I personally don’t know anyone who hasn’t heard of Dolly Parton. And it’s awfully hard to find someone who doesn’t like her or at least her music. She always seemed to be a very kind and generous person. Dolly Parton has been a part of my musical life for decades. I have wanted to go to Dollywood for years and made that happen in December of 2025.
It was a self-care road trip for me, myself, and I. 2025 was one of the worst years in my lifetime. Lots of small things and then in October, my puppers, Rex, died. That broke the small bits of my heart that weren’t already broken. I had always meant to go to Dollywood, so I took a road trip to Tennessee to step out of my day-to-day and spend some time with Dolly. Take some time to decompress, leave a schedule behind, and see some beautiful parts of our country.
The day I was planning to drive down had snow in the forecast so I left around midnight. Based on the radar map I should have been out of the storm once I left Jersey. Nope. Drove through snow well into Virginia. Still better that I left in the middle of the night…the snow would have cost me a day had I waited. I quickly learned to pump gas. Felt pretty proud of that actually.
On the car ride down to Tennessee, Dolly, Cher, and The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert soundtrack kept me company. I was in my new-to-me Subaru, named Nevermore, and the drive went well. Stopped whenever I needed to and just let my brain wander. It needed to not focus on anything specific.
First stop was Dolly’s statue. I love the story Dolly told about that…what an honor it was, and when she talked about it with her father, he pointed out that the birds would poop on it. She appreciated how he kept her humble. And apparently her father would go to the statue at night to clean it.
When I got to Sevierville I found my way to the statue. A beautiful town, lovely little stroll to the statue for a selfie and some pictures. Once I was done, others took their turn.
The Heartsong Lodge and Resort welcomed me next. The decorations were amazing. The staff was incredibly friendly. And I really felt a sense of calm wash over me. I wandered through the hotel, had a delicious burger at one of the restaurants, and then slept in a perfectly soft bed. I woke up feeling quite refreshed and ready for the day’s adventures.
I caught the trolley and arrived at Dollywood. I hastily signed up for the blown-glass ornament and the blacksmith. I made an ornament for older son and made a knife out of a horseshoe for younger son.
I rode the train, the carousel, and the scrambler. I caught one of the amazing shows. I had a sinfully delicious lunch at Aunt Granny’s.
I went through the museums and her tour bus. I marveled at the Christmas decorations. I enjoyed seeing Dolly’s joy and generous spirit everywhere in the park. I felt the knots starting to relax in my shoulders and back. I felt my mind stop running a mile a minute and was able to work through the clutter that had accumulated. And I was doing it in a red pair of shoes.
I felt myself starting to come back to me. I remembered to find out who I am and then do it on purpose. Dolly also reminded me to be grateful for all the joys and blessings in my life…even when life was kicking me around a bit.
I started to rebuild myself and get my confidence back. I reminded myself that I can be anything I want to be. Dolly reminded me to be joyful, generous, and grateful. I fail at it many times, but I keep trying my best.
On Tuesday, when older son called me and asked if I was ok, I asked why …what happened…and he simply said Dolly. Or that’s all I heard as I quickly did a search and saw the news. I have watched throughout the day the nonstop tributes being written to her on social media, the Empire State Building going pink at 9:25, and the New Year’s ball in Times Square shining pink and glittery from 9pm to 5am. Duran Duran posted of when they met her.
I know that many people have a way that Dolly Parton influenced their life. I am but one of them. My heart and eyes wept today. But I also spent time being grateful for the exemplary life she lived that has provided me inspiration throughout my life. I will continue to try to be joyful, generous, and grateful. Rest in peace, Dolly, and thank you for sharing so much with the world.
ohbloodyhell8 