Hello Friends,

Dolly Parton has been a guiding light throughout my life. She has a singular mix of talent, kindness, wisdom, joy, and a dash of naughtiness. I've often pondered over the years how she developed her personal philosophy so young, navigating 1960s Nashville, emerging fully in control of her art and career. To be taken seriously as a female musician is challenging today. I can't imagine how it must have been back then.

I've been a zealot for Dolly FOREVER. Over the many years, playing in the Golden Horse Ranch Band, I would ask the crowd if they knew how amazing Dolly Parton is, and then without pause proceed to tell them as much as I thought I could without being too much. So if you don't mind, I'd like to bend your ear for a minute and let you know just some of the many reasons why Dolly Parton is the person I most admire.

Dolly Parton has written over 3,000 songs and plays the guitar, banjo, autoharp, bass, fiddle, piano, mandolin, dulcimer, saxophone, and of course her acrylic nails — all in stiletto heels and a joke at the ready. Her voice is crystal clear and her harmonies perfect. She did this without ever learning how to read music. She was always ready with witty banter, and you couldn't leave a Dolly show without a smile.

As a businesswoman, she led with trust-based management, saying that instead of micromanaging she focused on putting right people in the right positions. She had the same core staff for many decades. Empathetic and kind, she was also not a pushover, and asked for excellence from everyone. She would take time out of her busy schedule to meet every staff member at Dollywood, thanking them for their work.

She never forgot where she came from, and her philanthropic work shows her deep compassion for everybody and gratefulness for all she had to offer.

Dolly overcame many hurdles to achieve the greatest embodiment of herself. She didn't see anything she did as mistakes, but as experiences and learning opportunities.

It's butterfly season at the Ranch, which is her favorite animal. They are everywhere right now, and I'm grateful for that synchronicity. We are so lucky to have had Dolly with us in our lifetime. May her light shine on.

I've made a playlist of some of my favorite Dolly songs. I hope you enjoy.

DOLLY PLAYLIST