29/08/2026
💎 RIP Dolly💎
I was so sad to hear of the passing of the legend that is Dolly Parton. 💖
I’ve certainly used more than a few of her songs over the years in my dance classes, but there is one particular Dolly moment that will stay with me forever…
Back when I was teaching all the mini and big people with my school as Feetbeats Dance Academy, one year I taught the cutest little class of bright buttons — they must have been no more than four years old at the time.🥰
We were lining up to do our gallops across the room, wands in hand, to Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. 🪄✨
This one little button was standing at the front, toe pointed to the side, skirt held out in one hand, wand held proudly in the air, when she looked at me and said:
“Can I sing you a song?”
Obviously, I said yes! So we all stopped for a minute and settled down to listen.
She closed her eyes and launched into the most heartfelt rendition of Jolene I think I’ve ever heard. 🥹❤️
She sang the whole verse and chorus, and when she finished, we all gave her the biggest clap.
It made me smile so much — and I remember it to this day.
In fact, when Beyoncé released her version of Jolene in 2024, I messaged that little button’s mum and told her how it immediately reminded me of her little girl. (Who would be about 14 now! 😭)
I just love that Dolly’s music could make its way into the hearts of people of all ages. Even a tiny four-year-old with a wand in her hand and a song in her heart. 💕✨
So here’s to you, Dolly! 💎🕊️💖
1946-2026