That is a beautiful and moving tribute to one of my most admired humans. In addition to her prodigious talent, wisdom and sense of humor, Dolly was icon of kindness, generosity and empathy. She was a beautiful soul, and I will miss her dearly.
So beautiful Jim. Another winner! Yes, I love Dolly too, saw her in concert, have a couple of her CDs - but you are right, she is such a beautiful person, so authentic and good. We’re all crying now, but in a good way, b/c at least I can feel a renewal coming. I’m energized, fighting the good fight to Election Day. We can do this!💕🌈💙
Jim, I echo everyone's sentiments here, including yours. I didn't know much about Dolly, but a few weeks ago I watched a documentary about her and have since watched a couple more. I'm just now learning about her quiet generosity: the $1 million she gave to fund the making of the first COVID vaccine, and the 300million books she's given to children all over the U.S. through her Imagination Library, are only two instances of how she shared her financial and emotional wealth.
I've found myself crying spontaneously also this week, at the loss of someone with the capacity to care about others. I am grateful when media turn their attention to people like Dolly, and for a brief moment, we get to collectively remember a woman who danced to her own tune, and who lived out her life authentically, no matter how else her external appearance was interpreted. She called out the sexual double standard way back in 1967 when she wrote:
"My mistakes are no worse than yours, just because I'm a woman."
Thanks for writing these heartfelt feelings. Your insights made me realize that Dolly Parton is the perfect counter-example to the belief that money — especially a lot of money — turns you into an agent for dark forces. (Call it what you will: a psychopath, a sociopath, a narcissist, or simply an asshole.) She showed that you could make a lot of money and put it to wonderful uses.
While there are some studies showing that the more money you have the less you exhibit empathy, I suspect the people studied were predisposed to being assholes anyway. Money just helps those so inclined to get there faster.
In a line swiped from Fried Green Tomatoes, "There are angels here on earth masquerading as people. Dolly was one of them".
I have been a Dolly fan for over 50 years. I live a few hours from Dollywood. Here is another impressive fact. Dollywood is the largest employer in Sevier County, Tn.
She was an impeccable humanitarian, and a lot was kept hidden from the masses.
I'm glad you finally got to see the fine actions of this truly talented and remarkable woman from Appalachia.
Once again, Jim, you nailed it. Been doing the same crying. My generation has produced such a wide range of humans: at one end, Dolly Parton. At the far distant other, DJT. And I agree, she could (and should) be a saint. Though I think she'd decline the honor.
Jim - A moving tribute to Dolly Parton. She exhibits the values that we who Actually Are Christians practice.
Many will claim to be Christian - the Lord Jesus told us this in the New Testament - look for the words in red.
But look to the Book of James, the brother of Jesus. As I told my Evangelical family at the end of 2025, ACTUAL CHRISTIANS will be identifiable by their actions.
Dolly Parton was a role model for the entire world 🌎
Jim - I know it are an atheist - which is part of the reason the Constitution of the United States 🇺🇸 stands out - no forced religion - but you Jim - have more respect for your fellow humans than those who attack you.
That is why I follow your Substack. You recognize dark souls from those who have empathy. Because empathy is only suicidal for the dark souls. Having actual empathy is how those among us who have to deal with dangerous people are able to identify those they may potentially be amenable to work with and those to be avoided and defend against.
Keep writing Jim - what you write is helpful to those who are out here trying to protect the Constitution of the United States 🇺🇸
I just listened to that clip you included of Dolly singing Stairway to Heaven. It’s 5:30 am and as soon as she started singing my dog and I were enthralled. He stared at me unflinching as if I were pouring forth this beauty lol. I’d never heard it before and neither had he of course. RIP. Damn it now I’m crying.
I caught the cover Shine on u-tube. The things that always strike me about Dolly's voice is that she can sing anything and give it her heart and soul. I'm sure she rehearsed but it never seems that way. She is/was a natural.
I second all that you say Jim. As the world loses its good people like Dolly I also mourn that they are never going to be replaced. We are increasingly seeing all the bad and greedy people in the spotlight which means that our children won’t have the best examples to grow up with.
She had this effect on a lot of people, Jim. She lived her life in love and in service to others through her art. I think her passing at this time in particular is also a tremendous service to us all. We have needed so desperately to feel we matter, loved. Dolly loved us all and still does, too. Our love for her will rise and we will remember what living is for. Great article.
Your spirit or subconscious, if you prefer, may be grieving the lack in this Trumpian infected society of goodness, compassion and empathy... the scarcity of joy, honesty and unconditional love...as it was given so often by Dolly. Our spirits long for those things. We need to give them and recieve them. She was a light in a very dark corrider. It hurts to lose the energy of her spirit on earth. It hurts me too... I can say that. I admired her character and goodness. She radiated it.
That is a beautiful and moving tribute to one of my most admired humans. In addition to her prodigious talent, wisdom and sense of humor, Dolly was icon of kindness, generosity and empathy. She was a beautiful soul, and I will miss her dearly.
This is such a beautiful tribute you wrote, Jim. I learned things and felt things from reading it
Thanks for posting this video. I never would have known it existed. Such an incredible performance. And she looked the best I've ever seen her.
