WWDD?

A sad day for humanity.

I know, everyone and anyone is writing about Dolly just now, lamenting her loss, trying to carry her light forward. I hemmed and haa-ed about whether I could possibly add anything you haven't already read , whether I too, should write about the heartbreaking loss of this beloved icon. But, how can I not? Dolly deserves every adoring tribute, every word of love, every bow of respect entering the ethers just now, hopefully reaching her wherever she is. Of course I need to add my 2-cents' worth to this communal moment of grief and honouring, even if my adoration sounds similar to everyone else's.

Last Tuesday, while I was peacefully enjoying my weekly lunch date with my friend Lisa, I got this text from my daughter: mum? dolly died. (Apparently, kids don't use capital letters anymore.) I don't know how the news hit you, but right there in the restaurant, I started sobbing, completely gut-punched. Heartbroken. Fuck! They took the wrong octogenarian! The best human on earth just died, uniting the world in shock and grief. Mark August 25th, 2026 as a very sad day for humanity.

There's a Dolly-shaped hole in our hearts. Let's fill it with love.

Dolly meant different things to different people, but I don't think there's a single human with an ounce of decency who didn't adore, or at least admire, the fabulous Dolly Parton. Of course I loved her music, her delightful sense of humour, her sunny outlook, and her glorious fashion sense, but, for me, it was Dolly's steadfast message of Love that really made me adore her. I will add my voice to others who have suggested that the best way to honour Dolly is to embrace her message of Love and take it with us wherever we go. Spread that stuff everywhere!

In these trying times, it is really, really easy to get sucked into the narrative of fear, anger, hatred, and 'othering' (trust me, I'm dancing around the edges of negativity every damned day!). But Dolly did things differently. She never said a bad thing about all the bad people doing bad shit. Instead, she chose to love and uplift everyone else - especially those who are suffering at the hands of said bad people doing bad shit. While she was alive, and now that she's gone, Dolly's love and support for everyone is what shines brighter than any of her many superhuman gifts.

On the other hand...

What would Dolly do?

Dolly showed us how to show up in the world in the best possible way. I'm even tempted to get a new tattoo: WWDD, to be a constant reminder to be the best version of myself, to approach each new challenge by asking myself, "What Would Dolly Do?". If I'm trying to live as Dolly did (minus the fame, talent, glitz & glory), does that mean that I shouldn't curse the harm mongers? I wonder, if Dolly was still alive and the equally famous but distinctly less lovable octogenarian had left this mortal coil instead, would she celebrate? I'd like to think that, like the rest of us, she would rejoice in the knowledge that his unique brand of cruelty had finally been halted by death. I feel certain that she would carry a sense of joy knowing that so many members of her beloved fan base were no longer facing persecution by the most odious man on earth. In honour of Dolly, and as decent humans, we shall raise a glass and shout from the roof tops when the Grim Reaper finally comes to claim Donald.

In the meantime, the best tool we have to challenge these challenging times is to counter the cascade of loathsome behaviour with an outpouring of love. Love our neighbours. Love the stranger. Love our planet. Love ourselves. Love equality, freedom, and justice for all. And the best way to express our love and make it impactful is to show up for each other, show up for the planet, show up for ourselves and for future generations. Everywhere we look, we see people doing just this, and I imagine it must make Dolly (now that she has been elevated to near-goddess status) pleased as punch to see so many good humans following her modelling of unconditional love.

The world has more Dollys than Donalds.

It's been a looooooong nineteen months since the current US administration took over the White House, the US, and, yeah - the world, and started spreading their harmful menace like farmers spreading manure. Oi. The bad news hits us every day and it's easy to think we're doomed, the world is full of evil, we have no power... But it only takes a little digging to see that underneath the layer of shit, there is so much more goodness. The people doing the most damage are definitely in the minority. The world is full of more Dollys than Donalds, by far. We see it in the widespread reverence of Dolly for her kindness and generosity. We see it in the millions of people protesting against corrupt governments. We see it in the growing mutual aid movement. We see it in friendly smiles from strangers and tight hugs from friends. We see it in the way people who are completely exhausted from the chaos and cruelty still find some way to contribute to help others, whether it's a neighbour in need, or the victims of yet another (un)natural disaster on the other side of the planet. As much as it doesn't feel like it at times, I firmly believe that most people are mensches who want to do good in this world.

Things are a mess. It's up to us to fix them.

I mean, we can't fix everything, all of it, all on our own. Lots of times it's hard to know what we can do to fix even a little bit of the great big mess we're in. Most of the time, we feel like we have nothing to offer to heal the wounds of the world. But we do. Each of us can find at least a little bit of love in our hearts, and that sure beats the alternative. If this telephone pole sticker holds an ounce of truth, then we all have the power to help heal this world by actively finding ways to show some love.

A friend recently reassured me that telling the trees I love them (something I do all the time) actually helps trees grow. It's that simple. Tell people, pets, plants and other living creatures you love them, and watch how they expand. Will you walking around proclaiming your love be what topples the patriarchy? Hell! Even Dolly didn't manage that during her eight magical decades on earth, but love and kindness are contagious, and they spread like measles, but with happier outcomes. If you're at a loss for what you can do, try saying "I love you" to other living beings. It's a powerful start towards healing our world. It's what Dolly would do.

Love you!

Jessica (she/her)

Rest in Peace, dear Dolly. May her memory be a blessing.