The mayor of Dolly Parton’s hometown has praised the fact she never changed from her humble beginnings.
The mayor of Dolly Parton’s hometown has praised the fact she never changed.
The Jolene singer – who died on Tuesday (25.08.26) at the age of 80 – grew up with 11 siblings in a one-bedroom cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains in Locust Ridge, just outside of Sevierville, Tennessee, and despite her years of wealth and fame, she never forgot her humble beginnings.
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters, 72, who had known Dolly his whole life, told the New York’s Post’s Page Six: “Her family didn’t have a lot, but they had the things that mattered.
“She’s shown that over the years. She was such a treasure to us with her talent and generosity.”
Larry recalled how Dolly would take a bus to see her aunt and uncle, who lived below him.
He said: “My grandfather would have her sing gospel songs on the bus. After most everyone would get off, he’d go, ‘Dolly, sing us a gospel song.’ And she’d do that. She always had that talent. And always had that vivacious personality, that smile, that love for people.
“She didn’t change over the years. And boy, do I appreciate that. So many people who have achieved that level of fame — they change and forget where they come from. Dolly never did.
“She was so proud of this area and we were so proud of her and continue to be proud of her — proud of what a girl from the mountains of Sevier County made of herself. She did that herself. She is not only a great talent and generous, she’s a smart businessperson who understood what it took to be successful.”
The mayor felt shock and sadness when he heard the news of Dolly’s death and thinks the world will be very different without her, though her legacy will continue for generations.
He said: “It’s hard to imagine a world without Dolly Parton in it. She was always doing new projects and generous with helping people, so it’s going to be a tough thing.
“What she’s accomplished won’t end, her talent, we’ll still be able to listen to her, and her generosity is gonna live on through the foundation that she had and she made sure of that. That’s just the kind of person she was.”
Dolly’s death was announced in a video message from her nephew, Bryan Seaver, and her representatives later confirmed she had been battling cancer.
Her representatives said in a statement: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.
“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.
“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”
Dolly Parton praised by hometown mayor
