On Aug. 25, Dolly Parton passed away.
While she was just one of a string of celebrities to pass within a short amount of time, and one of a number of big names to pass so far in 2026, her death has seemed to have an outsized effect.
Her decades of entertainment, philanthropy, humor, heart and more touched people across America and, undoubtedly, the world.
Statements honoring Parton’s work and legacy were posted rapidly and plentifully. We texted with family and friends about how the world lost an icon. Quotes of Parton’s quickly popped up in a wide variety of places, including on sidewalks at local parks.
We seemingly were all pulled together in honoring the life of someone who changed the lives of so many others and made the world a little brighter.
Unfortunately, things have gone downhill from there.
Instead of simply appreciating the legacy Parton left here on earth and striving to be a little more generous like her, her passing led to — not shockingly, but sadly — political arguments. Some from each “side” quickly tried to co-opt her legacy as being more in their favor. While she made many of her beliefs known during her life, Parton made it clear while she was alive that politics were not where she wanted to be and that who she voted for was her business. She expressed understanding that she had friends and fans from across the political spectrum and sought to not be divisive.
Then, a week after her death, Parton’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was apparently vandalized, with flowers stolen and Parton’s name heavily scratched.
It’s incredibly disappointing that the historic career and life of someone who truly loved her fellow man would lead to arguing and vandalism.
We don’t always have to claim something for ourselves and try to take it from others.
Sometimes it’s OK to just appreciate what someone else has done, without pointing out imperfections and differences.
Sometimes it’s OK to just let yourself be inspired by people who do cool things.
Parton did a lot in her 80 years on this planet, and she has made a difference in countless lives, with that reach far from over.
Among many other accomplishments in her entertainment and business careers, and philanthropy, Parton was a driving force in:
Starting the Dollywood Foundation in 1998 to help lower high school drop-out rates in her home county in Tennessee. The initiative was reported to be highly successful, with rates dropping from 35 percent to 6 percent.
Launching and giving away numerous scholarships over the course of decades.
Having an eagle sanctuary for non-releasable bald eagles at Dollywood for 35 years, helping to advance bald eagle conservation and education.
Giving to disaster relief efforts after several natural disasters.
Giving to help with medical research, including for pediatric cancer, and children’s hospitals.
Starting the Imagination Library, which to date has given away more than 300 million books to children up to age 5 across the country regardless of economic or other factors.
Certainly, we can’t all accomplish all that Parton was able to build up over her 80 years, but we can let her — and others — inspire us to make positive changes where our reach allows.
As she said, “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
We may not be able to contribute millions, but even $5 to a local nonprofit or a few hours spent volunteering helps make a difference.
We can let Parton — and others — inspire us to go about our days with a few more smiles and a little more humor.
It’s OK to let your self be inspired. You might just help inspire someone else. That’s the type of thing that can make this world a little better.
As she said, “When I wake up, I expect things to be good. If they’re not, then I try to set about trying to make them as good as I can ‘cause I know I’m gonna have to live that day anyway. So why not try to make the most of it if you can? Some days, they pan out a little better than others, but you still gotta always just try.”
Randi Pierce
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