08/26/2026
As a photographer in college, I was hired to take pictures of Dolly with each one of her employees on opening day of Dollywood. For 3 1/2 hours just she and I were up on a stage and one employee would come up at a time to get their picture taken with her. During that time I spent with her, I saw the most genuine and authentic person you could ever meet. She knew most of the employees by name and asked about their grandparents and their parents and brothers and sisters. It was the highlight of my photography career during my college years and still brings back such great memories. Dolly, you will be missed! Thank you for all the positive energy and may your memory be eternal.
