Dolly Parton issued an open letter to fans on the occasion of her 75th birthday. Partly personal reflection, partly inspiring challenge, Parton’s message, posted on the singer’s website, asks readers to have compassion.
“My wish is for everyone to do something a little different today. Let’s call it kind. If you want to donate to your favorite cause, donate. If you want to call an old friend during those lonely times, call him. If you can safely volunteer, raise your hand to do so, ”she wrote in part. “The options are limitless.”
Parton also emphasized the importance of commitment in his letter. “I always encourage people to dream big, but I am also very careful to follow this with the message of working hard. We cannot just wait for a better day, we have to work for a better day, ”she wrote. “Love is often buried in a world of pain and fear. We have to work to dig it up so that we can share it with our family, friends and neighbors. So today, January 19th, we are going to discover love. Love is more contagious than a virus, so let your best self shine in a glorious light and others will be inspired by you. “
Born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton wrote songs about her own difficult upbringing. She has evolved into a global icon, transcending country music to become an ambassador for positivity, compassion and acceptance. On her birthday, she says that she is “choosing the quiet path so that I can be close to those I love, count my blessings and think hard about what this new year will bring”.
Thanks to Parton’s own generosity, that means hope: in April, the singer donated $ 1 million to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University to help develop a Covid-19 vaccine.