Someone recently asked me why I love Dolly Parton so much. I couldn’t string enough words together to explain to them why I’m so passionate about her and why they should love her as much as I do.

She’s fearless, loving, compassionate, hardworking, a pioneer for gender equality, an aunt, a friend, mother, sister, and grandmother to us all. She is an icon, the queen of songwriting, president of the United States of Dolly, leader of Dollyism, and one of the most incredible human beings.

In essence, she’s Dolly.

She embraces everyone, all walks of life, and through her lyrics, she makes people feel seen and heard. I don’t think there is a Dolly Parton song that people can’t relate to — from Jolene to 9 to 5 to I Will Always Love You. Even the ones she didn’t write are songs that I believe she knew would speak to people (and be big hits – she’s a businesswoman after all).

When I think back to when my love of Dolly began, it had to be Steel Magnolias. I grew up watching that movie with my grandma, mom, and sister. It was the first film I can remember seeing Dolly in. I loved her as the beauty shop owner, Truvy Jones.

I’ve learned that there are many things that I didn’t know were inspired or written by her. So, like any good fan, I’ve gone on to listen to all her songs, watch most of her movies (I won’t claim to have seen everything, but I try). I also watch any documentary about her, anything with her name on it (thanks Nextflix for all the Dolly Parton specials), as well as read articles and books about her. If you haven’t watched the documentary Here I Am on Netflix, you should. I think you’ll join the Dolly Parton fan club.

There is one movie/book that only mentions Dolly, but I think it shows you how she’s impacted the world. Dumplin is a movie I related to on many levels. Dolly doesn’t star or make a cameo in the film, but her influence is there in a big way. It embodies what Dolly is always saying about people and herself. “It’s okay to be different,” she says in Here I am. “It’s okay to not be like everybody else. In fact, it’s not only not okay; it’s wonderful that you are who you are.”

I could go on for days about Dolly, but here’s a few quick reasons I love her:

• She gives back in multiple ways.
• She may be a bit artificial on the outside, but she’s a real person on the inside.
• Dolly is hands down one of the best songwriters of all time.
• Her lyrics can randomly move you to tears or bring a smile to your face.
• She’s whoever/whatever you need her to be, but not in a fake way. It’s about inclusion.
• She may be tiny, but she’s got a big heart and personality.
• Dolly isn’t a one-trick pony…”She wanders in everyone’s lane and pulls it off.” 
• She never gives up.
• OG influencer.
• Humble. 
• Pioneer.
• Feminist.
• Inspirational.
• Did I mention she’s spectacular? 

I genuinely believe there isn’t anyone in the world that couldn’t like Dolly Parton, and if they exist, which I’m sure they do, they’re missing out. 

Still not convinced Dolly is a gift to us? Check out this article from The New Yorker and this piece from Mental Floss. 

Thank you, Dolly Parton, for sharing yourself with the world. ❤