I’ve talked many times about how much I admire Dolly Parton—not so much for her music, but because she seems to be such a truly good person. I’ve also talked about how I’m always looking for examples of people knowing the right thing to say. Often, it’s so hard to find the words to express ourselves; it makes me so happy when someone finds just the right words. So I find myself read and re-reading something posted by Dolly Parton on social media on February 18, 2021:
I want to thank the Tennessee legislature for their consideration of a bill to erect a statue of me on the Capitol grounds. I am honored and humbled by their intention but I have asked the leaders of the state legislature to remove the bill from any and all consideration. Given all that is going on in the world, I don’t think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time. I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I’m gone if you still feel I deserve it, then I’m certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol as a grateful Tennessean. In the meantime, I’ll continue to try to do good work to make this great state proud.
Her response is gracious, humble, appropriate to the moment, in her own distinct voice, and a tribute to her enduring love for her home state.
Dolly Parton! I admire her so much.
You can listen to my other episodes of “A Little Happier” about Dolly Parton:
- A Happy Story from the Life of Dolly Parton.
- Dolly Parton Describes the Difference Between a Wish and a Dream.
- Another Lesson from Dolly Parton: You Don’t Necessarily Have to Be Good at Something.
- Why Did Dolly Parton Identify More with Barbara Walters than Barbara Walters Identified with Her?
- Dolly Parton and Oprah Winfrey Talk about Humility and Hubris.