Dolly Parton departed us today,
eight-two-five.
Known for her quips and aw shucks demurring
she lived her values out loud, her superheroine proclivity
for generosity and inclusion rippling out
from her core, the world's brightest butterfly effect.
Ms. Parton launched a sixty million hair brush soloists
belting out ballads we had no business
feeling so deeply in our souls at eight, nine,
ten, eleven years of age.
She taught us to read: she spread the wings of literacy
impacting generations of young readers
who are a bit smarter, a bit worldier,
a bit kinder, because of her dedication.
She was an early and vocal donor for the Covid-19 vaccine
before politicians and many other public figures.
She was an actor, a writer, a singer, a muse.
Dolly got the whole world aching from the siren pull of Jolene.
She was a big tent, big brassiered broad
who meant what she said, and wasn't short on wisdom.
Dolly reminded us that looks are just the start;
don't judge a book by her ripped bodice scarlet-lipped cover.
She leaves behind tall shoes, voluminous wigs,
and long library shelves to fill.
High hair, big dreams, long legacy:
Dolly, we will always love you.
