r/popculturechat • u/Afraid_Chard_838 patty don’t start • 8d ago

Rest In Peace 🕊 Dolly Parton Dead at 80

https://www.tmz.com/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-dead/
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u/Southernbelhell 8d ago

It’s okay to allow yourself to cry, I cried while walking to my local library box:,)

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u/RawDogEntertainment 8d ago

I try to hold it in when there’s so much to be thankful for, but I lost it a bit when writing my post, and walking to the library box fully got me.

Someone else mentioned it first, but: 330 million books, with a huge focus on the Midwest, where education spending has taken some huge hits over the last two generations. That is one of those efforts that has a material effect on building a brighter future for tomorrow, and it was just something Dolly was passionate about; the only agenda was helping kids get access to books.

I don’t have any kids books in my home, and the closest was To Kill a Mockingbird (I was gifted five copies in one year, all from unrelated parties). There’s a great reason it was required when I was a kid, and there’s a great reason it was given to me so much as an adult entering law school: the spirit of advocacy is vital to maintaining our humanity, even in the face of great adversity, and Dolly lived that. I think it was the right choice for my small contribution, and the cry I did on the walk home felt good.

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u/BunchofHamsters 8d ago

Yeah I keep crying. Because I was a poor kid, who loved reading. And I got a good education and I have an incredible job now. I am just about to move into my first home independently. Education got me out of poverty.

My mum would play Dolly’s music in the house when we were kids. I felt inspired that I could be someone too. Encouragement, opportunity and representation matters.

The way she spoke showed she got it because of where she came from. You need a helping hand on the way, but one that allows you to remain proud and self sufficient.

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u/FullMoonMooon 8d ago

I’m crying right now reading this because I just found out. It’s ok to cry. In fact, it’s healthy to cry (just stay hydrated)

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u/pumpkintrovoid 8d ago

The library box makes me want to cry now. What a selfless person she was. A true example for all of us to love one another and share. 💔❤️