[Nerdspresso] We Will Always Love Dolly Parton

A Birthday Wish for South Durham

I’m asking 100 neighbors to help raise $5,000 by Sept. 22 to expand independent local journalism through Southpoint Access.

Southpoint AccessWes Platt

By Jeff Stanford, Special to Southpoint Access

It was hard not to love Dolly Parton. Even if you weren’t a fan of her music, her bodacious style and boundless enthusiasm were impossible to resist. One of the few celebrities who walked the walk, Dolly quietly made a difference by sharing her wealth and love for humanity. She never forgot her humble roots, which influenced her decisions throughout her life and career. 

Her philanthropy affected literacy, healthcare, and disaster relief not just in our country, but the world over. She made us believe that some famous people are as good as they present themselves to be. Dolly was larger than life. Her recent passing has hit me really hard. Yes, she’s a cultural icon and a national treasure, but Dolly Parton was part of the family. Sort of.

My grandma was a huge fan. Dolly’s music resonated throughout her house, and I learned the lyrics to “Jolene,” “Here You Come Again,” and “Coat of Many Colors” before I could tell time or multiply prime numbers. Her songs were the soundtrack to my childhood. I learned to dance to Dolly Parton. When she made the leap to the big screen, Grandma was there. She was first in line at her small town movie house to catch her debut in 9 to 5 with Jane Fonda and Lilly Tomlin. 

I only spent summers with my grandma, and since 9 to 5 came out around Christmas, we didn’t get to watch it together until it was on HBO when she came to visit. As a kid, I usually wasn’t too interested in movies starring grownups if spaceships and laser guns weren’t involved. But Dolly Parton was her own special effect. She had a personality as big as her singing voice. And yes, her ample bosom may have jump-started puberty for me, but that’s a story for another day.