08/26/2026
For Dolly š¦.
We were so lucky to have you. You were adored by all and you made every person who loved you feel like you belonged to them. What a gift. What a legacy.
You were one of the earliest role models of my life. From the time I was 3 years old, I stood up on a Branson stage and sang your songs every night, for 7 years. Listening to and studying your voice and presence are some of my earliest memories. I became so synonymous with this song to those who knew me that all of my childhood gifts had butterflies on them. What a gift to be surrounded by these harbingers of grace everyday.
Louisa received her first book in the mail just last week! We sat and read it at the breakfast table last week and I could not stop crying as I read. And I couldnāt quite pin point why. But reading your letter to my daughter inside this gifted book, to be sharing with her this icon who has held such a piece of my life and heart. I still canāt put the words to it, but I felt the weight of it deeply.
I love you Dolly, we will miss having you here so much. Thank you for all youāve given us.
Dolly Parton