On August 25, 2026 the music world went into mourning with the news that Dolly Parton had passed away. The country music icon was 80 when she died. News outlets, social media, websites, musicians, fans, etc across the world have been paying tribute to Dolly. It was even the lead story on Winnipeg Sports Talk podcast/Youtube channel who talked about her fondly. People who don’t typically listen to her music expressed their sadness at the news. Dolly touched so many lives in one way or another.
On a personal level – I have a memory of my Mom taking me to see the comedy 1980 movie 9 to 5 at the theatre when I was still a small lad, the movie that Dolly starred in with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. “Islands in the Stream”, written by Barry Gibb and sung as a duet by Kenny Rogers and Dolly was a smash hit in 1983. My Mom regularly played the Trio tape in the mid-late 80s, the album Dolly recorded with fellow legends Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. Whitney Houston’s megahit cover of her Dolly’s song “I Will Always Love You” was a staple at dances and weddings throughout the 90s and beyond. Throughout the 2000s she was a constant presence on TV, radio, and online. Just a few weeks ago I bought Dolly’s “Original Album Series” 5CD set. Like many others have said, Dolly Parton had been around my entire life.
Rather than just being another singer – it was Dolly’s personality that radiated through multiple generations. A great songwriter, terrific singer, self deprecating, funny and beautiful – yet it was her kindness that really stood out. She seemed to love everyone regardless of their background, colour, sexual preferences, etc. Everyone was welcomed into her world with open arms. With current social/political tensions running high, Dolly Parton was one that everyone could agree on. She will be sadly missed.
The Light Appears 