Dolly Parton’s tragic passing on August 25, 2026, marks the end of an era. She lived with generosity, joy, love, and laughter. Her heart was so big that it is hard to imagine the amazing things she accomplished in her lifetime. How can we live like Dolly and celebrate her spirit? Here are five ways:
1. Support People in Need. Dolly was an iconic philanthropist. She founded the Imagination Library that mails free books to children. She established the My People Fund to provide monthly $1,000 checks to families who lost their homes to devastating wildfires in East Tennessee. She opened Dollywood and provided thousands of jobs in Tennessee. Dolly even donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, helping fund the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and later donated yet another $1 million to support research on pediatric infectious diseases.
Living like Dolly means helping others and supporting those in need. And you don’t need millions of dollars to do it. Volunteer at a local food bank, help out at a local library, see what your community needs, and give back.
2. Promote Empathy. Dolly was an oil well of emotional support, strength, and empathy to those around her. She had a strict policy that “no one ever cries alone” in her presence. She always saw the importance of reaching out to others and building compassionate relationships. For Dolly, everyone deserved a shoulder to cry on.
Living like Dolly means recognizing others’ emotions and being there for them when they are down. Reach out to those around you and provide emotional support—a helping hand, a soft smile, and a warm cup of tea is sometimes all someone needs.
3. Find Joy and Beauty Everywhere. One of Dolly’s songs, “Coat of Many Colors,” describes the joy she had while wearing a jacket made from an old box of rags. While many may have seen this coat as a sign of poverty, Parton sings about how much she loved it. To Dolly, joy and beauty were everywhere—and they were to be celebrated. Living like Dolly means finding joy in the little things and seeing beauty in places where you might not expect it. Slow down and smell the roses, touch grass, and listen.
4. Be Humble. An undercover Dolly once entered a “Dolly impersonator” Drag Queen Lookalike Contest—and lost! In fact, she didn’t even place in the contest. But Dolly took it in stride and sashayed away, paying it no mind. For Dolly, having a drag queen win this contest was a true homage to her spirit. Living like Dolly means being humble and recognizing the amazing people around you doing incredible things. Take a minute to drink in the spirit of those in your orbit and celebrate them for who they are.
5. Bring People Together
Dolly was an icon to so many people—country music lovers, feminists, blondes, comedians, queer communities, and so much more. She dominated the entertainment industry through her entrepreneurship and business savvy. Her music and films reached so many people, bridging cultural divides and promoting unity. If one thing sums up Dolly, it is that she brought people together.
Living like Dolly also means recognizing our shared humanity. When we see each other through a collective lens, we can get through the ups and downs and work together. We can build community and a shared sense of connection.
