Volume 41 Issue 7, 8, & 9 | Posted: October 7, 2026
On Tuesday, August 25, I was on the way to an appointment when I heard Dolly’s song come on over the radio. At first, I perked up excited to hear her as I always have, however as quickly as ever I said, oh no not Dolly. Then a second later they announced Dolly had died earlier in Nashville at the age of 80.
I was both in shock and in sadness all at once. I have been listening to Dolly Parton and watching her movies since I was a child.
She lived her life as a great example to others, with faith, generosity, a sense of humour and kindness. Dolly was extremely inclusive not judging others. I recently saw a program with her explaining when someone asks her for advice that she responds with facts or a story of her own experience. She didn’t agree with telling others what to do. She said “We all have our own choices to make”, as she laughed at herself , and that she couldn’t judge anyone as she dressed herself based on the town tramp she thought was beautiful as a child, not having the privilege of attending movies in the country.
Despite being brought up as a family of twelve children in a one room shack with her family trying to make ends meet, she used her rags to riches story to help others over the years, charities, children’s books, helping fund medical needs to name a few.
I was pleased to have had the opportunity to attend a Dolly Parton concert in Calgary a number of years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, listening to all of her greatest hits, but most of all it was when she sat down without her band playing, just her and her guitar. She quietly strummed her guitar and in a soft, gentle voice she shared her faith story and the gospel, before carrying on to the end of the concert. How special she wanted each of us to feel.
Dolly has touched so many of our lives in such a beautiful and kind way. I saw a local church sign which mentioned 9 to 5, Dolly R.I. P.
We will continue to be blessed with all the music, movies and books she has left for us to enjoy. My favourite Dolly movie is “Coat of many Colours” which is based on her early years.
Thank you Dolly for sharing so much of yourself with us. “I will always love you” R.I.P.
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Lori Dueck, Victoria, BC
