BIG Appreciation Month | Day 8 of 28
Creating A
Culture of
LOVE
Our community was once a laughing stock. I remember watching tv shows and movies where our stereotype was considered dumb and ditsy. I suppose it affected me a lot as I was ashamed of where I came from when I was a child. I would think to myself "When I grow up I ain't never gonna talk like that" as I ate another portion of taters and onions. Then my sister (who was, is, and forever will be obsessed with Dolly Parton) showed me Dolly singing (on tv, if I remember correctly). As a young boy it wasn't my thing, but then Dolly paused between songs to talk to the audience. She was so bold about her heritage and she didn't seem at all embarrassed by her dialect. In fact, Dolly seemed to be empowered by her upbringing and this region as a whole. Sure, she would poke some fun and some of it was over my head at the time (I think Dolly has a special way of talking about the adult subject matters but in the most appropriate way). I couldn't believe someone so loved had so much of what I thought was wrong with me. She took what the rest of the country made fun of and made it something to be desired. Now when people think of our region they think of polite, loving people. Dolly deserves our appreciation as she has not only given so much to our children through books, but also she has given her personality and fame to lift our culture up.
Big personality and a big heart to boot
If you’re on vacation and someone happens to ask “Where are you from?” your answer is likely to have one of two responses: “Oh yeah, is that near DollyWood?”, or “Oh yeah, is that near Bristol Motor Speedway?”. Dolly’s attractions have captured national awareness but she herself has also become a national treasure. There have been few (if any) people more influential to our area than Dolly Parton. She is unafraid to share her faith, her love, and her opinions with the world no matter what. Her stance is as bold as she is but she remains approachable. More than likely you have interacted with Dolly in some way: whether you have seen her in a concert, in movies/tv and laughed at her jokes, rode the Tennessee Tornado at Dollywood (WildEagle is my favorite), or read a book from The Imagination Library to your kids. In every respect, Dolly has used her status as a star to reach out and help our area.
There have been few (if any) people more influential to our area than Dolly Parton
Though I may not be a country music fan, I sure do enjoy Dolly’s songs. If you have not made it to one of her concerts I will insist that you try. She is as witty as they come and more entertaining than I thought possible. If you are a fan of Dolly then reach out and let her know. I have provided links to her website and official Facebook page where you can do so.
If you have a favorite Dolly moment then be sure to write it in the comments below.
What
A legendary Singer/Songwriter who has fought off the likes of Jolene and worked 9 to 5 while doing it.
Why
For building a culture of love in our region. (DollyWood is nice too!)
When
Dolly was born on January 19th, 1946 (but she is still 32 years old, I think)
*Please note that BIG is not affiliated with Dolly Parton at this time. We simply appreciate what she means to our region and what she has done through the many programs she sponsors.
