Library ensures that every preschooler receives a specially selected book each month, fostering a love for reading.
4. Dolly is for Everyone
If you’ve ever attended a Dolly Parton concert, you’ll know it’s a diverse crowd. It’s not just a gathering of country fans; people from all walks of life—men and women, LGBTQ+, young and old—come together to sing along to “Jolene.” Dolly’s warmth and inclusivity draw in everyone.
5. Dolly Keeps It Real
Why listen to songs about superficial themes when you can enjoy Dolly’s anthems about genuine experiences? From the poignant tale of “Coat of Many Colors” to the hardworking spirit of “9 to 5,” her music resonates on a deeper level, making it more fulfilling than just fluff.
In conclusion, Dolly Parton is more than just a performer; she’s a multifaceted icon who stands for confidence, pride, and authenticity. I genuinely hope my daughter grows up with her own cherished Dolly moments, just as I did.
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