Dolly Parton

Yesterday was the inauguration but it was also the one and only Dolly Parton’s 75th birthday!

Now it’s no secret that I am a fan of this woman. I am fan because she writes songs that stay in your head for days on end. (*ahem* I’m looking at you “Here You Come Again”)

I am fan because of her incredible talent. I mean c’mon the woman wrote “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” in the SAME DAY. That’s insane.

I am a fan because of her efforts to promote literacy through her Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

I am a fan because she’s still friends with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda even after all these years since 9 to 5. There’s something to be said when you have unlikely friendships that endure throughout the years.

I am a fan because she a theme park named after her. (Sidenote: if you ever have the chance to experience the Americana that is Dollywood, do it. For the five feet wide skillets alone, it’s a delightful place.)

But I think what I love most about Dolly is that she has done it all on her terms. To do that, to be authentically yourself, takes a kind of strength. A kind of strength and confidence that says “This is me. You can either love me or not, but this is me.” So Dolly, I’m a fan of everything about you. Thank you for being your wonderful genuine self for all these years. And yes, I “Will Always Love You.” (I’m sorry, I had to say it.)