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# Dolly
- URL: https://dianaludwick.com/dolly/
- Published: 2026-08-25T16:20:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-25T16:20:00.000Z
- Description: “Dolly,” an ode to Dolly Parton, a founding mother of Americana and a sparkling ambassador for Kindness and Literacy movements, written Tuesday, August 25, 2026 poem 237 in a series of 365 poems written by Diana Ludwick in 2026. Photo: "Dolly in Malmo," by Diana Ludwick © 2026.
- Author: Diana Ludwick
- Tags: 2026 Poetry Challenge, Generational, Homage, Musical Arts, Nostalgia, Of Place, Poems, And I Will Always Love You, August, Big Tent, Covid-19, Dolly, Dolly Parton, High Hair, High Summer, Jolene, Legacy, Literacy, Long Legacy, Politicians, Siren Pull, Summer, #Migrated-1792872215677, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-10-24 20:03

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.