September 2026

She Never forgot Her roots

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 Born into poverty, her family lived off the land,
​relying entirely on their deep love and Christian faith.

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​Her love of music and learning
​organically from the gifts that the Lord gave her, she persevered with dreams and hopes for a better tomorrow.

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It is only fitting, then,  that this month's blog is dedicated to the beloved Dolly Parton. While widely celebrated as a prolific songwriter, singer, actress, and astute businesswoman, Dolly’s true hallmark was her refusal to forget her roots. She mobilized her global celebrity to foster literacy through her Imagination Library. Transcending socioeconomic barriers, the program ensured that every child—whether born into a modest home or an expansive estate—received a book at birth, followed by monthly books until age five. This deeply altruistic initiative, inspired by her intelligent yet illiterate father, was designed to spark a lifelong love of reading during a child’s most critical formative years. What began as a local grassroots idea has since blossomed into an internationally renowned global phenomenon.

But, that wasn't all she did. She tried never to say a bad word about anybody. Everyone was equal in her book! Through her voice she spoke all of the time about staying positive even in difficult times and sharing kindness. It was important to her to spread happiness and joy wherever she went.  
​Below are some of her quotes that I found from Southern Living:

• “Storms make trees take deeper roots.”
• “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
• “Find out who you are. And do it on purpose.”
• “If you see someone without a smile today, give ‘em yours.”
• “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
• “I have a strict policy that nobody cries alone in my presence.”
• “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
• “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
• “When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.”
• “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”

While we often wait until someone passes to uncover the true essence of who they were, Dolly was an exception. We never had to search for her truth; she revealed it daily through her actions, her artistry, and her earthly achievements. She lived with an open heart so vast that she effectively made everyone of us her children.

Her unwavering dedication to her roots shaped her identity and fueled her lifelong achievements. Philanthropy was Dolly’s true north. In a brilliant act of love, she transformed a personal heartache into the catalyst for the Imagination Library, turning a private tribute into a global gift for children as she became known as the "Book Lady!" A title she felt was more important than anything she had ever accomplished.

Dolly’s extraordinary legacy will live on forever. Some people enter our lives like butterflies, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Dolly Parton was our beautiful butterfly, who has now traded her earthly wings for angel wings in Heaven.

Happy September everyone 
and 
as Dolly would say,
"when someone is without a smile...give 'em yours!"
​Rest in Peace, Dolly!
xoxo Yvonne