See You On the Other Side, Dolly

I was introduced to Dolly Parton in the 1980’s when she starred in 9 to 5 with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. I loved her instantly. She was spunky and had a smile that you felt through the screen.

When I went to my first country station, they played a lot of older country, so I was introduced to some of her early songs. I had no idea she’d been around as long as she had. This would have been in 1991.

Dolly passed away this week at age 80. According to family, she was admitted to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville on Friday. In a statement, her family said:

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand,” the statement read.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact. After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”

On Friday, she told People Magazine:

“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over [my husband] Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,”

She added: “But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

She was an amazing songwriter, as anyone who has ever heard “I Will Always Love You” will attest. She was an entrepreneur, being an intricate part in Dollywood’s operations. She promoted reading in childhood with her Imagination Library. It sent a new book to preschool children every month, and my children loved getting a new book in the mail.

I don’t think I ever saw her without a smile on her face. She beamed of happiness, love and kindness. I stated on Facebook that it is truly a great loss for us here. However, Heaven’s choir just added an amazing voice. She never made her faith a secret. She often credited God for her successes and sang many songs of faith. One of my favorite songs was played every Easter entitled “He’s Alive.”

A few years ago, she joined Brad Paisley on a song that is appropriate with her passing. As the song says, “When I get where I’m going, don’t cry for me down here.” I have no doubt that she knew exactly where she was going and that I’ll get to see her when it is my turn to leave this world.

Meanwhile, her legacy, her music and her inspiration continues here on earth.