Why Dolly Parton meant so much to Black communities: Black stars remember a one-of-a-kind icon
TheGrio...
Through her career, personality and philanthropy, Dolly Parton built a legacy that transcended music, race and genre.
This week, communities are grieving the death of country icon, community champion, and philanthropist Dolly Parton. Throughout her career, the 80-year-old style icon became a beloved figure in pop culture. However, the “Jolene” singer held a special place in the hearts of Black communities for a number of reasons. While many recognized her for bold, often bedazzled, sartorial choices and her country catalog, Parton was known for giving back, especially to underserved communities.
For instance, after Whitney Houston covered her 1974 song “I Will Always Love You,” Parton used some of the $10 million she received in royalties to invest in a Black neighborhood in Nashville. Purchasing a commercial complex in the area, the country singer said she considered it “the house that Whitney built.” Similarly, she was a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd, and reportedly spent years donating band uniforms to high schools in Tennessee.
Parton was also among the first public figures to advocate for people living with HIV and AIDS in the 80s, and was invested in inspiring children to love reading through her organization, Imagination Library, a free book-gifting program that mails one age-appropriate book each month to children from birth until they turn five years old, including audio and braille books for children who are blind or visually impaired. This work, paired with her charming personality and consistent respect and support for Black artists from Whitney Houston to Three 6 Mafia to Beyoncé, is part of why Black communities love her so deeply. In an often divisive world, Parton managed to operate in a way that made it impossible for anyone to put her in just any box other than her own, making her an inspiration to many.
And these Black celebrities are honoring Parton’s legacy.
Beyoncé
“Dolly, you were the barometer. The North Star, bold and brilliant. talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humor, your entrepreneurship. I’m honored that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
Don King
The Jackson Family
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the incomparable Dolly Parton. Dolly was a true trailblazer. Through her extraordinary talent, kindness and generosity, she opened doors and inspired generations around the world. We share this special memory from 1977, when we had the honor of meeting Dolly in England on the same day we also met Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the joy and the light you shared with us all. May you rest peacefully in the loving arms of the Lord, reunited with your husband Carl and the many loved ones who made their journey to Heaven before you. Our prayers are with Dolly’s family, friends and everyone whose life she touched.”
Jill Scott
“Ms Dolly did THAT!! From movies, song writing, amusement park, hotels, charity, SINCERITY, unabashed foxiness, humor…. EVERYTHING. The neighbor I never saw but adored. Sent ❤️ every time I passed her house. Ms Dolly is on my inspo wall. Rest well dear lady; Did GREATNESS HER WAY,’ she wrote on X.
Barack Obama
“It’s hard to imagine many people having a bigger impact than Dolly Parton. Born in a one-room cabin, she earned 11 Grammys and an Emmy, built a business empire, helped millions of kids learn to read, and — as if that wasn’t enough — helped accelerate the research that led to the Moderna COVID vaccine. What a life. Michelle and I are thinking of Dolly’s family and her many, many fans,” former president Barack Obama wrote.
Dionne Warwick
“I will certainly miss her laugher, jokes and her being. Rest well and in total peace my friend. My heart is heavy,” Dionne Warwick shared.
Yvette Nicole Brown
“She has been my blueprint for how to use your fame and wealth for good. I, of course, am not on her level — or even close — in either measure but I try to model Dolly’s goodness and activism in all that I do and in every issue and charity that I support,” Brown wrote. “She did life right. I am inconsolable over this loss.”
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Viola Davis
“The bastion of compassion, of altruism, authenticity, artistry, and love has left this life. You knew who you were… always… without apology, without a co-signer, without needing permission. And oh, how you were blessed with talent,” Viola Davis wrote on Instagram. “No words to describe your reach through generations. No words to describe your love force. No words to describe the lives you touched, saved, entertained, and shifted. God will be at the gates to welcome you with the most glorious tribute. Your family, colleagues, friends, fellow artists… will keep you alive and speak your name… forever. Rest well, Dolly Parton. WHAT A LIFE!!!!!”
Colman Domingo
“Dolly taught us that you can be anything and do anything and to do it with kindness. What a light. We are all grateful that we lived in a time of Dolly Parton. We will always love her.”
Oprah
“One of my fondest memories with @dollyparton: Having a hoot and a holler while wearing Bob Mackie gowns on her show Dolly,” the media mogul wrote on Instagram. “This girl from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee dreamed a life and then lived a life bigger than she could have ever imagined, giving so generously to others in ways we saw and ways we didn’t. No one like her. She brought the light, and we are all better because she was here. God bless you, Dolly—you earned your wings
Keke Palmer
Kamala Harris
“Dolly Parton was a true American icon. First introduced to the world as a “little girl from up in East Tennessee,” she became a global superstar. Her career accolades included 11 Grammy awards, an Emmy, an honorary Oscar, and — my favorite — more than 300 million books sent to millions of children around the world through her Imagination Library,” Harris wrote on Instagram. “All at once, she was kind, modest, and funny. With her music, her philanthropy, and her style, Dolly was one of one. Doug and I send our prayers to her family, friends, and all those who have been touched by her magic. We will always love you, Dolly.”
Tia Mowry
“There are some people who remind you just how powerful it is to be completely and unapologetically yourself. Dolly Parton was one of those people. She showed generations of women that you could be bold, feminine, ambitious, kind, funny, and entirely your own person. She never seemed interested in fitting into anyone else’s idea of who she should be, and I’ve always found that incredibly empowering,” Tia Mowry wrote on Instagram. “What a beautiful reminder to embrace what makes you different, take up space, and move through this world as your most authentic self. Thank you, Dolly, for showing us the power of individuality and for inspiring so many of us to own exactly who we are. Rest in peace, Dolly. Your light will live on”
Octavia Spencer
“Dolly you were a gift to the world, your voice, your philanthropic heart, and warmth made us a feel seen and that the world was a pretty decent place. We miss you.”
Diana Ross