Dolly Parton: Character Lessons from the Life of an American Original

Dolly Parton: Character Lessons from the Life of an American Original

Singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and educational philanthropist Dolly Parton passed away last week at 80 after a short bout with cancer. She is lauded by many as a national treasure of whom we’ll never see the likes again.

That may be true. But more Dolly Partons can grace this world if they develop the character to succeed. Character is destiny–and Dolly developed her share of it.

At celebrations of life we stay away from the faults of those who’ve left us. We’re all scarred people and have fallen short (Romans 3:23). That’s not the point. We use memorials to thank God for the wonderful attributes of character we saw in a friend or loved one. 

I remember some life celebrations I officiated or participated in where the positive qualities of the deceased made a powerful impact on me. Those tributes stirred me to be “like them.”

Why? Because the greatest form of admiration is imitation. 

Let’s leave the world headlines behind this week and focus on some of the character qualities in the life of Dolly Parton. I’ll begin with two that stand out, and conclude with some others.

Faith & Calling

The Christian Post gives us some background on Dolly’s life that underlines her trust in God and salvation through Jesus Christ.

On Aug. 25, Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death on behalf of the Parton and Owens family, saying the country music icon “has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.”

“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens,” he said.

Born in rural Tennessee in 1946 as one of 12 children, Parton began singing as a child in the church where her grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher. She moved to Nashville after graduating from high school and went on to build a career spanning six decades, becoming the best-selling female country music artist of all time, with more than 160 million albums sold worldwide. Her enduring hits include “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Parton earned 11 Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards and seven Academy of Country Music Awards, among numerous other honors. Beyond music, she was known for her acting career and extensive philanthropy, including her Imagination Library literacy program.

Parton frequently spoke publicly about the Christian faith that shaped her life from childhood. In an interview with The Christian Post in 2019, she recalled an older woman telling her when she was young that she was “anointed.” When Parton asked her mother what the word meant, her mother told her, “That means that God has His hand on you; that you may do something special.”

She said the encounter gave her a lasting sense of responsibility to use her gifts for God and others.

I never let go of that,” she told CP. “I always felt responsible to God that I was supposed to be doing something for God. I still feel like that, and I’m still doing it, trying to. Sinning all the way, but trying my best, and asking forgiveness seventy times seven.”

“I really feel like I have a calling. I always felt I had a mission,” Parton said. “I feel like God had told me early in a feeling that I was supposed to go until He told me to stop. Until God says stop, I’ll keep going.”

Ironically (or sovereignly), I’m typing these words on the exact day 52 years ago God revealed to me his calling for my life (September 1, 1974).  I’ve tried to be faithful over many decades.

Dolly Parton is a shining example of a person who was “not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). Despite her celebratory status over six decades, she never lost her trust in Jesus and his mission for her life. 

May we also “be faithful unto death and you will receive the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). 

My grandparents inscribed that scripture on the first Bible I ever received at age ten. It didn’t mean much then. It means the world to me now as I’ve lived out my faith over the past 58 years.

Generosity/Philanthropy

Dolly Parton earned millions over her lifetime as an entertainer/entrepreneur. Thirty years ago, she made a decision to give some of it back to help elevate children out of the paralyzing poverty she experienced as a child. 

She called it the “Imagination Library.”

I never listened to Dolly Parton’s hits because I’m not really a music guy. I love to sing and hear live music/worship, but when I’m alone, I’d rather think or pray in silence than sport an earbud filling my head with song.

Just a personal preference.

So, the first time I really paid attention to Dolly Parton was in a Hallmark movie called “Christmas at Dollywood” (2019). Shirley and I have watched it several times. It features Dolly’s Imagination Library which has sent out personalized books to 200 million young children over the past 31 years.

Let that sink in.

200 million books. 

Dolly launched the project in 1995 in Sevier County, Tennessee, to help local children “from birth until age five.” She created the library “as a tribute to her father, who could not read.” The free book delivery service later grew into an international movement reaching many nations. 

Three years ago, the Washington State public education establishment brought Dolly to the Pacific Northwest to honor her for her influence in education. This eighteen minute interview gives you a good glimpse into Dolly’s personality and generous heart.

WATCH:

Other imitable character qualities Dolly Parton displayed:

• Hard work (with many long hours on the road for performances and interviews).
• 58 years of marriage to Carl Dean who died in 2025. (Sixty years with one man as they dated for two years prior to their May 30, 1966 marriage. She was 20 at the time and Carl was 23).
• Great visionary leadership over a lifetime.
• Kept to her purpose (stayed in her lane). Dolly never alienated anyone via politics or controversial subjects.
• Humility and ability to laugh at herself despite her fame and notoriety.

Her unusual life was made possible by the freedoms of the USA and and the rights our constitution guarantees. No Dolly Partons exist in socialist/communist enclaves.

Dolly Parton’s eighty years on earth Moses said were “due to strength” (Psalm 90:10). None of us knows the extent of our lifetime, short or long. No one lives a perfect life.

Only Jesus accomplished that reality. He’s the Creator God, the Imparter of Destines, and the Savior of the world for those who put their trust in Him (John 3:16).

May we, like Dolly, enter his gates with thanksgiving having accomplished our mission on earth.