A Little Bit of Dolly, A Little Bit of Tennessee

If you know anything about me, you know that I have visited Tennessee nine times over the course of the past three or four years. It is a state that feels like home away from Colorado, and it is a state that holds so many treasured memories for me. From my first time experiencing Eastern Tennessee, to seeing Dolly Parton live three times in person, and so much more, it truly is a place that sticks with you LONG after you are gone.

Over the course of those nine trips, I have really gotten to fall in love with the people (Dolly, of course, being the most well known). The people of Tennessee and Western North Carolina are some of the strongest and most resilient people I have ever encountered. They see adversity and overcome it with such humility and grace, but most importantly, with love and kindness.

Before you ask, “Ryan, why don’t you just move there?” let me answer that for you. Yes, that is a dream of mine someday. Tennessee and North Carolina are both very high on my list of states I would consider moving to. I truly just love it with my whole heart.

I know there are probably some people reading this who just aren’t going to understand any of what I am typing. And that’s okay. I get it. I really can’t explain it with words. I can tell you countless times about how amazing Dolly is and was, and I can tell you how amazing Tennessee and North Carolina are, but at the end of the day, they’re just words. I would strongly encourage you to take four or five days, travel down there, and experience it for yourself. It truly is something special.

And then there is Dolly.

The news of Dolly Parton’s passing has truly devastated me in a lot of ways. I guess for me, there are so many memories that surround Dolly.

There is a memory of when I was a kid and we were all together watching Reba, the TV show, and I remember seeing how my Grandma would just giggle watching Dolly Parton act on the show. Dolly has created so many other memories for me throughout my life that have now become some of my absolute favorite core memories.

I love that I got to see her Broadway show before it hits Broadway later this year, with her physically there. I love that I got to see her at Dollywood. I love the way her music has spoken into so many different parts of my life.

It really is something I cannot begin to comprehend—that she is gone now. But I am thankful. Thankful that I got to experience even a small piece of the world she created. Thankful for the memories. Thankful for the music. Thankful for the moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Tennessee is a truly special place. It is one that sticks with you.

Like a good song.

And maybe that’s why Dolly and Tennessee will always be connected for me. Because both have a way of reminding you where you’ve been, who you are, and what really matters.

The story is still being written.

Rest in peace, Dolly. Miss you and love you always. Thank you for inspiring me, and so many, many other people.

I grieve your passing a lot. But I will always be grateful for the memories.