Bless Dolly

This isn't a typical post for a Lord Mayor candidate in Niagara-on-the-Lake, but I want to take a moment to celebrate Dolly Parton.

For me, Dolly represented the spirit of every person who has ever dreamed of making something more of their current life. She inspired me when I was getting my first start in the working world, and never stopped sharing so much positivity with other people, even when things were hard.

It's so rare to be successful in life, and still be a decent person. It's so difficult to go high, when circumstances threaten to pull you down.

People just couldn't help loving her. Dolly was adored. Even when people criticized her, or questioned her, she shone above all of that with a simple smile.

She came from humble beginnings, faced a lot of adversity, and managed to reach people who didn’t even know they loved country music until they heard her.

I’ve had “9 to 5” and “Jolene” in my head all day. I am getting reacquainted with some of her back catalogue too.

Dolly lifted everyone's heart. Her kindness, generosity and philanthropy were legendary, along with her hair. Even though she is gone, her music will still bring out the best in people regardless of who they are, how they live and what their views may be.

And I think that was her secret: behind all the show business glamour, Dolly Parton put people first. She understood our basic need to be heard as human beings. We will always love her. We can learn from her too.