The news of Dolly Parton’s death arrived as I left my hair in a pile on the floor of a salon in San Francisco. It was surprising news to hear, but not completely unexpected. She was 80 and had lived a remarkable and full life.
We should all be so fortunate.
I would never claim to have been a super fan of Dolly’s, but throughout the years that we shared this earth, I was continually reminded of her generosity and kindness – and her humor. She was funny and no one seemed to laugh harder at herself than Dolly did. I loved that about her.
In my morning yoga class today, we finished our practice with a beautiful version of Dolly singing what may have been my favorite of her songs, I Will Always Love You. Lying in shavasana in the dark studio and listening to her promise to always love someone special to her, hit me unexpectedly hard.
I began to cry.
I thought about all the people I love, my sons being the most essential, and considered that, more than anything, I want another 20 years of life to continue to share the world with them. I considered the people who may no longer be a part of my life, yet continue to own a piece of my heart that no one else has, or will ever, possess.
Always is a long time.
Forever is even longer.
A montage of faces and memories played behind my closed eyes as I reflected upon the countless people for whom I have love. As tears ran down the side of my face and joined the sweat of a 60 minute class in a 90° studio, my emotions flowed – just like my asanas had, and I let it all go.
Losing Dolly at this time in our country’s history feels particularly difficult. We can’t afford to lose the people who embody goodness. We need more Dollys – humans who reach heights far beyond what was ever expected of them, yet never forgot from where they had come, who give freely knowing that their generosity expands who, and what, they fundamentally are.
Contrary to what our present fascist regime believes, there is no diminishment whatsoever in sharing. When we give our time, our talents, our material wealth and our very selves to others, we become richer in the most important manner possible – love.
I think what I always admired the most about Dolly was her commitment to being exactly who she was – a petite woman with big hair, a big voice, big boobs and an absolutely huge heart.
Dolly was love, always and forever, and she will be deeply missed.
DelSo 