08/25/2026
I honestly don’t even know what to say.
Dolly Parton was a national treasure, but to those of us from Appalachia, she was something even more than that. She was one of us and she was my blood.
She came from the mountains, from humble beginnings, and she never forgot where she came from. No matter how far her career took her, she carried East Tennessee, Appalachia, and the people who raised her with her.
Dolly showed the world that you could come from a little mountain town and still dream bigger than anyone could imagine. But more importantly, she showed us that success doesn’t have to mean leaving your people behind.
She gave back. She lifted people up. She put books in the hands of children, created jobs, supported families, and brought pride to a part of the country that is too often misunderstood or forgotten.
And for those of us who grew up here, there was something deeply comforting about knowing Dolly was out there representing our mountains with that big voice, big hair, big heart, and unmistakable Appalachian spirit.
My heart is absolutely broken.
The mountains feel a little quieter today.
Thank you, Dolly, for never forgetting where you came from and for reminding the rest of the world just how much beauty, strength, kindness, and talent can come out of these hills.
Rest easy, Dolly. You made us proud. ❤️🏔️
