What Would Dolly Do?

Well, it’s been a minute (a month) since I’ve done a blog post. It’s been a busy one. It feels like every week there’s been something going on—whether it was attending a Broadway musical in downtown Denver, going to baby showers, traveling out of state, etc. There was always something happening.

This is the first time I’ve been able to sit down and reflect on everything from the past month, and let me tell you—one of my favorite moments was getting to see THE Dolly Parton in person at Dollywood.

Last year, I had the honor of being a season pass holder, and let’s just say Dollywood had me hooked enough to renew for another year in the Smokies. So I decided to head back down this year for opening weekend in hopes I’d get to cross paths with Dolly again.

For those who don’t know, Dolly has a tradition of doing a parade whenever she’s in the park. In past years, opening day has been limited to season pass holders, but this year it was open to anyone who bought a ticket. Yes, you heard that right—anyone and everyone had the chance to be there!

Luckily for me, Dolly was there on opening day.

Let me tell you, getting to be that close to Dolly Parton is such a surreal feeling—honestly, it would be for any celebrity. Seeing someone you’ve only ever watched through a screen in real life is WILD. I was so close as she passed by in her carriage, and goodness… it was magical.

It was also so cool to see how everyone’s faces lit up with joy as she went by. She’s one of those people who just has the ability to light up any room she walks into.

I know—you’re probably thinking, “Ryan, what’s so special about it? It’s just Dolly.” And that’s fair. But it’s honestly hard to explain. I can only share my perspective and hope it captures even a piece of why it feels so special to be around anything Dolly.

The world feels heavy these days. It feels more divided than ever (or at least it seems that way). And having someone like Dolly—she’s just a living example of what a good human being looks like. She’s a bright light in a dark world.

She sees people for who they are. Loves people for who they are. She believes in God and holds her faith close to everything she does. And she’s someone who has overcome poverty and challenges to build an incredibly successful life and career.

I love being in environments like that because it creates this ripple effect—people treating each other with kindness and friendliness. PLUS, Dollywood is literally one of the best theme parks I’ve ever been to. The rides are amazing, the food is amazing, the merchandise is amazing—and the setting in the Great Smoky Mountains? Unreal.

Dolly is one of those people where, if you’re a fan, you just get it—and if you’re not, you don’t, and that’s okay.

She’s someone who has worked hard her entire life to get where she is and has overcome a lot along the way. She’s stayed rooted in her Smoky Mountain upbringing and hasn’t strayed from the dreams placed on her heart.

And honestly, that’s something I aspire to in my own life.

I want to treat people with kindness. I want to leave a positive mark on this world. But I also don’t want to give up on my dreams—on what I feel called to do and become. I want to make an impact in every room I walk into. I want to be someone people talk about in a positive way (in a Dolly kind of way).

Dolly shows up every day, despite her own struggles, and puts her best self forward. She shows us that you can dream big without forgetting where you came from. That you can hold onto your faith in a world that constantly tries to shake it. That you don’t have to change who you are to be accepted—you just have to be unapologetically, authentically you.

She’s proof that kindness isn’t weakness, that joy is contagious, and that staying true to yourself will take you further than trying to fit into what the world expects.

So maybe the question isn’t just, “What would Dolly do?” when life feels heavy or uncertain.

Maybe it’s this: how can I be a little more like that?
A little more kind.
A little more grounded.
A little more faithful.
A little more me.

Because if there’s anything Dolly reminds me of, it’s that the world could always use more light—and we all have the ability to be a part of that.