The Fragrant Humility And Grace Of Dolly Parton
[guest post by Dana]
With her humility breaking through the noxious fumes of competing egos in our celebrity-crazed-media-driven landscape, Dolly Parton rises above the fray like a breath of fresh air and reminds us once again why she is a national treasure:
In a statement posted to Twitter on Thursday, the country musician and humanitarian requested that the legislature of her home state of Tennessee stop consideration of a bill that would’ve erected a statue of her on the State Capitol grounds. “Given all that is going on in the world, I don’t think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time,” Parton wrote. “I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I’m gone if you still feel I deserve it, then I’m certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol.”
Parton has provided millions of books to children through her organization, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Last year, the “library” gifted its 150th millionth book. Her quiet contribution of $1 million helped fund the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. When informed about what her contribution funded, she responded with typical Parton humility:
“Praise the lord!” she told “Today” hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. “I’m just very grateful that this is happening, and if I had anything to do with it, that’s great.”
Parton is a powerful woman who has, through talent and sheer determination, built a thriving empire. She is reportedly worth somewhere north of $500 million. But more importantly to her, I suspect, is that the little girl who grew up dirt-poor in Tennessee now has the means to help untold numbers of people in need.
–Dana
I really like this story about Parton. It’s so her.
Dana (fd537d) — 2/18/2021 @ 1:33 pmThis was my first memory of Ms. Parton, on Allen Funt. She’s quite the lady.
Paul Montagu (77c694) — 2/18/2021 @ 1:42 pmPlus this:
Dolly Parton Says She Turned Down Presidential Medal Of Freedom — Twice
Last fall, former President Barack Obama told Stephen Colbert that he was “shocked” Dolly Parton hadn’t gotten a Presidential Medal of Freedom during his time in office. “That was a screwup,” he said. “I think I assumed she had already got one.”
Now, the country icon says the Trump administration offered her the honor, not once but twice — and she turned it down both times. “I couldn’t accept it because my husband was ill, and then they asked me again about it and I wouldn’t travel because of the COVID,” she said in an interview with the Today show.
…….Parton says she’d be hesitant to accept a possible third offer. “Now I feel like if I take it, I’ll be doing politics, so I’m not sure.”
And, she added, “I don’t work for those awards. It’d be nice, but I’m not sure that I even deserve it. But that’s a nice compliment for people to think that I might deserve it.”
Rip Murdock (d2a2a8) — 2/18/2021 @ 1:42 pm…..
A real class act. Loved her story on Ken Burns’ Country Music.
She is awesome. Never really liked her music, but loved what she did as a person. Visited Dollywood and Gatlinburg and they really are great places to visit – made great by her.
Hoi Polloi (139bf6) — 2/18/2021 @ 2:31 pmA top-heavy statue would certainly be an engineering challenge.
DCSCA (f4c5e5) — 2/18/2021 @ 3:10 pmSeeing such humility from an accomplished public figure, is inspiring. Kudos to Parton for showing class and grace.
HCI (92ea66) — 2/18/2021 @ 11:41 pmhttps://youtu.be/wWEQDyrbphE
https://youtu.be/o2XcBL6kWn8
I loved her singing with Ronstadt and Harris, two video clips noted above.
Victor (4959fb) — 2/19/2021 @ 1:19 amDolly Parton really is a class act.
Time123 (d1bf33) — 2/19/2021 @ 4:34 am