It’s difficult to define a “classy” person. Words like integrity and elegance come to mind. But that top label can’t be applied until the person shows who they are over the long haul.
Dolly Parton is the best definition of classy.
At first glance, that might seem preposterous.
Dolly wears tons of makeup, tight, sequined clothes, long, painted fingernails and her hair looks like something out of a drag queen’s specialty wardrobe. She jokes about the number of plastic surgery procedures she’s undergone and the size of her bust.
But that’s just what’s on the outside of this remarkable woman.
Dolly Parton is one of the most popular singers and performers in the world. She’s also a successful businesswoman, actor, song writer and generous philanthropist.
She was born in Tennessee in 1946. She grew up in a big family with little money.
Dolly wrote and sang songs until she was invited to appear on the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 13. She got her big break on “The Porter Wagoner Show,” and the audience loved her.
She learned to call the shots for herself and slowly won every award the Country Music Association had to offer.
She’s a generous collaborator, and her most famous hit was recorded by Whitney Houston. The song “I Will Always Love You” became a global hit and Dolly said Whitney’s version was better than hers. Dolly started her own record label in 2007 and has had her songs in movies and on Broadway.
She opened the theme park Dollywood in 1985 and it’s one of the South’s top tourist attractions. My sister visited there with her family, and she said everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, had a blast. The park was clean, the prices reasonable and there was something for everyone to do.
One of Dolly’s most generous contributions has been through the Dollywood Foundation. She gives a free book a month to children from birth to age 5. Over 170 million books have been mailed to children, with parents only having to ask.
With all these accolades, it would be easy to understand if Dolly was a prima donna, having no time for the little people. It would also be understandable if she put others down because being a “mean girl” is popular and she’s at the top of the popularity pyramid.
But she doesn’t live that way.
I’ve never read or listened to an interview by Dolly Parton where she criticized other musicians. There’s a YouTube series where popular singers listen to others record their songs. It’s called “covers,” and the well-known singers usually make fun of the amateurs recording their tunes.
Not Dolly.
No matter how outlandish or offbeat the singer, Dolly has a smile on her face and nothing but encouraging words. She compliments their take on the song and says she’s honored to have people record her songs.
Recently singer Beyonce wasn’t recognized by the Country Music Hall of Fame for the successful country album she released.
Reporters, looking for a snide comment, couldn’t wait to ask Dolly’s opinion of Beyonce trying to be accepted as a country singer. The sharks were hoping Dolly would crucify Beyonce.
Not a chance.
Dolly didn’t rise to the bait and shut down the stories with class and intelligence. She not only complimented Beyonce but praised her talent and influence. Dolly also reminded people that country music has its roots in the Black community.
Of all the talents I love about Dolly Parton, I adore the words of wisdom she’s given us.
“Never ignore your roots, your home, or your hair.”
“Dreams are of no value if they’re not equipped with wings.”
And my all-time favorite: “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.”
Live your life how this living legend, song writer, author, philanthropist, singer, rock-and-roller, musician and queen of country music lives hers.
That’s to laugh at ourselves, never others.
To generously give credit and praise to others instead of criticisms. Most of all, don’t take life too seriously.
And to remember what Dolly advises: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
This column was originally published in The Fort Bend Herald.