Sunday Drive: Words, Barry Gibb and Dolly Parton

Recorded in Nashville for Barry Gibb's 2021 album Greenfields:

The finished version:

-----

In Memoriam: Dolly Parton, 1946-2026

America has lost a national treasure.  The incomparable Dolly Parton, singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, died today at age 80 after a life well lived, rising from the hills of Tennessee to the summit of world acclaim, but never losing the common touch.  She will live on in the hearts of many millions whom she touched with beauty, joy, and a generous, loving spirit.  She was also a friend and supporter of the gay community.

1.  A message from Dolly's family:

2.  NBC News reports on Dolly's true-life rags to riches story:

3.  In this 2025 interview with Dan Rather, starting at the 4:00 mark, we learn the secret to her success:  she's not a floozy, she's a sharp, shrewd businesswoman:

See the full interview here.

4.  Dolly was also a deeply spiritual person who lived her faith, as she explains in this wide-ranging interview with Norah O'Donnell in 2024:

5.  I believe Dolly always closed her shows with this beautiful song:

Bonus: The Empire State Building was lit up in sparkling pink tonight as a tribute to Dolly.

-----

Sunday Drive: If You Hadn't Been There

I'm sure all my truckbuddies will join in my condolences to Dolly - a longtime supporter of the gay community - who lost her huband Carl this week after 60 years of marriage.  What a blessing.

-----

When I Get Where I'm Going

 The Lessons for Monday in Holy Week

Brad Paisley sings his #1 hit from 2005, with harmony by Dolly Parton.  Some famous faces appear in the video, also.

-----

Dolly Apologizes for T-Shirt Incident

Last month, a lesbian mom visiting Dollywood Splash Country with her spouse and family was asked to turn her t-shirt inside out by a park employee; the wording on the shirt said, "Marriage is so gay."

Now Miss Parton has issued this apology to the couple:

"I am truly sorry for the hurt or embarrassment regarding the gay and lesbian t-shirt incident at Dollywood's Splash Country recently. Everyone knows of my personal support of the gay and lesbian community. Dollywood is a family park and all families are welcome." Dolly adds that the policies on clothing or signs with profanity or controversial messages are in place to protect the person wearing the shirt and keep disturbances at the park to a minimum. Dolly concludes saying, "I am looking further into the incident and hope and believe it was more policy than insensitivity. I am very sorry it happened at all."

Dolly on Her Gay Fans

You go, Dolly.

Afternoon Drive: Romeo

I may not be in love, but let me tell ya, I'm in heat . . . .



A hit for Dolly a few years back.  Y'all have a good one, see you down the road.

Sunday Drive: When I Get Where I'm Going

That's Dolly Parton singing with Brad on the chorus of this tune.

At Least Dolly Loves Us

The Advocate reports on Dolly's chat with Joy Behar last week:

“Would you say that you are pro–gay marriage?” asked Behar, noting that Parton’s background might suggest otherwise.

“I know that’s true,” acknowledged Parton. “I always say, ‘Sure, why can’t they get married? They should suffer like the rest of us do.’”

Dolly also didn't think much of Houston megachurch pastor Joel Osteen's recent remark that gays are "not God's best work."

On why so many gays are fans of hers:  "I think they know I'm different too, and it took me a long time to be accepted also."

Video clip of Joy and Dolly here.