She will be missed. She will always be loved

Marianne Williamson Aug 25, 2026

Photo: Richard Aaron

I burst into tears when I heard that Dolly Parton had left us. Damn, we didn’t need that right now.

But then again, perhaps we did. Nothing makes the brilliance of a life more obvious than when someone dies. What a light, what a talent, what a burst of love, what a powerful woman, what a talented artist, and what a generous soul she was on every level. Her light lives on and will bless us all.

If you experience after you die everything you gave to others while you were here, then eternal bliss is certainly guaranteed for Dolly. I don’t know how we can look at her life and think she was anything other than a very big soul.

May her passage be joyful, which I’m sure it is. May those who grieve her be comforted (her sister Stella is a deeply appreciated warrior for justice. I often felt Dolly was probably encouraging her in the background). Whom God has brought together no one and nothing can put asunder, not even death itself. May God wipe away all tears….

Dear God,

Thank you for the experience

Of the soul we call Dolly Parton.

Thank you for her goodness,

And thank you for her love,

And thank you for the joy she gave us.

May she be blessed,

And may those we loved her be comforted.

May we carry forward

The Light she shone.

Amen