Dolly Parton was an icon, a larger-than-life figure than crossed divides like they were mere stepping-stones in a little stream. Her heart was bigger than her voice, and her music touched people deep in their core. Her music most certainly touched mine deeply.

Like many my age, my introduction to Dolly was through the Porter Wagoner show, and though I was not a big country music fan, I became a huge Dolly fan. Her love for people shone through in everything she did – whether it was music, acting, or humanitarianism. She loved people and believed in them even when they didn’t believe in themselves. Her self-deprecating humor and belief in being one’s own true self was infectious. She carried the values of her early life into everything she did.

In today’s era, where loving one’s neighbor and caring for the poor has become a political hot potato, Dolly nourished people holistically – mind, body, and soul. She sent books to children, donated generously to improve the lives of those in need, and throughout all of it lived with dignity, grace, and her personal belief that those who have should do their utmost to help those without. She was a shining example to the world of what we all should be and how we all should behave toward one another.

Dolly, you will be missed. You, more than anyone I can think of, truly earned your wings.