Seeing Dolly Parton Live: A Personal Tribute to the Queen of Country

I will forever remember the moment I saw true greatness come alive on a stage in Dallas, Texas. My Glammy knew just how much I adored Dolly Parton. One year, as an early Christmas present, she took us girls on our very first "Glam Weekend" to go see the Queen of Country herself.

I had been to plenty of concerts before that night, but nothing could ever prepare me for Dolly. To this day, I tell anyone who will listen that it was hands-down the best concert any of us have ever experienced. Only Dolly could make an audience feel every single emotion under the sun in a single evening. One minute, she had us ready to swing on a gorgeous auburn-haired woman as she shared the story behind "Jolene," and the next, she had us all weeping, wanting to wrap little Dolly in a giant hug during "Coat of Many Colors." Beyond her incredible storytelling, she treated us to a master class in musicianship, showing off her talent on nearly every instrument imaginable.

I left convinced that she had delivered the performance of a lifetime in December 2016. The magic of Dolly was that every single person who ever saw her live felt that exact same way about their night.

Dolly Parton was a global icon because she never had to apologize for who she was. She was proudly, unapologetically herself, and her generosity made this world an infinitely brighter place. Through her music, her philanthropy, and her unmatched warmth, she taught us the beauty of staying true to who you are while treating every living being with unconditional kindness.

Though her passing leaves a profound hole in our hearts, her light, legacy, and timeless music will shine on forever. Did you ever see Dolly in concert?

Want to honor the Queen of Country? Dolly’s family says the best way to carry on her light is simple: keep Dolly Parton's Imagination Library alive and kicking! The program gifts free books to little ones from birth to age five to inspire a love of reading early on. Learn how you can get involved or support local kids by clicking here.