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Dolly Parton was one busy person. How many people accomplish what Dolly did in her life? Besides the hit records, successful films, sold-out concerts or warehouse full of awards. Yes, she’s was a Hall of Famer (many), in-demand guest and speaker, most recognizable face (and figure), and very wealthy. All great things, but think about what she gave us, that changed us. Even if Dolly didn’t have millions, her gifts were intangible and inspiring.

A friend posted this on social media:

A leader.

In all the years, I never heard anyone refer to her as a leader. But she was!

Dolly Parton was a lot of things and leading was in fact one of her strengths. Inspiring others. Providing the tools, resources and encouragement for so many to pursue their education, live healthy, purposeful lives.

Another friend posted this:

Why are we here on Earth? Many people will say things like “to make the planet a better place”, or “to leave the world better than how I found it” or “to do God’s work.” And then the rest of the week their actions and behavior do otherwise.

My point is that Dolly walked the walk. We can praise her for the philanthropic work.

Secretly, she paid for many Tennessee high schools’ band uniforms. When Whitney Houston had a huge hit with Dolly’s “I Will Always Love You”, the songwriting royalties ($10M) was used to purchase a Nashville strip mall to support the surrounding Black historic neighborhood. There was her $1M-plus donation for hurricane relief, and the Dolly Parton children’s hospital that she supported.

And then there was the $1M gift to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center that helped researchers develop Moderna’s experimental coronavirus vaccine. How many lives were saved, and changed from this vaccine development.

Money helps a lot, but that was not all that she gave. A lot of people write checks. While money is often looked at as the currency of change – worthwhile change happens for other reasons.

Change happens from belief. Change happens from nurturing and compassion. Change happens through opportunity, and seizing the moment, taking a chance that might not have existed before. Leading doesn’t always create opportunities, sometimes it does, but more importantly it inspires and challenges others to seize opportunities to become more.

Dolly inspired more than I can count. She did so with love, generosity, compassion, courage and belief. She truly did leave the planet better than she found it.

God bless Dolly Parton.