In tribute to Dolly Parton, who died on Tuesday at the age of eighty, this week's Greater Things asks us to become disciples of someone who truly embodied our ambitions to live life greater.
We've chosen some of her advice for life in her own words:
“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
"I often say I'm comfortable in my own skin, no matter how far I've stretched it as the years go by. But I think there's a lot to be said about being comfortable with who you are, 'cause I don't know how to be anybody else. I don't want to be anybody else."
“After you reach a certain age, they think you’re over. Well, I will never be over. I’ll be making records if I have to sell them out of the trunk of my car. I’ve done that in my past, and I’d do it again.”
“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.”
“I’m not offended by all of the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb… and I also know that I’m not blonde.”
“I have to not harden my heart, because I want to stay open to feel things. So when I hurt, I hurt all over. And when I cry, I cry real hard. And when I’m mad, I’m mad all over. I’m just a person; I like to experience whatever the feeling is and whatever I’m going through.”
“If people want to pass judgment, they’re already sinning. I try to love everybody.”
“I have a huge gay following, and I’m proud of them. Sometimes some of them look more like me than I do."
And on being asked about North Carolina's anti-trans 'bathroom bill':
“I think everybody should be treated with respect. I hope that everybody gets a chance to be who and what they are.”
Dolly proved that it's possible to become world famous for your talent, be proud of your body - and what can really only be described as 'cracking knockers', live life comfortably and joyfully without hoarding too much wealth, fight injustice and inequality directly by funding campaigns, libraries and medical research, all while owning and running a theme park.
Quite a lot for us all to live up to.
Part of Paperweight's 'Greater Things' series; #1001 ways to live your life greater. Get it delivered to your inbox every week with Sunday Paperweight when you subscribe for free.
