What Would Dolly Do?
If I tell you a secret about Dolly Parton, do you promise not to tell?
This is the first secret I remember ever being entrusted to keep. My grandmother and I were cuddled up on the sofa watching The Dolly Show on a cool Saturday evening when she leaned over and whispered this in my ear.
It’s also my first memory of Dolly.
Watching her glittering there on screen, soothing us with her heavenly voice ― her hair bigger than anyone I’d ever seen ― it was magical.
I love Dolly Parton, and she’s one of my heroes.
Why?
It’s a combination of her showmanship, her philanthropy, and her business acumen ― she’s a triple threat, y’all!
As Dolly says, “Find out who you are. And do it on purpose.”
I’ve officially added WWDD into my mantra for business and life, and to quote my wise mother-in-law (with whom I couldn’t agree more), “That woman is a national treasure.”
Let’s just take a moment to appreciate some of Dolly’s amazing achievements:
- Eleven Grammy Awards
- Starred in some of the best movies of our time: “Steel Magnolias,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and (my personal fav) “9 to 5”
- One word: Dollywood!
- Donated more than 100 million books to children via her Imagination Library!
Best of all ― she’s done it all by being herself. She’s known for going after her dreams while staying true to her overriding belief in kindness.
Who wouldn’t love that?!
And here’s a not-so-secret secret you should know about me: one of my lifelong dreams is to visit Dollywood!
Dollywood started out as a small theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 1985. Today it attracts more than 2.5 million visitors a year, and is the largest employer in the region. Many of its employees have worked there for 20 years or more. There’s an onsite resort, and the park is known for world-class customer service.
And of course: the food is supposed to be pretty darn good, too!
The lesson: may we all find our greatest passions, live our biggest dreams, be true to ourselves, and do good in the world… all at the same time.
Here’s to Dolly… AND to you, for being authentic and amazing, too!
END NOTE: Want to know what my grandmother’s secret was? Sorry, darlin’ ― a promise is a promise. 😉
