| Dolly Parton (January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026) |
I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world. — Dolly Parton
“I don’t hip, and I don’t hop, and I don’t dance,” Dolly Parton once told Queen Latifah (clip on Instagram). Thus revealing, perhaps, the rare area in which Dolly Parton didn’t excel. Her songs are beloved around the world, her charities have given many millions, and her talent has led to incalculable influence.
“Ms. Parton viewed herself, first and foremost, as a songwriter,” said the New York Times obituary, upon her death last Tuesday. On the story of her having written, on a single day in 1973, “Jolene” (No.1 country single covered over 100 times) and “I Will Always Love You” (No.1 country hit for Dolly, two Grammy’s for Whitney Houston), Dolly said, “It very well could have been on the same day.”
Despite her overwhelming talent and countless accolades, for many the most important thing about Dolly Parton was the goodness in her heart. “She was, quintessentially, a uniter of people,” said the Times of her compassionate, accepting ways. And her own heart was so moved — right here in the Great NW, way back in 1972 — that she wrote the song “Eugene Oregon” to honor the moment.
Dolly was touring with Porter Wagoner and his Wagonmasters and, by her own admission, was “bad sick”. Laid up on on the bus for four days, she felt anguish about being unable to perform, while Porter made apologies to the crowds. Then came the show in Eugene where, though weak and feeling pitiful, she rallied and received a standing ovation from the 1,500-strong crowd as she performed her signature song, “Coat of Many Colors”. “I just started crying because I was so touched by it,” said Parton. “It was like a friend from home or something.” And it was, she said, “the first time anyone stood up for me right in the middle of the show.”
“The love you gave was genuine,” sings Dolly, “You gave me inspiration and the strength to carry on.” The chorus continues, “Eugene, Oregon, I’ll remember you for the rest of my life / I won’t forget how good you were to me.” Likewise, Dolly, likewise. Thank you for showing us how good being good can be; your memory and your love will live forever. And don’t you worry none about that dancin’, we’ll dance some extra ones just for you.
Dance with Dolly in your heart this week at any of the numerous events listed online at the Dance Calendar.
See you on the dance floor —Sean Donovan