Thank You, Dolly

My sister just texted two words...and my heart sank: "Dolly died."

I checked the news, then opened my socials. Indeed, Dolly Rebecca Parton, the real-life angel who has consistently and compassionately showed up for and inspired the world, has left us at the age of 80.

My friends are messaging me to check in. And I'm okay. I am. I promise. In fact, though it's sad, it's also joyous. Dolly gave and gave and gave...for 80 years! And now she gets to enjoy the fruit of that giving forevermore.

Dolly made an exponentially bigger positive impact on the globe than most could think humanly possible. Through her work, her artistry, her prose, her melodies, her transparent humanity, and her unmatched philanthropy, she's outdone what we never imagined could ever be done.

I just shared a video on my socials of the five Dolly quotes that hang above my workstation--quotes I look to every day that help me stay aligned while moving forward:

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose."

"Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

"I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give 'em yours."

"If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."

"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."

And there are countless other Dolly quotes that I've shared over the years in my weekly Wednesday Wisdom posts. She has always been a constant source of wisdom, inspiration, and temperament.

Yes, temperament. That may seem a strange word to use, but think about it. Have you ever seen her raging against someone else? Have you ever seen her worked up? No. She was rock solid and rock steady, and that steadiness and resolve to treat every human as a beautiful human was what brought everyone together in support of and love for her.

I'll keep her books in my library. I'll continue to visit Dollywood. I'll do my best to remain inspired by her for many years to come, as I hope many others will too.

I am so grateful that we had the gift of Dolly during my lifetime.

Rest in peace, dear sweet soul. And thank you. Thank you for everything.