Honoring Dolly Parton

I was about 12 years old, visiting my cousin in New York, when the whole family went to see the movie “9 to 5” featuring Dolly Parton. The movie and its title song became known as icons of a version of feminist empowerment, but at the time it was just a corny movie with a catchy lead song. This was just about my only experience of Dolly Parton and her music, aside from a few popular songs on the radio. I put her in the category of country music singer, which I also conflated with cultural conservatism. Over the years, I slowly became aware of the other aspects of this artist—her generosity and open-mindedness—which have been celebrated since her death last week.

Dolly Parton founded a literacy charity with a staggering reach, providing 24.6 million free books to children. But the thing that caught my attention the most is her support of the LGBTQ community. A few years ago, a drag performer had testified at the Texas state house and joined a lawsuit against a proposed ban on drag shows in the state. Dolly Parton learned about the performer and sent her a gift: a signed guitar, covered in rhinestones.

In her life, and now in her death, Dolly Parton transcended the liberal and conservative divide in American culture. She was a musical superstar who was not afraid to speak her truth. Liberals applaud her stances on social issues, dating all the way back to the “9 to 5” anthem of her early career. Traditional country music fans honor her as a legendary singer and songwriter. And, as evidenced by Donald Trump’s gracious statement of appreciation following her death, those on the right as well as the left admire her. It is quite rare in today’s America to find a public figure so universally admired. An artist with a generous spirit and an inclusive worldview, who used her fame and wealth for good purposes, deserves that admiration.

PRAYER:

May all those who have a song to sing be authentic and bold. May they use their voice to speak their truth.

May all those who have great wealth find causes to support that improve the lives of others: the young, the sick, and the marginalized.

May this nation find things that unite us in this time of dangerous division.

Blessed be.

Rev. Drew Frantz

September 1, 2026