I just booked tickets to Dolly Parton LIVE on June 4th in Duluth, Georgia. My little Backwoods Barbie Cercie to Self.
This will be my first Dolly Parton LIVE experience. Thank stars she released a new album and launched a tour at age 70, because I've missed every other opportunity up to now.
As y'all know, my beloved dog's namesake is Dolly Parton. If I could have dinner with a famous person, I would pick Dolly Parton. I've often asked myself, "WWDD - What Would Dolly Do"?
Here's why:
Better Get To Livin'
If you know the Backwoods Barbie album, there's a song on it called "Better Get To Livin'." It's her Leadership Song. She's addressing the big question: "'Dolly, what's your secret?'" Well, she's not shy to tell you. It's how she lives her life.
- Be willing and forgiven' cause all healing has to start with you
- You better stop whining, pining
- Get your dreams in line
- And then just shine, design, refine
Well, I'm inspired!
Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That
Speaking of shining and refining, Dolly Parton mastered the "personal brand" long before social media determined this was the trend of the century. And she did it from the inside out, contrary to what might seem obvious. How? I think it's by being vulnerable: "I'm just a backwoods Barbie in a push-up bra and heels. I might look artificial, but where it counts I'm real. And I'm all dolled up and hoping' for a chance to prove my worth, And even backwoods Barbie's get their feelings hurt."
They just use your mind and you never get the credit
I think it's safe to say that Dolly Parton works WAY more than "9 to 5". Her commitment to the dream, and her prolific creativity and output continue to blow me away. She's 70 and just released a TV show, a new album, performed live with Katie Perry at the CMAs (did y'all see her platform shoes?!) and is going on tour. This savvy business woman isn't taking anyone's crap, either. She's got a theme park and a resort hotel named after her. It's a rich WOMAN's game and Dolly is putting money in HER wallet. She's worth $500 million.
Pure and Simple
Is the new album even out? I don't have it, yet. I did read that Dolly Parton just wanted to get back to "pure and simple." I think about how the music industry press go on about Adele and her revolutionary approach to songwriting, putting the simplest concept into lyrics that resonate with so many people. Well, Dolly's been doing that since Coat of Many Colors. Hello, Adele!!
I Will Always Love You
This song was written for Dolly's business and creative partner Porter Wagoner. She was making the solo leap in her career, and this incredible piece of songwriting genius was about the business relationship that must come to an end. It made Dolly Parton the only artist to record a #1 album twice with the same song. She had appeal with pop music, too, as we all know. Whitney Houston picked it up. But here is where the story is so cool to me: Did you know that Elvis Presley wanted to cover the song, but Parton wouldn't sign over half her publishing rights to Presley, per the contract? This decision allowed her to keep the rights, and has made her millions $$$ in royalties from the song over the years. BOOM.
I Believe in You
Dolly Parton never had children. She said she and Carl contemplated it, but God didn't want that for her. She said it has meant she can be "everybody's mamma" and there is more of her to go around. I love that. She writes and sings children's songs, and donates hundreds of thousands of books every year to children around the world through Imagination Library, which she started when I was graduating college.
See why I ask myself WWDD?
Here's to shining and refining, y'all !
**Bonus Video from Dolly.
