By Dr. Peggy Philips, PhD, IYI
For over six decades, Dolly Parton did something nearly impossible in the entertainment world: she stayed entirely, unapologetically relevant. Today, as the world processes the heartbreaking news of her passing at age 80, I find myself looking past the global headlines to reflect on what she truly gave us. Beyond the chart-topping hits and the brilliant entrepreneurship-
Dolly is a masterclass in how to exist as a woman of character.
Yes, she was larger than life. The hair, the clothes, the glamorous look—she did it all without a single drop of apology. But beneath the rhinestones was a heart, a character, and a profound wisdom that this fragmented world so desperately needs right now. I keep a quote by her right next to my kitchen sink, a daily reminder of that grounded perspective:
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain."
There was a time in my life when I competed in pageants. It’s a world many people misunderstand, assuming women enter them simply to be validated by an outside panel. But for a large number of us, it was about something else entirely. We did it because we recognized a great need to show others how to stand, how to move, and how to carry oneself as a woman of substance. Dolly embodied that exact spirit. She showed us how to "fluff our feathers" of feminine beauty and celebrate our unique design—not to shrink, but to extend ourselves as far as our raw talent could reach, so that others watching could find the courage to answer their own call. She taught us how to hold fierce boundaries with absolute grace, reminding us daily that life is a one-shot deal. There are no dress rehearsals.
About fifteen years ago, I had the privilege of working closely with her team for eight months to book her as a guest on a small ABC affiliate in central Nebraska. When the moment arrived, she was everything you would hope her to be: warm, kind, and unbelievably gracious. She learned that one of her long-time backup band members (Bob) was a native Nebraskan, and because of that connection, she affectionately spent the interview calling me "Peggy-bob." She met me exactly where I was with total presence.
Later, when I visited Dollywood, I stood looking at the tiny home she was raised in—a cabin no bigger than 800 square feet, likely even less. It was a physical reminder of her genius. She took that incredibly humble beginning and never let it go; instead, she used it as fuel to inspire millions to weather the rain, to never give up, and to look for that rainbow.
What made her baseline foundation so unshakeable was her deep, personal faith. Dolly was raised in the church, but she never weaponized her beliefs. She didn't rely on heavy preaching or hollow words to make a point. Instead, she completely embodied her faith by how she lived, how she treated people when no cameras were rolling, and how she extended massive, unconditional grace to the world around her. She let her actions do the preaching, showing us all what it looks like to quietly glorify God through absolute kindness, humility, and open arms.
Of all the historic things she accomplished as an actor, singer, philanthropist, and powerhouse entrepreneur, she was always most proud of being a songwriter. Today, her iconic words ring entirely true for me and for millions of fans worldwide:
We will always love you.
As a woman, Dolly demonstrated exactly who I wanted to be. Her legacy will live on—not just in what she did, but mostly in who she continues to be to us all.
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