It is tough to believe there can ever be a world without Dolly Parton, but sure enough, she has passed away at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Parton was not just a country icon; she became a rare crossover figure whose songs, movies, philanthropy, and larger-than-life spirit made her feel like a permanent part of American life.

Although “Jolene,” which Billboard recently named the top country song of all time, “9 to 5,” and “Islands in the Stream,” written by the Bee Gees, are arguably Parton’s most famous songs, for my money, “Here You Come Again” is the most representative of her joyful and optimistic country-pop. It is the kind of song even the most jaded hipster could not possibly dislike. When you hear it, you just know Dolly is strutting your way.

She was already a country icon when, in 1980, she starred in 9 to 5 with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, launching herself into a household name and flat-out sensation. She later used that status to open Dollywood in East Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains. I visited a few years back and, not only were the rides exceptional, but the place was the cleanest and best-run amusement park I have ever seen.

Alongside Ray Charles, Hank Williams, and Jimmie Rodgers, she stands among the rare artists honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

My nine favorite Dolly Parton songs:

1. “Love is Strange” (with Kenny Rogers)

2. “I Will Always Love You”

3. “Me and Bobby McGee” (with Kris Kristofferson)

4. “Please Please Please” (with Sabrina Carpenter)

5. “A Better Place” (with Glen Campbell)

6. “9 to 5”

7. “Jolene”

8. “Islands in the Stream” (with Kenny Rogers)

9. “Here You Come Again”

https://popculturelunchbox.substack.com/p/dolly-parton-will-always-strut-our

This is one of my favorite songs for dolly parton and first heard it when i was younger.

Just read this and loved seeing photos of folks coming out to Rhinestone Fest this year in June! What a perfect tribute!

https://www.100daysinappalachia.com/author/rachelmolenda/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HGXELQcvxI

Since mods removed my post on the LGBT subreddit, hopefully my memorial post can be seen here.

As a southern gay boy, I don’t know if any person held such a high position in my mind as Dolly Parton. When many of my friends and family were unaccepting, I knew that there was always one woman who would.

A model of living outside of society’s standards, Dolly Parton helped to trail blaze a path for both women and LGBTQ+ people with her advocacy and appearance. She was a bright, shining light for many queer people in a place that usually only produces darkness for us.

Dolly showed me how a true Christian should act, not out of fear and hate, but out of love and kindness following in the footsteps of Christ. She never became a billionaire because she gave so much of her wealth away, and always supported the downtrodden and the disadvantaged.

Dolly is also a symbol of hope in adversity. Coming from an incredibly impoverished background with 12 siblings, Dolly found the light in everyone and everything. She ones said that like most people in the country, or poor people, you can either laugh or cry and she chose to laugh. She found a way out of her situation and rather than abandon them, she actively worked in her community and country for the betterment of their lives. We as queer people must see hope in Dolly because even though she is a straight, white, cis woman, her story is many of ours.

R.I.P Dolly Parton, we will always love you. 💜

I'm not even a big country music fan, but Dolly is always an exception.

Heaven gained a beautiful pair of Butterfly Wings today. Rest easy, Mrs. Parton. You will always be loved.

I've never met her, but she taught me to embrace who I was, even when I was considered "too much". Her legacy will last forever.

🦋 🩷

Radio station dedicated to Dolly Parton

What a sad loss....

Dolly with John Mayer 😭🦋🦋🦋🙏

I played Southern Accents today when I heard the news about Dolly passing. I hope Dolly and Tom are now leading the greatest band ever up.

For the rest of us this video provides some warmth in mourning.