Posted on 08/26/2026 7:25:29 AM PDT by Rummyfan
Well, that was rough news. When a beloved public figure ascends to "National Treasure" status, we often put any thoughts of that person's mortality on the back burner. Dolly Parton was even more than a national treasure, an otherworldly American original who was respected and adored by almost everyone. If she ever had any detractors, they were smart enough to keep their opinions to themselves.
We'd known that Dolly had been ailing, but she wasn't the kind to make a big deal out of anything negative. I think that most people assumed that she'd bounce back and return to the spotlight soon. The news of her passing yesterday blindsided most people, I'm sure. I couldn't find a lot to back it up at first, so I was hoping that somebody had gotten it all horribly wrong. When I read the wonderful post Chris wrote about her death, it still had that "can't be real" feeling.
Yes, "country singer/songwriter" is the first thing that comes to people's minds at the mention of Dolly Parton's name, but she was obviously so much more than that. Here's something from Chris's post:
Parton was also an incredible philanthropist, donating millions to various causes, especially in the South. Her Imagination Library put books in the hands of countless kids, and she most recently donated to help Southeasterners recover from hurricanes in 2024. She was such a positive force for simply treating people well that she was a beloved figure on the right and the left.
... She managed to be both supremely self-confident and self-effacing at the same time. I've never seen anything like it; one of those qualities usually pales in comparison to the other. That's if they can coexist at all.
(Excerpt) Read more at pjmedia.com ...
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Rest In Peace, Dolly Parton.
An American Original.. RIP.
She was extremely good at what she did; she was comfortable in her own skin. People like that don't need to brag.
She lived the American dream. Poverty to prosperity and good deeds.
There comes a time and a point where no “bounce back” remains, but Dolly Parton lives on in a point of time that has become itself timeless. Her lyrics, and words, live on, and so long as they are reaching out, to someone who may not yet even been born, that collected emotional monument will continue to stir souls and build dreams.
Like Elvis Presley before her, Dolly shall have her imitators, but never her equal again.
God Bless you Dolly and thank so much for the great songs, music ,voice , acting and joy you gave to so many millions and being a true patriot and a true Southern lady of the great state of Tennessee.
This Yankee, From New Jersey and retired musician bids you eternal rest in the arms of our Lord Jesus.
Of course we are (and have tore) and that is not meant with any disrespect towards Dolly Parton who has always come across as a very nice individual.
I just see it as overstatement, and I would counter with a famous quote from Charles DeGaulle (whom I disliked:
The graveyards are full of indispensable men.
"...Of course we are (and have to be)..."
“I don’t do politics, I have too many fans on both sides”.
Smarter than 99.999% of her peers for that statement alone.
true...life goes on regardless
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