SPOTLIGHT: Celebrating Dolly Parton
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY THE LUNA COLLECTIVE STAFF ☆
THERE’S A REASON DOLLY PARTON HAS MANAGED TO STAY BELOVED across every generation, genre, and political line for over six decades: she's simply undeniable. From the Smoky Mountains to global icon status, she's written some of the most enduring songs in American music, built an empire on her own terms, and never once let anyone tell her who she should be.
Ahead, our staff shares the pieces of her story that mean the most to them — the songs, the eras, the moments — because there's no one right way to talk about a legend. There's just your Dolly.
Dolly Parton’s Literacy Legacy
Dolly Parton’s legacy made a massive impact on writers, readers, creatives, and go-getters. As a creative icon, her smile always outshone her troubles, rooted in her belief that living a life you love matters far more than chasing money or a career.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is only one example of how she made an impact on the world. She believed that reading was not only a skill, but something truly magical. My lifelong passion for reading naturally led me to become an active bookstagrammer and literacy advocate. I firmly believe that literacy is a fundamental, non-negotiable skill that empowers individuals for life. Because of this, I am passionate about sharing my love for reading on my social media platforms and the many forms of media available at libraries around the world.
In the next generation, I hope that readers have many opportunities to learn about Dolly Parton’s musical, philanthropic, and literacy legacy. She walked so that we could run, turning a stormy world into one full of rain and sunshine. - Katherine Chung
We Will Always Love You, Dolly
Dolly Parton was so singular. From her heartfelt lyrics and her scintillating stage presence to her iconic fashion aesthetic and lighting fast humor, Dolly was unapologetically unique.
As a 90’s kid my first introduction to Dolly was on her guest appearances on Hannah Montana as Aunt Dolly and the warmth she exuded through the screen made everyone feel like you were part of her family. That sentiment remains outside of the clean-cut silver screen of Disney. Dolly had a talent for making everyone feel included. Dolly Parton lived at the crossroads of society uniting everyone from die hard country lovers to loud and proud drag queens to singer-songwriters through the ages.
She also had a Midas-like ability to turn everything she touched into gold. Nowhere is that more true then in her song, “I Will Always Love You.” A melancholy song about steadfast affection, Dolly’s delicate, vulnerable version is simply exquisite. But Dolly was always one to share the spotlight, the piece shot to stardom with Whitney Houston’s rendition for the film The Bodyguard. Dolly’s lyrics were approachable to all, like a soothing tea with warm honey right before bed and as I remember Dolly’s legacy, I’m sure i’m not the only one playing this song on repeat. -Camryn Finn
Dolly’s Tennessee
I learned early on that when I leave the mountains, Johnson City is not a good answer when asked “Where are you from?” But an hour away from Dollywood is. Her childhood cabin in Sevierville, which has since begotten a sprawling theme park built around nature, twangy country tunes, and Southern cooking, is embedded in the American imagination.
In my hometown, Dolly is a way of life: Dollywood as a childhood treat, her songs as the soundtrack of winding country roads, and her voluminous wigs as hair goals.
Dolly was proud of East Tennessee, returning and building roots when it’s seen as a place to be left. She made us better. I first knew her as the book lady, sending me a book every month, starting with The Little Engine That Could. Much like that little blue engine, I made it over the mountain. I left. Now, I look to another song of hers for my way forward. -Abby Slap
Dolly’s Light, Carried Forward
Dolly Parton’s sparkly thread she left behind still manages to weave its way into people’s lives and hearts. As I was driving through the streets of Richmond the other day, my ears immediately perked at the sound of live music. So, naturally, I spent 15 minutes trying to find street parking and walked over to a small, intimate outdoor setup. The singer was immediately captivating, with her red floral dress, striking boots and voluminous red hair — already a presence Dolly would be proud of. Her name was Erin Lunsford. As she continued with her set, Lunsford took a moment to speak about Dolly and how she had continuously been a source of inspiration and motivation for her and her music journey. Lunsford also mentioned how if she was hesitant about wearing a certain dress or outfit, she would ask her bandmates, and they’d simply go, “What would Dolly do?” And the answer would always be: Dolly would wear the damn dress.
Not only did this anecdote embody Dolly’s nature of dazzling self-assuredness and sweetness, but Lunsford also delivered a beautiful cover of “The Grass Is Blue,” one of Dolly’s most heart-tugging and vulnerably written songs. A track where Dolly’s openness and innate ability to connect with people shine almost as brightly as she did. To see a rising musician — one I was unaware of just a few days ago — embrace the personal impact Dolly left to cultivate an air of love and togetherness with her singing, well, that’s just proof enough that Dolly — and the light she emanated — will never fade away. -Alysa Benson
