08/26/2026
🐝 Remembering Dolly Parton and Her Honey Bee Roots 🐝
Like so many people around the world, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Dolly Parton at the age of 80. Her music, generosity, humor and unmistakable East Tennessee spirit touched generations of people.
As we remember Dolly, we wanted to share a little piece of her story that has a special connection to the beekeeping community.
Dolly grew up in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, and her father, Lee Parton, raised honey bees. Dolly even joked that those childhood memories might have had something to do with the famous hairstyles she would later wear. She once recalled, “My daddy used to raise bees,” adding that some of her hairstyles looked like a beehive and perhaps she was influenced by that. 🐝❤️
It's a small and charming connection to a woman who never forgot where she came from. From humble beginnings in the mountains of Tennessee, Dolly went on to become one of the most beloved entertainers and philanthropists in American history, while always keeping a little bit of Appalachia with her.
Today, the beekeeping community joins millions of others in remembering a true American original.
Rest in peace, Dolly. Thank you for the music, the laughter, the kindness and for never forgetting your mountain roots. ❤️🐝🎶
Maybe there was a little more “bee” in that famous beehive hairdo than we ever realized.
Source: https://www.allure.com/video/watch/dolly-parton-explains-the-evolution-of-her-look?
