08/26/2026
I signed my daughter up for Imagination Library when she was a baby and we have enjoyed the books so much over the years. Every month I’d say, “Look what Aunt Dolly sent you!” Then she started asking if Aunt Dolly had sent her anything yet. I bought a golden book of Dolly Parton’s story and have read it to Ava several times telling her the story of how Dolly’s mom made her her a coat out of scraps that she would one call her coat of many colors in a special song she wrote. I told her how Dolly grew up with little money and material things but had a lot of love in her life and gave generously of her heart and money in her adult life. Last night I told Ava that Dolly had passed away. I asked if she remembered Dolly’s story and she said “Sure, she had a coat of many colors that her mama made her and she gave me all those books!” What a legacy. Thank you Dolly — not only for the music but for the gift of kindness and grace and the example you set for us all. I miss you already Aunt Dolly.