“I hope I’ll be remembered as somebody that tried to do some good in the world and left, you know, a few good things.”
Today, we’re remembering Dolly Parton—not only as an entertainer, but as an incredibly inspirational elder who proved that although the body grows older, the spirit doesn’t have to.
Behind the rhinestones and showbiz sparkle was a wise, loving woman who radiated humour, generosity and hope. She showed us that later life can still be filled with creativity, laughter, generosity and joy.
So today, we’re simply sharing some favourite videos, music and words from Dolly—a wonderful example of how to live well, at every age.
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
Dolly’s message about her health
Even in this message about her health, Dolly does what Dolly always did: she meets a difficult moment with honesty, humour and remarkable positivity.
While facing her own challenges, she somehow finds a way to reassure everyone else.
A little encouragement from Dolly
This message from Dolly’s Netflix special is pure warmth and feel-good encouragement.
It’s the kind of thing she did so beautifully: a few simple words that make you feel lighter, more hopeful and ready to face the day again.
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
A royal rendition of “9 to 5”
The King’s Guard paid tribute to Dolly by playing ‘9 to 5’ outside Buckingham Palace.
The setting may be formal, but the song remains gloriously, unmistakably Dolly. We think she would have got a real kick out of it.
“If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one.”
Ten minutes of Dolly’s best one-liners
Dolly was wonderfully funny—and very often, the joke was hiding a little piece of wisdom.
Here are ten minutes of her sharpest, warmest and most memorable one-liners.
“Being a star just means that you just find your own special place, and that you shine where you are.”
Dolly Parton showed us that growing older doesn’t have to mean becoming smaller, quieter or less alive.
You can keep creating. Keep laughing. Keep dressing exactly as you please. Keep helping others. Keep looking for the light.
Behind all the showbiz sparkle was a person of enormous heart, hard-earned wisdom and irrepressible optimism.
What a wonderful example of how to live.
Thank you for the music, the laughter and the light, Dolly.
We’ll be listening for a very long time.
Until next time,
Johann
Play us out, Dolly
There’s no better way to end than with the music. Here’s an hour of Dolly Parton’s greatest hits. Hit play, turn it up and have a good listen.
