How to celebrate the life of Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a name that evokes rhinestones, big hair, and hit songs. From her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Parton became a country music legend, songwriter, actress, author, and businesswoman. Her influence stretched far and wide from generations, from her hit songs like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” to her work providing books to children around the world. After Parton's death on Aug. 25, fans have countless ways to celebrate the life she spent making people laugh, sing, dream and believe in themselves. Listed below are five ways to keep her music, spirit, stories, and generosity alive.
1.) Have a Dolly Parton movie night
Parton may be best known for her music, but she also made her mark in Hollywood. Her feature film debut was in “9 to 5” in 1980, starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. She went on to appear in movies such as “Steel Magnolias,” “Straight Talk,” and “Joyful Noise.” For fans looking for a free movie night, Tubi is currently listing several Dolly Parton movies at no cost: Steel Magnolias, Unlikely Angel, Joyful Noise, and the documentary Still Working 9 to 5. Pop some popcorn, pick a Dolly classic, and let the movie marathon begin.
2.) Take a trip to Dollywood
To really step into Dolly's world, head to the Smoky Mountains. Dollywood, Parton's famous theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The park is more than a collection of roller coasters. Dollywood celebrates Parton's roots through its attractions, entertainment, food, and music. The park also features Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home, a replica of the two-room cabin Parton grew up in. You can plan your visit on the Dollywood website.
3.) Put on a Dolly playlist
There might not be a better way to celebrate Dolly's legacy than by listening to the music that made her a legend. Though she is best known for being a country music legend, she dived into many other genres as well.She crossed into pop, gospel, bluegrass, disco, and rock. You can start with some of her classics like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “Here You Come Again.” With tunes about heartbreak, childhood, and unfairness in the workplace, there is truly a Dolly song for every mood.
4.) Give the gift of a book
You can also support a cause that was especially important to Parton: getting books into children's hands. She founded Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 1995. The program was inspired by her father, who was unable to read or write, and began by providing books to children in her home area of East Tennessee. Today, the program operates across five countries and provides free books to children from birth to age 5. Keep Dolly's dream alive by visiting the Imagination Library website.
5.) Read a book about Dolly
If watching Dolly or listening to her isn’t enough, pick up a book and gain some words of wisdom. You can start with her book “Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics”. Her book covers over 60 years of her songwriting and talks about the stories behind 175 of her songs. To learn more about her iconic looks, you can read “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones”. This book covers everything from her clothes and wigs all the way to the makeup and costumes that gave her her signature look.
Dolly Parton was someone who believed in herself and never gave up on her dreams. She led an incredible life, and the world continues to celebrate Parton after her death.
The Nashville International Airport will be renamed in her honor. California lawmakers have designated Sept. 25 as “Dolly Parton Day”, and the country music community gave $2.8 million to fund a permanent statue on Tennessee State Capitol grounds. She spent her life encouraging people to dream big. To commemorate Parton, keep dreaming, keep creating, and even more importantly, keep giving back to others.
