Simply put, Dolly Parton was an American original. She was an inspiration to millions. She was a relentless advocate for women and for equality. Through her Imagination Library, she placed the gift of reading into the hands of millions of children because she understood literacy is the foundation of opportunity.
But perhaps most importantly, Dolly treated everyone with kindness and respect. She lived her values with a flair and vitality for life that was uniquely her own. She was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, and she will be missed by millions around the world.
Jill and I are keeping her family, her friends, and her millions of fans in our prayers.
God bless Dolly Parton.
It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine. What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans.
“She [Dolly] reinvested in people, in hope, in love, and in the future. I would like Jeff Bezos and all the other ones [billionaires] to remember that as they’re looking down at us from their fucking rockets because that’s the closest those fuckers will get to heaven”
Dolly Parton was the best of us.
She was an American treasure — a rare embodiment of talent, kindness, and generosity in equal measure.
We’ll always love you, Dolly.
Dolly Parton in 2017 on Republican opposition to LGBTQ+ rights:
"If you’re the fine Christian you think you are, why are you judging people? We’re supposed to love one another.”
Dolly Parton was a true American icon. First introduced to the world as a "little girl from up in East Tennessee," she became a global superstar.
Her career accolades included 11 Grammy awards, an Emmy, an honorary Oscar, and — my favorite — more than 300 million books sent to millions of children around the world through her Imagination Library. All at once she was kind, modest, and funny. With her music, her philanthropy, and her style, Dolly was one of one.
Doug and I send our prayers to her family, friends, and all those who have been touched by her magic. We will always love you, Dolly.