“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you….” Matthew 5:44
Last weekend, my daughter and I went to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge—sharing grief together in the loss of Tennessee’s beloved songstress and benefactor, Dolly Parton.
In defiance of her recent death, Dolly was still everywhere, belting out lyrics from speakers throughout the park…in museums about her songs, her sparkly costumes, her tour bus…in butterflies that permeate the signage. Her life and accomplishments were on display, impressive and inspiring.
Yet, despite her bigger-than-life persona, Dolly never forgot her roots. The park encases her childhood home and a clapboard church that represent her family and faith background. Dollywood is the largest employer in Sevier County, with around 4,500 employees from the surrounding hills—a means by which Dolly gave back to the local folks who always supported her.
Everyone loved Dolly.
What you might not know about her is that she was a woman of faith. Dolly learned in childhood how to respect and bless others, taught by her mother, father, and grandparents during their time together in the Bible.
In her audiobook, “Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics,”1 Dolly told the childhood story behind her creation of “Coat of Many Colors.”2
Her mother had received a box of fabric scraps and decided to put them to good use by sewing a patchwork coat for Dolly, telling her it was special—just like the one worn by Joseph in Scripture. Dolly was quite proud of the jacket, believing it to be important because its association with Joseph.
But upon arriving at school, Dolly was belittled as other children made fun of her, locked her in a dark coat closet, and made her feel ashamed of her poverty. She described the bullying as crushing and heart-shattering, giving her the impression that her mother had told her “a fib.”
Dolly’s mother, however, set her straight after her return home. Her wise mom declared that the family was not poor…indeed, that no one was poor who was rich in love and in “all sorts of wonderful things.” She taught that wealth is not measured by dollars but in the love sewn into Dolly’s mind, body, and soul through every stitch in the coat.
Through the experience, Dolly learned about love, acceptance, and good parenting. Her song and subsequent book by the same name showed children it was all right to be different and to accept others without making fun of them.
She wondered in later years how and why the story worked its way into her songs and books. Remembering the hymn “Light Shining Out of Darkness” by William Cowper, about God working in “mysterious ways,” Dolly believed God used her suffering to be a blessing to the world. Throughout her life, Dolly avoided criticism of others and maintained a positive outlook through her faith in Jesus. She was never ashamed to speak His name and sing of His love.
Her book about her “coat of many colors” figures prominently among the more than 340 million free books for children from Dolly’s Imagination Library, launched in 1995 to honor her father who could not read.3 She visited schools to read books out loud to children…and often said she’d rather be known as the “Book Lady” than any other title.
Friend, we can all learn much from this lady through the generosity and hope she shared with the world. Next time you hear one of her songs, think of the ways you can bless others as she did.
Good-bye, Dolly. Even though we never met you, you touched our hearts with your songs and smiles. May we continue your legacy of love until we greet you someday at Christ’s heavenly feast…where we’ll be surrounded by His “heartsong.”
Glorious God, thank You for the beauty of Dolly Parton’s legacy. Inspire us to share Your love and joy in abundance with others as she did. Help us remember to be salt and light in whatever we say and to sing Your hymns with voices loud and clear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom.
© Copyright 2026 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #JesusChrist #faithjourney #Christianliving #faithoverfear #flood #walkwithGod #faith #kingdomlife #Christianencouragement #Biblestudy #dailydevotional #Godisgood #Redeemer #Savior #prayerwarrior #Christianity #Jesus #God #Christian #Bible #trust #love #church #Christ #prayer #Bibleverse #presenceofGod #HolySpirit #dollyparton #dollywood #coatofmanycolors #songteller #heartsong
2 responses to “Good-bye, Dolly—With Love for Your Legacy”
Lovely
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Dolly was a lovely example, indeed, of a woman who started her day by talking with God!
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