Dolly

Aug 26

2 min read

I never met her. I have no personal anecdotes to share or even a concert experience to recall.

And yet, the loss of Dolly Parton feels so personal I have wept off and on ever since I learned of her passing.

Yes, I enjoyed her music and her movies. Yes, I greatly appreciate her incredible philanthropy, including the massive investments she made in this region to create jobs, and give dignity, hope, and international validation to all of us local mountain people.

Her imagination library is such an incredible gift to children all over the world. A child who can read has intellectual freedom.

But the thing I loved most about Dolly Parton was her steadfast and abundant kindness. And that kindness was rooted in her Christian faith.

So, for my tribute to the Queen of Appalachia, here are the lyrics to a song Dolly wrote in 1999. As one would expect from Her Royal Kindness, she offers us comfort now even from beyond the grave.

I am ready

Oh, my children

When Jesus knocks at my door

I'll be there come morning

Don't weep for me

I'll be with my Lord

There's my Bible on the table

Read it to me once more

I can hear God's heavenly angels

Singing me on through Heaven's door

Hallelujah Lord

I am ready