Hello everyone,

Today's news post is not like our usual news. As many know Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80 after a reported brief fight against cancer. 

Some of you may not know but I, Curly, was born and raised in western North Carolina and am very proud to call myself an Appalachian. Dolly was born and raised just over the NC/TN border from where I grew up. As a young girl I remember listening to Dolly's music, watching her achieve her superstar dreams, but most importantly I watched a proud Appalachian woman represent my region and heritage on the world stage. 

Early in her career, Dolly dealt with folks who decided mocking her background was a way to break her down and minimize her success. However, she never allowed their attempted attacks to shake her. She dealt with folks with tact and grace while representing true Appalachian ideals in many ways. 

• She wrote and sang songs about her appreciation of life here. I always loved her way of sharing Appalachian storytelling and experiences. One of my favorites is Coat of Many Colors.
• She donated her time and money to worthy causes. Most notably to myself, she helped families in my region during the devastating 2016 wildfires and after hurricane Helen.
• She stood by the LGBTQ+ community and is quoted stating everyone “should be allowed to be how you are and who you are.” A statement I deeply agree with.
• She valued education and built the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which gave books to children to increase literacy.
• She donated to many causes such as band uniforms, building hospitals, vaccine research and much more. She believed in doing good in the world where she could.

I invite you to learn more about the many, many, amazing things Dolly did in her lifetime. From a young girl in a 1-room cabin in the Appalachian mountains to the queen of country music, Dolly stayed true to herself.

I had the luck of meeting Dolly twice in my life, on the same day! At 10 years old I was at Dollywood with my father. Alone in the toy shop I was approached by a woman I remember being so dolled up and with the most amazing blonde hair. She talked to me about the toys I was holding and about myself. When I left the shop my father asked “Do you know who that was?” I did not. “She owns this place! That’s Dolly Parton!” She got a good kick out of that. Later that day I ended up stumbling upon her again and I guess I left an impression since she did it to me again! Little ol’ me must have been so excited to be at Dollywood I managed to forget I met the woman who owned it.

You may be wondering, why exactly is there a news post about this? Well, I’ve been told in life there will be a celebrity death that affects you the most and I have just discovered Dolly is mine. I am thankful to her for showing me that being myself, embracing my Appalachian roots, and always trying to do the right thing does pay off. She is someone who is worth learning about not because she was famous, but because she was the embodiment of true Appalachian ideals. Someone who offers help, not judgment. A person who loves thy neighbor and does what is needed to make sure they are ok. She kept true to herself which has given many the strength to do the same. In a world of darkness Dolly showed us you can be a light.

In lieu of flowers, the Parton family has asked donations be made to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Myself and Horse Fable have made a donation in honor of her legacy. Additionally, everyone active since August 1, 2026 has been sent Monarch Butterflies and various pink items to equip to their horses in celebration of Dolly's life. Lastly, I encourage you to consider ways you can bring a bit of light into our world. For myself, I have always worked toward volunteering in my community through food pantries and joining volunteer organizations. 

May Dolly rest easy and enjoy singing in the heavens with her family and loving husband.

- Curly