5 Things Dolly Parton Taught Me

The world knew Dolly Parton for a lot of things: the rhinestones, the big hair, the unmistakable voice, the quick wit and songs that somehow made you feel like she understood your heart.

But as I’ve reflected on her life and legacy, I’ve realized that Dolly also taught me some lessons that extend far beyond music.

Here are five things I learned from Miss Dolly.

1. Know Who God Made You to Be

When Dolly first entered the music industry, people didn’t always take her seriously. Some focused more on her appearance than her talent. Interviewers questioned whether her image was genuine and even suggested that people might see her as a joke.

But in her now-famous interview with Barbara Walters, Dolly didn’t become defensive or cruel. She simply stood firm. She knew who she was, she knew what she was doing and she didn’t need the approval of everyone in the room.

Confidence doesn’t have to mean believing we are better than everyone else. For Christians, true confidence comes from knowing who created us. When I remember that God formed me intentionally, gave me specific gifts and placed me where I am for a purpose, I don’t have to allow every opinion to shake me.

2. Kindness Always Wins

One thing you hear over and over from people who met Dolly is how kind and down-to-earth she was.

This woman had her own theme park, for crying out loud, yet she had a way of making people feel as though she was never above them. She gave generously—not only through money, but through her time, attention and encouragement.

Christian artist Blessing Offor experienced that kindness when Dolly joined him on his song “Somebody’s Child.” For someone as accomplished as Dolly, it may have been one more recording session. But for Blessing, her willingness to share that moment with him left a lasting impact.

We may not have Dolly’s platform or resources, but all of us have something we can give.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blessing Offor (@blessingoffor)

3. Gratitude Shuts Down Complaining

While filming Steel Magnolias during a miserably hot Louisiana summer, the cast apparently had plenty to complain about. Julia Roberts later shared something Dolly said during that experience that she never forgot.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jacinthe Mitchell (@extremelyogini)

4. It’s Okay to Dream Big

From songs and movies to books, businesses and an entire amusement park, Dolly did a little bit of everything. But it all began with a dream in the heart of a little girl growing up in rural East Tennessee.

She dreamed of becoming rich and famous. She dreamed of writing music that would reach people far beyond the mountains where she grew up. Her circumstances could have convinced her that those dreams were impossible, but she refused to allow where she started to determine where she could go.

In fact, the difficult parts of her childhood helped shape the artist she became. Her memories, family, faith and mountain upbringing found their way into the stories she told through her songs.

Sometimes we make our dreams smaller because we are afraid of failing—or because dreaming big doesn’t feel humble. But I don’t believe humility means refusing to use the gifts God has given us. We can hold our dreams with open hands, work faithfully and trust God with the outcome.

Maybe the dream in your heart is there for a reason. You don’t have to know exactly how it will happen. Dolly’s story reminds me that it’s okay to begin where you are, use what you have and take the next step.

5. What Hurt You Can Become How You Serve Others

Dolly’s father was incredibly smart, but he never had the opportunity to learn to read or write. Instead of allowing that pain to make her bitter, Dolly used it to help other children.

She started the Imagination Library in her home county, providing free books to young children. What began in one small area of Tennessee eventually grew to reach children across all 50 states and beyond.

My own children loved receiving those books. Whenever they asked where one came from, I would say, “Miss Dolly sent it to you.” So, naturally, they believed Dolly Parton was a close family friend who personally mailed books to our house.

We may not have Dolly’s resources, but she didn’t begin by reaching millions. She saw a need, used what she had and started with the people around her.

What if we asked God, “How could You use what hurt me to help someone else?” In His hands, our pain doesn’t have to be wasted. It can become the way we bring hope to someone else.

Dolly Parton leaves behind an enormous legacy of music, laughter, generosity and kindness. But perhaps her greatest lesson was that you don’t have to choose between dreaming big and caring for the people right in front of you.

You can know who you are and remain humble. You can become successful and still be kind. You can experience hardship without becoming bitter. And you can allow God to use your story—even its painful chapters—to make someone else’s life a little more beautiful.

Thank you for the music, the memories and the books, Miss Dolly.

My children may eventually figure out that you weren’t actually a close family friend. But because of the kindness you sent into our home, it certainly felt as though you were. - Joy