Connections to Dolly
- mrymntcpw
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Physics teaches us that White light is a combination of all the colors in the visible light spectrum including Pink and Orange.
Dolly Parton was a beacon of light to the world. Accolades have monopolized social media with words and photos of our American Icon. One writer posited, "the human and the divine: Dolly Parton is a [LOT] of both..." Most of us want to somehow be bathed in her radiant light. Allow me to share my connections.
First, we both grew up in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and were steeped in Appalachian Gospel Music. As a young boy, I grew up in a Southern Baptist church and often attended local "sangin's" (performances by traveling Gospel singing groups).
"This little light of mine,
I'm going to let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm going to let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm going to let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"
But my only personal experience with Dolly took place at a taping of an episode of Star Time at WATE Channel 6 TV, in Knoxville. Local business man, Jim Clayton (Clayton Homes) sponsored a local television program that showcased regional country music performers. When I was perhaps eight years old, I entered a talent contest as a pianist and won 1st place that included an opportunity to perform on Star Time. When I arrived at the studio, a young girl, seven years older than me, was finishing her taping-Dolly Parton. I watched and listened to this young star with her guitar in hand.
Sixty years later, my dear cousin, Sharon Woliver, made application to Dolly's Imagination Library as a gift to celebrate the birth of my granddaughter, Asa Ruth Woliver. Like thousands of other children, Asa Ruth received a book from Dolly once a month for five years. Through this gift, Sharon connected to her great cousin, but also to Dolly, who being close in age, also adored and grew up in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Sharon and Asa Ruth's connection to Dolly
RIP Dolly. Your light and generous spirit pervades the world like fog over the Smoky Mountains. You will forever be remembered for your connections to the people of East Tennessee and beyond!
CPW
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