Last November, I was in Nashville for a quick trip to see a new pilot program that Her PLAN (Pregnancy and Life Assistance Network) was running. Among the lighter Christmas gifts with which I traveled back were small sandwich-board signs that declared: “In a world of Jolenes, be a Dolly.” A silly gift. But Dolly Parton has been someone who has largely managed to unite Americans: There was something good there. Virtue. Humor. A strong marriage. Faith in God. All kinds of charity. Duets with Kenny Rogers.
We are not meant for this world. Not even Dolly. There will be all kinds of tributes (and this post is an open invitation for commenters). Dolly Parton was among the best of America — the reason why so many of us, even those raised in New York City housing projects, identify with country music. It doesn’t pretend to be anything other than human, and yet it wants more. That’s how He made us to be. To know that we belong to Him. May she see His face quickly.
If I have to pick a classic:
And a newer one:
