Like so many people, I have known Dolly Parton through her music and the unmistakable presence she brought to the screen, the stage and everything she did. As I have read the tributes pouring in from around the world, I am learning even more about the many ways she made a difference. Again and again, people are sharing memories of her kindness and the positive impact she had, often quietly and without seeking recognition. Of course, I was especially moved by the way her generosity extended to conservation. Growing up in the Smoky Mountains, Dolly described nature as her playground and carried a deep love for those mountains throughout her life. She once said her hope was for all of us to “pay more attention to how we’re treating our mountains, how we’re treating our world, how we’re just treating everything.” Her love for the Smokies also shaped her commitment to protecting the birds within them. For 35 years, the eagle sanctuary at Dollywood has cared for bald eagles unable to survive in the wild. It also introduced millions of visitors to birds of prey and supported efforts to return more than 400 bald eagles to the skies. Dolly asked us to pay more attention to how we treat the world, and her life showed the impact of doing so. She used her platform to leave it better than she found it, and her example invites all of us to do the same.
She was (and will always be) a national treasure.
I hope no one is offended by this.
RIP, my condolences to family and friends.
So cool Elizabeth Gray, Ph.D.!
Investor| Board Director| Founder| xPolicymaker| xOperating Exec|
5dA truly amazing human being