Mom & Dolly Parton, 1971
In the early 1970s, my dad was a weekend fixture (a singer & piano man) on the WWVA Jamboree, a country music radio show in Wheeling, West Virginia. It was second only to the Grand Ole Opry, and my parents got to meet and hang out backstage with some pretty big names--Jerry Lee Lewis, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash--and Dolly Parton.
I was never a big fan when it came to her music, but of course I loved her dearly and in the few movies she made; 9 to 5, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias. Never missed her on tv, she was always funny and sweet & honest in every interview.
And of course, she devoted her life to helping millions thru various charities and her famous literacy program.
Anyway, I was just sitting down with my dinner and turned on the 4:30 local news and saw where she'd died. I've only shed tears over 2 celebrity deaths in the last 20 years--Ralph Waite (who played John Walton on The Waltons) in 2014, and Leonard Nimoy in 2015. Dolly Parton is the third. Goodbye, Dolly.
Aw, Doug. Your shed tears for celebrities were for significant ones in your life, that's for sure. What an interesting bit of background concerning your family and famous musicians. Really like the photo. What an interesting family life you had. Hope you're having a good week LC-wise. Kim in PA
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty rough week to be honest, Kim...but thank you.
DeleteWhat a magnificent woman she was was , and what a life she led . The BBC are reporting that she would have been a billionaire, but she was so generous that she donated much of her wealth .
ReplyDeleteSiobhan
Wow I did not know that--thanks Siobhan.
DeleteAnd I adored Ralph Waite too
ReplyDeleteSiobhan
Awesome. 🙂 I hope you're doing good with your knee.
DeleteI remember Dolly more as a terrific songwriter, but even more as a great philanthropist.
ReplyDeleteShe contributed her fortune to many great causes – promoting literacy, not just in America but around the world. Also, the Red Cross, building hospitals and cancer centres as well as giving money towards the development of a covid vaccine.
If only other super rich people were so generous, or even a teeny bit generous.
You were one of a kind, Dolly.
Very nicely said, thank you Peter.
DeleteDoug, I too was saddened to hear of Dolly's passing. She was an extremely talented singer/songwriter and a genuinely nice person; very generous and unpretentious. She will be missed. That's a cool photo of her with your mom. Has anyone ever mentioned your mom looks like Tammy Wynette?
ReplyDeleteSteve from Toronto
Yes, I mentioned that his mom looked like Tammy awhile back. I'm glad you agree!
DeleteThanks Steve, nicely said about Dolly you summed her up well. And I appreciate very much what you said about the photo and my mom looking like Tammy Wynette! Bobi my friend, you too. ❤️🙂👍
DeleteDoug, I, too, was stunned and deeply sad when I heard the news this afternoon about Dolly. I had read lately that she had some health issues but there was no indication that she was seriously ill so I was very surprised. She was very likely the ONLY person who was loved and respected by everyone in America--regardless of background or political views. I can't think of anyone else. Her honest and sincere heart was refreshing and unique in the celebrity world. Many may not have know that she was also one of the most shrewd and savvy business women in show business. We lost a beautiful soul and beacon of light today. I have a feeling her legacy will live on for a long, long time.
ReplyDeleteDon, you're going to make me cry again. Gosh this was so sweet, thank you.
DeleteI was shocked at her passing too! I knew she was sick, but, just wow, can't believe she's gone, but what a legacy! She was definitely one of a kind and beloved by all. I always thought she would've make a fabulous president.
ReplyDeleteOh Bobi, you are so right on. I agree. 👍
DeleteTwo beautiful women in that photo Doug. Your Mom sure was a stunner too. As with everyone else, it was a shock to see Dolly's death reported today. She'll be long remembered.for her kindness and generosity.
ReplyDeleteCamille, you are very kind. Thanks so much.
DeleteThat is amazing Doug. When I was a child, my parents took us to Wheeling several times to see the Jamboree. So strange to think that perhaps I heard your Dad play.
ReplyDeleteDebby, thanks for sharing that. Oh my gosh! 😲
DeleteI remember how the radio man would come into the audience and kids would line up to say hello to relatives listening LIVE ON THE AIR!!! It was quite exciting.
DeleteDebby, yes! Us kids were often there and watched this, great memories. 😊
DeleteLike you I was never a fan of her music, but I certainly was a fan of her kindness, warmth, generosity and general goodness. What a fabulous person and such a huge loss! In a year of unending tragedies and chaos, her death feels like even a bigger blow. That is a stunning photo!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret, I always appreciate your friendship and kind words. 🙂
DeleteHey Doug! Emily here. You popped into my head this morning as I thought about Dolly Parton as I knew you had probably written something about her... and of course, you did, with that iconic photo of Dolly with your mom. I teared up when I saw the news yesterday, not necessarily for her. She's with Jesus. But for that time in my life when country music was a daily part of my life because it's what my dad loved. I sure do miss him.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, it's really nice to hear from you. It's so sweet what you said here, I don't think a day goes by I don't think of your dad and mine. I sure hope your family is well, and please tell your awesome mom I said hi. ❤️🧡💙
DeleteWhat a great memory photo of two beautiful women! Dolly was a force, wasn't she. She was such an icon of how we should all behave, kind, generous and always looking out for others. My covid vaccines (we did the Moderna) were thanks to Dolly's generous donation to the development. My grandchildren all started their libraries with Dolly books. Reading all the tributes show more and more how wonderful she was to others.
ReplyDeleteSorry things aren't going well this week.
Wow, that's so wonderful to read about her being responsible for your covid vaccine and your grandchildren's books. Just amazing. Thank you for your kind words here Miss Merry, bith to me and my beautiful mom and to Dolly of course. 🙂❤️❤️
DeleteThe universe is a little darker today with the absence of Dolly Parton. May we all continue her legacy of kindness and philanthropy.
ReplyDeleteNicely said, thanks for sharing dkzody.
DeleteDolly's death was a surprise as I didn't have any idea that she was sick. I've always been a fan of both her music and her movies. And I didn't realize your dad was part of the country music scene, Dug. That's exciting! And that picture with your mom and Dolly is great. Such interesting memories!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rian, I think Dolly's death surprised most of us. And yes, I did a couple blogs about my dad's music career many years ago... maybe I'll repost them. 🙂
DeleteI enjoyed her music, she had such a unique voice and was an incredible storyteller.
ReplyDeleteThe more I hear about the good she did throughout her life time, the more impressed I am. What a wonderful human being, our world is less without her.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Maebeme, very nicely said. We sure are less without her.
DeleteWow what a great pic!
ReplyDeleteBeth