Of coats and colors and kindness

Like many of you, I was deeply saddened to learn of Dolly's passing. I have followed many of the tributes that have poured in for this remarkable woman. The word most often used to describe her is no surprise — kind. And that is why I feel compelled to write about her in this column today.

I cannot add anything to the tributes, so I'll just quote a few here:

"Her life was a testament to the power of love, the value of kindness, the reality of goodness among us." ~Rebecca Solnit

"Through her work, she sent books to kids every single month because her own dad couldn't read or write. Millions of kids got their eyes opened because Dolly used her resources to actually change lives." ~Isaiah Martin

"Dolly opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians, and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent. She never saw a door she couldn't open, and the doors she opened made and changed history." ~Bryan Seaver (Dolly's nephew)

Most of us didn't know Dolly personally — but we loved her just the same. We loved her indomitable spirit. We loved her sweet laugh. We loved that she gave and gave and gave and never counted the cost.

Many of us loved her music. What an incredible storyteller she was! My favorite is "Coat of Many Colors." I cannot recall the first time I heard the song, but I know precisely how I felt when I did. You see, I grew up poor. Not Dolly poor, but poor by American standards in the 1950s. My mom, like Dolly's mom, was a wonderful seamstress. She was widowed at the age of 33, with two young daughters to support. She sewed our clothes, and I was so proud to wear them. I was bullied and made fun of when I was young — not necessarily for the clothes I wore, but because of my weight. So when I heard "Coat of Many Colors," memories flooded back. I thought about how loved I was and how my mama sewed our clothes with love in every stitch. I also thought about how it made me feel when the kids made fun of me. But the song did something else. It made me realize that I was not alone in my feelings.

I think that's why I try to be kind. I know how it feels to be insulted and made fun of. And I don't want others to feel that way. I think Dolly probably had similar feelings.

So be like Dolly. Honor her life by being kind and generous. She would like that.

I'll leave you with the song that I count among my favorites.

"If you see someone without a smile today, give 'em yours." ~Dolly Rebecca Parton

If you have a story you'd like to share here in the Fernandina Observer — about a neighbor or friend or stranger or business that showed kindness, or about kindness and compassion in general — please contact Peggie Weeks at pegweeks@gmail.com