I was driving home from the grocery store this afternoon when they announced on the radio that country music star, Dolly Parton, had passed away at the age of 80. My immediate response was a long and plaintive, "Oh no!" Followed up by a series of "Damn! Damn! Damn!"
I genuinely liked Dolly Parton. I liked her music and her performances, and admired her philanthropy. She had a big heart and did a lot of good in the world.
Now she's gone and the world feels a little less bright.
I know a lot of other people are feeling sad about Ms. Parton's passing too. Accolades and expressions of sympathy are pouring in from everybody. The websites handling Dollywood and dollyparton.com have both crashed because they've been overloaded with people rushing to the sites. President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. flags be lowered to half-staff across the country for the rest of the week.
Dolly Parton made an impact with her kindness, her honesty and her generosity. I'm sure she had her burdens, but she seemed to bear them well, and I hope that wherever her spirit has ascended to, she is happy and at peace.
R.I.P. Miss Dolly.
The world will always love you.
