It’s a question that’s been on many minds lately, but when Dolly Parton asks, “When did we lose ‘in God we trust?’” in her latest single, “World on Fire,” it carries a lot of weight. The song, which kicks off her chart-topping new album Rockstar, tackles some heavy topics like greedy politicians, hatred, and violence. But Dolly, ever the optimist, reminds us that kindness can still light the way forward. “Show some love,” she sings. “Let’s rise above.” In a world that often feels chaotic, Dolly is using her platform to spread a message of hope and compassion.
Her Spiritual Journey: Faith and Fame
At 77, Dolly Parton may not be a regular churchgoer, but her faith remains a cornerstone of her life. “I’m not that religious, but I’m very, very spiritual,” she explains, reflecting on her upbringing surrounded by religion. Her grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher, and she grew up steeped in Bible stories. “I’m so glad I had that foundation,” she says. “It gave me a sense of purpose and direction.” Despite not attending church regularly, Dolly feels a deep connection to God, one that guides her every day. In fact, she starts each morning with a prayer of gratitude and asks for guidance. “I always pray that I can uplift mankind and glorify Him,” she shares.
Young Dolly: Navigating Criticism
As a young woman, Dolly faced harsh criticism from some in her community who judged her for her bold fashion choices—rhinestones, lipstick, high heels, and towering hairstyles. “They thought I was trash. They thought I was a whore,” she recalls. “They believed I was going to hell just for being young and dressing the way I did.” Those judgments left a mark, but they didn’t break her spirit. Instead, they shaped her perspective. “It soured me on organized religion, but it never shook my faith in God or humanity,” she explains. For Dolly, faith is personal, and she believes in giving people the benefit of the doubt.
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A Home for Reflection
At her peaceful home outside Nashville, Dolly has created a sanctuary where she can connect with her spirituality. A small chapel serves as a place for prayer, meditation, and creativity. “It’s where I go to reflect on the day, talk to God, and write songs,” she says. This space reflects her commitment to living a life filled with purpose and generosity. Beyond prayer, Dolly has put her faith into action through charitable efforts. During the pandemic, she donated $1 million to help develop a vaccine. Her Imagination Library program has put millions of books into the hands of children, fostering a love of reading. Yet, she remains humble about her good deeds. “I probably get more credit than I deserve,” she laughs. “But if I can set an example, that’s great.”
Celebrity Culture and the Worship of Fame
Dolly isn’t immune to the effects of celebrity culture, and she’s concerned about how it impacts society. “There’s a scripture in my Bible that talks about idol worship, and I see that happening all the time with movie stars and celebrities,” she says. “People worship them more than they worship God, and that worries me.” She believes this obsession with fame can distract people from what truly matters. Despite her own status as a legend, Dolly remains grounded, crediting her faith for keeping her centered. “I’m just a girl from Tennessee who happened to make it big,” she says with a smile.
Cancel Culture and the Power of Forgiveness
In a world increasingly dominated by cancel culture, Dolly offers a refreshing perspective. “I love everybody. I don’t criticize, I don’t condone nor condemn,” she says. She finds the trend of canceling people to be narrow-minded and damaging. “We all make mistakes. We don’t all get caught at it,” she reasons. “You deserve to be innocent until you’re proven guilty. Even when you’re proven guilty, if God can forgive you, so can I.” This belief stems from her own experiences being judged harshly as a young woman. “I knew how innocent I was in being myself and how pure that was in me,” she reflects. “So, I try to look for that innocence and that purity in everybody else.”
Dolly’s philosophy is simple yet profound: accept and love others, no matter their flaws. It’s a message she hopes will resonate in a world that often feels divided. “If God can forgive you, we all should forgive one another,” she says. As she continues to create music and inspire fans around the globe, Dolly Parton remains a beacon of hope, reminding us all to rise above the noise and show some love.
