Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Oh, Dolly!

Yep, Dolly Parton.  Yesterday morning as I was perusing NPR for something to listen to while I go about my morning chores, this story caught my eye.  I know, I'm a total NPR geek - Chris is so patient during our dinner conversations when I begin practically every sentence with, "today on NPR . . . oh, I listened to the greatest interview on NPR . . . oh, you've GOT to hear this music I heard today on NPR."  Tedious I know, but I love sharing my new found knowledge with anyone who will listen, plus it adds something new to our routine "how was your day . . . what's everyone been up to" conversations.

Back to Dolly.  I've never really thought much about Dolly Parton except that she seems like a good person and is an American icon of sorts.  I don't have any of her albums, never been a huge fan, but appreciated her work as an singer/songwriter nonetheless.  Furthermore, who doesn't just adore her role as Truvy in the movie Steel Magnolias?

I was completely captivated by her interview (originally aired in 2001) . . . so much so, that I listened to it again this morning (Terry Gross is one of my favorite NPR hosts - love her style), and it only took about a half hour for my respect and admiration for Dolly to increase hundredfold.  What an incredible person!!  Really, her life story is filled with amazing courage, determination, and an unbelievably strong sense of self.  I have always been impressed with people who have the tenacity to pursue their dreams, without fear of failure or how they are perceived by others, and Dolly exemplifies this perfectly.  She is the real deal . . . aways staying true to herself, her faith and ideals, and those things that make her happy, regardless what anyone might think or say.  She also possesses a sincere and optimistic outlook on life, her relationships with others, and the future.  I just love her confidence . . . it's rare to find someone who's experienced so much success and who can still so easily balance their self assurance with genuine humility.

Thanks Dolly for the inspiration! 

6 comments:

Jenna Tilt said...

I heard that too---the other day and in 2001 (yep, I've been a NPR geek and member way longer than you :) Good stuff :)

Julie said...

Wait sista, I got hooked my freshman year at BYU when AM radio in my sylish '79 Nova was the only option - that would mean you were TWELVE, but who knows maybe you were secretely listening ;-). However, I still don't have a membership - guess I need one to be a full-fledged NPR geek!!

Marti said...

Erin LOVES Dolly! Really a lot. In fact her friend once nominated her to go on the Oprah show as one of Dolly's biggest fans. And she was chosen! But for some reason Dolly had to cancel. Erin still got to go to the Oprah show though.

Jenna Tilt said...

Okay maybe I haven't been listening since I was 12 but I have been a member at least since 01 AND have seen Prairie Home Companion live....

Kristin said...

the real deal? come on Julie, are you telling me those boobs are NOT silicon? lol. She's the one who started the ball rolling with those things!

Ok, I'll go listen to the interview so that my opinion of her is not based solely on her gigantic boobs.

Julie said...

Haha Kristin - I guess I should have clarified . . . "real deal" meant unpretentious, genuine personality rather than bra size ;-).