A Tribute to Dolly Parton

I'll be the first to say no one would call me the biggest Dolly Parton fan. I know her hits, but not much of the true fan's deep discography. Honestly, I feel a bit like Hansel in Zoolander when he says, "Sting... the music he's created... I don't really listen to it, but the fact that he's making it, I respect that."

And yet Dolly Parton has somehow found a way to touch everyone, in big ways. I feel confident saying she's the only person who could get both sides of the aisle to love her. With her, you realize it really isn't just about the music - though she's one of the most prolific songwriters ever - she's an example of why being a good person is the most important thing there is. She's a reminder to speak up when something's wrong, to help someone who needs it, to laugh, to not take everything so seriously, and to be yourself, authentically. I sometimes struggle with confidence myself, and seeing her reminds me that you can be confident, and that you should be proud of who you are. She's the kind of person who's always somewhere in the back of your mind, at least in mine. She's made an impression on the world that won't be forgotten.

One of my favorite podcasts, Radiolab, produced a great series about Dolly Parton called, Dolly Parton's America. The first time I listened, I didn't know much about her, but I grew to love her, and felt almost like I knew her by the end. It's truly one of the best pieces of content I've come across in years, and I highly recommend checking it out.

She's an advocate. An incredible talent. A friend. She has grit. She's recorded 49 albums over her career, and that's not for the faint of heart.

Dolly Parton really understands what matters in life, and I'd say we should all try to be a little more like Dolly every day. Thank you, Dolly for everything.