I wish you love | Dolly Parton’s legacy
Dolly Parton has died (August 25, 2026) and it seems hard to imagine a world without Dolly in it. But this morning, we are devoid of the in-person sparkle; however, never fear; she radiated enough during her 80 years to outlast eternity.
Everyone has a Dolly story. This is mine, and I tell it every chance I get. Ten years ago, at the beginning of my journalism career, I answered every query to attend, visit or interview anyone with a story; that was how you made it in this industry. One day, I answered an email to attend the opening of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and lo and behold, they called back.
I knew I’d be in the audience of journalists asking questions and snapping photos, but little did I know I’d get my one-on-one time with the queen. I’m not sure which flipped the most, my stomach or my brain. I might not remember it in detail, but 10 years later, no moment has come close to this one. The highlight of my career, my seven minutes with Dolly.
I wish you joy and happiness. But above all of this, I wish you love. ~ Dolly Parton
March 2016
“Am I hogging you?” she asked in her melodic Southern voice as I sat down beside her on a small patterned chair that definitely wasn’t made for the both of us. It was time for my photo op. Her right shoulder rested on top of my left shoulder, and all of a sudden I realized, I was touching country music royalty.
She laughed. I laughed.
“Honey,” I told her, “You can hog all you want.”
And that is how I left it with Dolly Parton.
In January, this legend turned 70, but you would never know it by watching her this spring day. It’s officially opening day at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and as she has done for the last thirty-one years, she’s on hand to open the flood gates. First a stint with the press, including a rare performance of the first song she ever penned, “Puppy Love.” She joked and entertained questions, laughing that “No, I don’t ride these rides” and “This election thing is the greatest show on TV.” Mid-afternoon, she made an impromptu visit to the Mother Earth show at the park’s Festival of Nations, and as she was escorted onto the stage by a cast member, audience gasps could be heard as far away as Cleveland, Ohio. Smartphones of every size and shape immediately popped up, stretching to get that one shot of the blonde in five-inch black slider heels. Finally, it was parade time, and as always, Dolly was there. Caution tape held onlookers back as people, stacked five-deep, leaning this way, then that way for a clear view. As TV producers made their final audio checks, in the distance, iron gates opened, signally the parade’s beginning. First the performers, the musicians – all handing out flags from their native counties – and then, in a carriage, Dolly. Cheers and fanfare erupted as the crowd ignored the tape and fell in behind the carriage as it followed the main thoroughfare, finally disappearing through another set of gates.
I didn’t know how she felt at 5 p.m., but I was exhausted. Plus, in the in-between, after a slew of TV outlets asked their questions, I led the print journalists in what would be many seven-minute conversations.
This was one of those deer-in-the-headlight moments. I knew where I was, who I was with, and for the most part, the words that were coming out of my mouth; however, I can’t tell you what Dolly was wearing, the color of her lips nor the height of her hair. You know those moments when you’re staring so hard at something that little tears trickle out of the edges of your eyes, well, this was that moment.
As I transcribed my interview, I listened to the cadence of her voice. I also recalled that when she answered, her eyes never moved away from mine. Genuine. Humble. Sincere. You can called it being blinded by her light, but I believed her and that there was no where she’d rather be. Alright, I know that was a stretch, but it was refreshing to hear her passion for her work accented by her Southern giggles.
March was my first visit to Dollywood, and I will say, I was pleasantly surprised. As a non-theme-park-kind-of-gal, I could see me zig-zagging between Reds for burgers and Lightning Rod for screams and the Festival of Nations for culture. I wasn’t sure if I could keep up the pace with Dolly, but I owed it to myself to give it a go.
