The Dolly Moment I’ve Never Forgotten

Countless tributes have been written about Dolly Parton since her passing on August 25.

I didn’t know her. But, I can give you a snapshot of something that never would have made it into a tribute.

It was the 70’s. I was a student at Troy State University, listening to Dolly sing her heart out in a campus auditorium filled with college students.

Suddenly, this glamorous, larger-than-life performer stopped mid-song to examine the fingers she was using to strum her guitar and blurted out, “Aw, shoot, I broke a nail.” Then she giggled.

And just like that, I imagine most of the young women in the room felt they could relate to the famous Dolly Parton. I know I did.

After the concert, she stood outside, surrounded by college students wanting an autograph, and patiently gave each of them a piece of her time - and her name. I was among them, close enough to touch her. Her genuine and unhurried nature eclipsed any thoughts of her stardom.

Mine was a brief encounter with a major country singer whose hits already included “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “Love is Like a Butterfly.”

There was no conversation between us. No selfie. Yet she seemed at ease with a bunch of adoring teens and young adults. Her smiles and giggles fit right in.

Just minutes earlier she had been standing beneath stage lights in all of her glitz and glamour, lamenting her broken fingernail.

Even in her wig, stilettos and rhinestones she seemed like an ordinary woman, comfortable in her own skin. Maybe that is why she appealed to so many. Her persona captured your attention, but she never seemed to hide who she was beneath the rhinestones she wore.

Just a few hours after the concert, the stage where Dolly had sung was dark. The crowd was back in their dorm rooms and fraternity houses. By the time Dolly’s travel bus reached the Troy city limits, I imagine her heavy, rhinestone-studded costume was already off, replaced with something more comfortable.

But all these years later, I still remember how naturally she reached beyond the stage and connected with a packed auditorium. And I remember her graciousness afterward, even while being pressed by the crowd.

Dolly’s death made me notice something about legacy.

Eventually, everyone’s stage goes dark. The accolades fade. People move on.

What remains after the lights go out?

Perhaps people will remember some of what we accomplished, but rarely will they forget how we treated them when they were close enough to see who we really were.

Are we kind, patient and gracious?

For Christians, that question goes deeper. What do people experience when they’re near us, no matter the size of our platform?

Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” ~ John 13:35

For those of us who follow Him, that is a legacy worth leaving - not an image we try to portray, not our accomplishments, but evidence that we love people the way Jesus loved.

Often, love is visible through patience, kindness and graciousness, and a willingness to give someone our time.

I didn’t know Dolly Parton. I just got close enough to notice her. And many years later, I have never forgotten how she made me feel.