08/25/2026
💗 “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” — Dolly Parton
Today, hearing of Dolly Parton’s passing, I immediately thought of this card I created quite a while ago.
The inspiration came from a fashion exhibit I visited at Newbridge Silverware in Ireland. Dolly has always been one of those women I admired because she was so wonderfully and unapologetically herself.
But there was something else about Dolly that always held a special place in my heart—her love of reading and her desire to put books into the hands of children.
Reading is personal to me. My mom taught me to read, and when I was little, she read to me every single day. Those are memories and a gift that have stayed with me throughout my life. So I have always loved that Dolly used her success to help give that same gift—the love of books and reading—to children through her Imagination Library. 📚💕
I’ve also always dreamed of visiting Dollywood. I’m sad that when I finally get there someday, Dolly herself will no longer be here, but I know her presence and the legacy she created will be everywhere.
Today the words on this card seem particularly fitting:
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
She certainly did.
Rest in peace, Dolly. Thank you for the music, the laughter, the books, the generosity, and for showing us what can happen when one person chooses to live her life on purpose. 💗
1946–2026 🕊️
