08/28/2026
This Post Is for Dolly
If you’ve been following our Friday posts, you know this is when I usually write about pets who need a little extra TLC—the sick, scared, recovering, or simply forgotten ones who need someone in their corner.
But this Friday is different.
This week I asked all the pets in our care who they thought should be the focus of this post.
Their answer was unanimous.
Dolly.
Like so many of you, I grew up listening to the incredible women of country music—Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, and of course, Dolly Parton.
I still remember seeing my first Dolly movie at the drive-in. Dolly, Burt Reynolds, a summer night…yep, some of you know exactly which movie I'm talking about!
But Dolly was so much more than a singer, songwriter, and actress.
She was a person who seemed to genuinely love people and animals.
Dolly had a soft spot for animals and supported animal welfare in so many ways, including donating to organizations that helped animals in need. She also used her incredible platform to encourage people to be kind and compassionate to animals.
And isn't that what Dolly was always about?
Kindness.
She never seemed to forget where she came from, and she spent her life showing people that your beginnings don't have to determine your ending.
I was incredibly lucky to experience a little bit of Dolly magic myself.
In May 2025, I stayed at DreamMore Resort and Spa and visited Dollywood. From the moment I walked in, I felt transported. The music I grew up with was playing, people were laughing and reminiscing, and Dolly's presence was everywhere.
Then suddenly, I heard a commotion.
A very special person was coming to visit.
I remember thinking, There is NO way I could be this lucky.
But I was.
There was Dolly.
She was making a special appearance for the 10th anniversary of DreamMore.
Seeing her in person was surreal. And yes…she is even tinier in person!
But what struck me most was how completely present she was—waving, smiling, and spreading joy to everyone around her.
And this was only weeks after losing her beloved husband of 59 years.
Yet there she was, giving us joy.
That's what I will remember most about Dolly.
She had every reason to stay tucked away in her own grief, but instead, she showed up and gave a little happiness to everyone else.
And now, we are grieving her.
Maybe one of her songs got you through a difficult time.
Maybe you grew up watching her movies.
Maybe you visited Dollywood.
Maybe you received a book through her Imagination Library.
Maybe you were lucky enough to see her in person.
Or maybe you just loved Dolly because she reminded the world that kindness matters.
So this Friday, I want to do something different.
Tell us about YOUR Dolly.
Share your favorite song, a favorite picture, a memory, a story, or tell us how Dolly touched your life.
Let's fill the comments with stories, laughter, memories, and maybe a few tears.
Because while we are mourning Dolly, I don't think she would want us to only mourn her.
I think she'd want us to celebrate her.
Celebrate the little girl from Tennessee who dreamed big.
The woman who never forgot where she came from.
The songwriter who gave us songs that will live forever.
The philanthropist who helped countless people—and animals.
And the person who spent her life reminding us that we can all do a little more, give a little more, and love a little more.
And honestly, knowing Dolly, I don't think this is the last we'll hear from her.
I'm already looking forward to 2046, when that famous “Dream Box” she left behind is finally opened. Because if there is one thing Dolly taught us, it's that you should always leave a little room for a surprise.
And perhaps someday, when we hear her final song, “My Place in History,” we'll realize that Dolly didn't just have a place in history…
she made history.
So from this LVT who usually spends Fridays talking about animals who need a little extra TLC…
Thank you, Dolly.
Now tell me your Dolly story.
Because I'd love to hear it.
