Dolly Parton celebrated her 75th birthday by writing an open letter to her fans. The letter contained some personal reflection and inspirational challenge.
Dolly Parton’s message, posted on the singer’s website where she admonished readers to be compassionate.
“My wish is that everyone does something a little different today. Let’s call it a call for kindness. If you want to donate to your favorite cause, then donate. If you want to give an old friend a call during these lonely times, give them a call. If you can safely volunteer, then raise your hand to do so,” she wrote in part. “The choices are limitless.”
Dolly Parton also emphasized the importance of commitment in her letter. “I always encourage people to dream big but I also take great care to follow that up with the message to work hard. We can’t just hope for a brighter day, we have to work for a brighter day,” she wrote.
She added: “Love too often gets buried in a world of hurt and fear. We have to work to dig it out so we can share it with our family, our friends and our neighbors.
So today, January 19th, let’s get to unearthing love. Love is more contagious than a virus so let your best self shine in a glorious light and others will be inspired by you.”
Dolly Parton was born on January 19th, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee and she wrote songs about her own hardscrabble upbringing.
She evolved into a global icon, transcending country music to become an ambassador for positivity, compassion, and acceptance.
On her birthday, she says she’s choosing the quiet path so she can stay close to the ones she loves. She also loves to count her blessings and think hard about what this new year will bring.
Dolly Parton is also a generous woman. In April last year, the singer donated $1 million to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University to successfully help develop a Covid-19 vaccine.