Dolly Parton and Me…

The great Dolly Parton began her journey home on August 25 and I wish peace and blessings to her family, friends and legion of fans worldwide. She was an incredible songwriter, singer, musician, actor, performer and as savvy in business as she was in her exceedingly generous life. Just saying no to Elvis Presley, who wanted to record “I Will Always Love You” in 1974 was proof positive. The night before the recording session, the despicable Colonel Tom Parker demanded 50% of the publishing rights in perpetuity , Dolly tearfully declined and the recording never happened. It had to be impossibly hard to say no to the King, but it reveals Dolly’s strength and indomitable resolve. Nearly 30 years later, when Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard, “I Will Always Love You” became a massive global hit and Dolly used the millions she earned to help others.

In 1995, Dolly started the Imagination Library, a charity to donate free books to children less fortunate. She was inspired by her father who was unable to read or write.

As she said, “When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”

A noble mission statement which has exceeded all expectations, from humbly serving her East Tennessee community, the Imagination Library has gifted over 330,000,000 books and has almost 3,200,000 kids registered in five countries, a remarkable and sustaining achievement.

Dolly’s unmatched generosity of spirit and her formidable talents crossed over all generations. My daughters were introduced to Dolly by the records Erin and I played in our home, but Dolly’s street cred expanded exponentially when she appeared in 2006 on the Hannah Montana television show starring an adolescent Miley Cyrus. Kendall and Camryn loved Miley and especially “Aunt Dolly,” the godmother of Miley on screen and in real life. Dolly’s several appearances over the four year arc of the show introduced her to many younger fans who remained enchanted and devout. Though my daughters are rightly distraught at Dolly’s passing, I know they will find comfort and solace in listening to her songs now and forever.

Regrettably, I only saw Dolly once in the early days of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in 2005. The free festival was the brainchild and beneficence of Warren Hellman, an acclaimed venture capitalist and an even more important benefactor to his beloved San Francisco and the arts in all its forms. It was a glorious day in Golden Gate Park and the lineup was staggering across the five stages: Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Guy Clark, Hazel Dickens, Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez, Ralph Stanley, Buddy Miller, Steve Earle, Los Super Seven with Calexico, Raul Malo, and Joe Ely, and The Knitters with John Doe, Exene, and Dave Alvin, among many others. But Dolly added a whole ‘ other vibe to the proceedings. The crowd swelled like nothing l had ever seen before nor had the festival experienced. There were estimates of 200-250,000 folks that all wanted to see Dolly, prolly the biggest crowd she ever played to.

Dolly did not disappoint. She opened with a ringing “Jolene,” played her hits with a tight 10 piece backing band, and sang Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee” in tribute to Janis Joplin. Yes, it was a bravura performance as only Dolly could give. Golden Gate Park never felt more alive or inclusive.

There is only one Dolly Parton.

Her songs, memory and philanthropy will be an eternal blessing.

Please contact him directly at https://www.artsy.net/artwork/jim-herrington-dolly-parton-by-jim-herrington and take good care of Dolly! She always took great care of us!