I was so sad to hear about the passing Dolly Parton today. If you followed me for a while, you’ve heard me talk about her… You know I loved her.

I have flowers and a little sign on my desk with a Dolly quote that I look at almost every day. I’ve always loved her words, her humor and, of course, her music.

But today I keep thinking about something else.

Everybody loved Dolly.

And I think a big reason for that is because Dolly seemed to love everybody right back.

She had this wonderful way of making people feel welcome, valued and loved … no matter who they were. What an incredible legacy.

It made me think about the kind of person I want to be, too. I want to be someone who loves people well. Someone who makes people feel a little better after being around me. Someone who looks for the good, gives people grace and leaves a little joy behind.

Maybe that’s one way we can celebrate Dolly today.

Be a little more like Dolly.

Love people well.

Make somebody smile.

Leave a little joy wherever you go.

Thank you for all the joy, Dolly. You sure gave us a lot of it.

A LITTLE DOLLY WATCH LIST 🤍

If you’re wanting to spend a little time celebrating Dolly, here are some of my favorite movies, specials and documentaries that show so many different sides of her:

Steel Magnolias
One of Dolly’s most beloved movies. She plays Truvy, the warm, funny beauty salon owner at the center of a group of Southern women navigating friendship, family, laughter and heartbreak. Dolly is so lovable in this one.
Watch: Available to stream or rent digitally.

9 to 5
You really can’t make a Dolly watch list without this one. Dolly, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin together are hilarious, and of course it gave us one of Dolly’s most iconic songs.
Watch: Available to stream or rent digitally.

Rhinestone
Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone together… which honestly is reason enough to watch. 😂 Dolly plays a country singer who bets she can turn just about anyone into a country music star, and Stallone becomes her project. It’s silly, fun and very ’80s.
Watch: Available to rent or buy digitally.

Dolly Parton: Here I Am
If you want to know more about Dolly herself, this is such a good one. It looks at her childhood, songwriting, career and the people and experiences that shaped her.
Watch: PBS.

Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute
This one feels especially meaningful because it really shows just how loved Dolly was. Some of the biggest names in music come together to celebrate her and perform her songs. It feels like one big love letter to Dolly.
Watch: Netflix.

PEOPLE Interview: Dolly Parton on Her Husband’s Passing and Finding Joy
A much more personal watch. Dolly talks about loss, joy, aging and continuing to move forward with purpose. It’s such a beautiful reminder of her warmth and wisdom.
Watch: PEOPLE / YouTube. and Netflix

Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors
This tells the story of Dolly’s childhood in Tennessee and the family, faith and experiences that shaped her. It gives you such a sweet glimpse into where so much of her heart came from.
Watch: Available to rent or buy digitally.

Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square
Yes, it’s August. No, I don’t care. 😂 Dolly, Christmas music and a message about kindness and loving people? I’m in.
Watch: Netflix.

There are so many ways to remember Dolly, but I love the idea of simply spending a little time with what she gave us…. the movies, the music, the laughter, the wisdom and all that joy.

What’s your favorite Dolly movie, song or quote?