When a friend of mine was going through an exceptionally difficult time in their life, we thought a trip to Dollywood was exactly the medicine needed. And we were right.
That trip to Dollywood inspired my friend to overcome hardship, push past pain, and create a wonderful life. Through every moment of struggle, my friend found inspiration by asking herself one question:
WWDD - What Would Dolly Do?
My friend doesn’t believe in God or Jesus or an afterlife. But they believe in Dolly. And it all started with that trip to Dollywood.
Prior to that fateful trip, my friend didn’t know much about Dolly Parton. They didn’t know Dolly had overcome extreme childhood poverty and pushed past startling sexism and cruel criticism to become one of the most inspirational humans of our time. They didn’t know about her philanthropy and dedication to helping others. They didn’t know her work ethic and sacrifice.
Dolly’s story changed everything for my friend. In their darkest time, my friend became a believer in light and love. Thanks to Dolly, they learned that we all have gifts, talents, and a little magic to share.
Dolly walked through life with such grace that we both aspired to do the same. And when we fell down, we would ask each other:
What Would Dolly Do?
Dolly Parton modeled some of the most beautiful godlike qualities I have ever seen in human form.
We agreed Dolly wasn’t someone to be worshipped. She was someone to be admired.
Dolly cared. Dolly believed in herself. Dolly lifted up other people. No matter what she was feeling, Dolly never stopped sharing her love and talent with the world. Wouldn’t it be beautiful if we all did the same?
Everything about Dolly Parton inspired us to dream more, learn more, do more, give more, and be more. My friend was the one who told me Dolly had passed. Through tears, we vowed to keep her life as a guiding light. We promised to keep using that one phrase guaranteed to lift our spirits, guide us forward, and put an instant smile on our faces:
WWDD - What Would Dolly Do?
We vowed to continue being philanthropists and sharing our love and talents with the world. And as a fitting tribute, we decided to share a favorite Dolly song to celebrate her life. Dolly wrote more than 3,000 songs, and I have a favorite.
I chose the song Dolly wrote for her husband, Carl Thomas Dean. I love this song because Dolly shares what I have known all my life about every person I love:
I wouldn’t be here
If you hadn’t been there
I’ll put the lyrics below and a link to Dolly’s song. Listen carefully because it completely answers the question my friend continues to ask.
What would Dolly do?
Show up fully and be there for someone else.
If You Hadn't Been There
by Dolly Parton
Lyrics:
Oh, you are my rock (Mm)
A soft place to land
My wings, my confidence
You understand
You're willingness
Beyond compare
No, I wouldn't be here
If you hadn't been there
[Chorus]
I wouldn't be here
If you hadn't been there
Pushing me on
When I was scared
I thank God and you (Thank God and you)
Oh, for your loving care
And for giving me love
With more to spare
You made me climb
And top the stairs
I wouldn't be here
I wouldn't be here
If you hadn't been there
[Outro]
I wouldn't be here
I wouldn't be here
If you hadn't been there
Oh, I wouldn't be here
If you hadn't been there
Mmm