So beautiful Jim. Another winner! Yes, I love Dolly too, saw her in concert, have a couple of her CDs - but you are right, she is such a beautiful person, so authentic and good. We’re all crying now, but in a good way, b/c at least I can feel a renewal coming. I’m energized, fighting the good fight to Election Day. We can do this!💕🌈💙
Jim, I echo everyone's sentiments here, including yours. I didn't know much about Dolly, but a few weeks ago I watched a documentary about her and have since watched a couple more. I'm just now learning about her quiet generosity: the $1 million she gave to fund the making of the first COVID vaccine, and the 300million books she's given to children all over the U.S. through her Imagination Library, are only two instances of how she shared her financial and emotional wealth.
I've found myself crying spontaneously also this week, at the loss of someone with the capacity to care about others. I am grateful when media turn their attention to people like Dolly, and for a brief moment, we get to collectively remember a woman who danced to her own tune, and who lived out her life authentically, no matter how else her external appearance was interpreted. She called out the sexual double standard way back in 1967 when she wrote:
"My mistakes are no worse than yours, just because I'm a woman."
Very nice thoughts put to paper Jim. She was one of a kind as you put it so well here. Thanks.
Thanks for writing these heartfelt feelings. Your insights made me realize that Dolly Parton is the perfect counter-example to the belief that money — especially a lot of money — turns you into an agent for dark forces. (Call it what you will: a psychopath, a sociopath, a narcissist, or simply an asshole.) She showed that you could make a lot of money and put it to wonderful uses.
While there are some studies showing that the more money you have the less you exhibit empathy, I suspect the people studied were predisposed to being assholes anyway. Money just helps those so inclined to get there faster.
In a line swiped from Fried Green Tomatoes, "There are angels here on earth masquerading as people. Dolly was one of them".
I have been a Dolly fan for over 50 years. I live a few hours from Dollywood. Here is another impressive fact. Dollywood is the largest employer in Sevier County, Tn.
She was an impeccable humanitarian, and a lot was kept hidden from the masses.
I'm glad you finally got to see the fine actions of this truly talented and remarkable woman from Appalachia.
Once again, Jim, you nailed it. Been doing the same crying. My generation has produced such a wide range of humans: at one end, Dolly Parton. At the far distant other, DJT. And I agree, she could (and should) be a saint. Though I think she'd decline the honor.
Jim - A moving tribute to Dolly Parton. She exhibits the values that we who Actually Are Christians practice.
Many will claim to be Christian - the Lord Jesus told us this in the New Testament - look for the words in red.
But look to the Book of James, the brother of Jesus. As I told my Evangelical family at the end of 2025, ACTUAL CHRISTIANS will be identifiable by their actions.
Dolly Parton was a role model for the entire world 🌎
Jim - I know it are an atheist - which is part of the reason the Constitution of the United States 🇺🇸 stands out - no forced religion - but you Jim - have more respect for your fellow humans than those who attack you.
That is why I follow your Substack. You recognize dark souls from those who have empathy. Because empathy is only suicidal for the dark souls. Having actual empathy is how those among us who have to deal with dangerous people are able to identify those they may potentially be amenable to work with and those to be avoided and defend against.
Keep writing Jim - what you write is helpful to those who are out here trying to protect the Constitution of the United States 🇺🇸
ThankQ Jim for remembering Dolly!
May the Long Time Sun shine upon her
All Love surround her
And the Pure Light within her
Guide her way Home
I just listened to that clip you included of Dolly singing Stairway to Heaven. It’s 5:30 am and as soon as she started singing my dog and I were enthralled. He stared at me unflinching as if I were pouring forth this beauty lol. I’d never heard it before and neither had he of course. RIP. Damn it now I’m crying.
It’s amazing, right? How the hell to you top Led Zeppelin? It’s almost sacrilege. Look up her cover of Shine. A good song made a zillion times better.
I caught the cover Shine on u-tube. The things that always strike me about Dolly's voice is that she can sing anything and give it her heart and soul. I'm sure she rehearsed but it never seems that way. She is/was a natural.
I don’t believe even she thought she could top Led Zeppelin. She didn’t try to change it she simply added her signature Dolly lilt of her voice to it.
I second all that you say Jim. As the world loses its good people like Dolly I also mourn that they are never going to be replaced. We are increasingly seeing all the bad and greedy people in the spotlight which means that our children won’t have the best examples to grow up with.
I feel you, Jim 😔 TGIF to you and your readers, have a good weekend and will reStack ASAP 💔 💯👍
She had this effect on a lot of people, Jim. She lived her life in love and in service to others through her art. I think her passing at this time in particular is also a tremendous service to us all. We have needed so desperately to feel we matter, loved. Dolly loved us all and still does, too. Our love for her will rise and we will remember what living is for. Great article.
Yes. :)
Your spirit or subconscious, if you prefer, may be grieving the lack in this Trumpian infected society of goodness, compassion and empathy... the scarcity of joy, honesty and unconditional love...as it was given so often by Dolly. Our spirits long for those things. We need to give them and recieve them. She was a light in a very dark corrider. It hurts to lose the energy of her spirit on earth. It hurts me too... I can say that. I admired her character and goodness. She radiated it.