Dolly Parton the Legend - A Tribute by Dee Cooper
The Gypsy and Traveller communities react to the recent passing of a one-of-a-kind star
Dolly Parton was like one of our own.
For many of us, Dolly was more than a country music legend. She was part of the soundtrack of our childhoods. We were reared on her music, listening to our mothers singing at the top of their voices while running the hoover around or polishing the china.
The words to Jolene, along with so many of her other songs, were learned early. Dolly quickly became an idol, a familiar voice and a woman we admired deeply.
From the moment she stepped onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, Dolly carried something that felt familiar to our Romany and Traveller communities. We saw so much of ourselves in her: her humble beginnings, her love of family, her resilience, her determination, her storytelling and her belief in better times.
We respected this golden-hearted woman because she understood something that runs deep within our own communities: the importance of family, roots, storytelling and never forgetting where you came from.
Country music has a unique way of telling stories of depth, hardship, resilience and hope. It speaks of life as it really is, the struggles we carry, the people we love, the roads we travel and the fight for better days.
Dolly was one of the greatest storytellers of them all.
She brought her family into her success, creating opportunities for those she loved. She built Dollywood into a celebration of her Appalachian roots, heritage, music and family.
She gave us unforgettable songs and films, from Jolene and 9 to 5 to I Will Always Love You. Her words travelled across generations and became part of people’s own stories.
Her love for children was extraordinary.
As author Freedom Matthews so beautifully said:
“Through her Imagination Library, she helped put millions of books into children’s hands, opening doors to imagination, learning and dreams.”
Dolly showed the world that you can come from humble beginnings and still dream big.
But perhaps what made her so special was that, despite everything she achieved, she never seemed to forget where she came from.
Our communities felt that.
We related to her.
We had a deep respect for her.
And we held her close to our hearts.
The community came out in devotion:
Sally Barter said:
“Will never see the likes of her again, what an inspiration. God rest her soul xx”
Singer-songwriter Florence Joelle said:
“Rest in peace Dolly. The world won’t be the same without you. Thank you for the songs 🙏”
Dolly Romany Arts left this beautiful message:
“A true original, a generous spirit, and a woman who brought so much joy to the world.”
These words reflect something felt far beyond the world of music.
Dolly touched people because she understood the value of a story, the strength of family, the importance of giving back and the power of remaining true to your roots.
To many, she will always be remembered for her golden heart, her gift for storytelling, her fight for better times and her place as a true country legend.
Rest peacefully, Dolly.
Your songs will live on and your stories will continue to be told.
You built a legacy that will continue through the lives you touched, the children you inspired, the families you helped and the generations who will continue to sing your songs.
RIP Dolly Parton 1946–2026.
A country heart has stopped beating, but its rhythm lives on in us all.
By Dee Cooper for Travellers Times
(Lead photograph: Dolly Parton in 1977. By RCA Records - eBayfrontback, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54429601)