08/27/2026
Reflection Thursday đ
I have been a country music fan for as long as I can remember, and I have loved Dolly Parton since I was little.
Watching all of the amazing tributes being shared has brought back so many memories for me.
There is something really beautiful about watching so many people come together to grieve, celebrate and remember someone who inspired so many through her music and by just being who she was.
It has also reminded me how music becomes a part of our memories.
Every Christmas Day, after having Christmas lunch with my grandparents, my aunt and uncle and their family would come over. There was always music playing, lots of laughter and usually some dancing.
My aunt has since passed away, but whenever I hear Islands in the Stream, I think of her. That song was played all the time, and hearing it can instantly take me back to those Christmas Days.
Music has a way of healing our souls. đ€
And maybe thatâs part of what a legacy really is.
Itâs not only what we accomplish. Itâs how we make people feel. Itâs the memories we become part of. Itâs the kindness we give. Itâs having the courage to show up in this world as exactly who we are.
Dolly definitely did that.
She was unique. She was funny, kind, generous, talented and completely, unapologetically herself.
And that made me think about something for Reflection ThursdayâŠ
Are you allowing yourself to be fully YOU?
Or are there pieces of yourself youâre still hiding because youâre worried about what someone else might think?
What would change if you stopped trying to fit in and started allowing yourself to be the most authentic, unique version of you?
As Dolly said:
âFind out who you are, and do it on purpose.â
Thatâs a pretty amazing way to live. đ©”
Thank you for the music, the memories and the reminder to always be yourself, Dolly.
Iâd love to know â whatâs your favourite Dolly Parton song? Share it in the comments.đ©·