My Reaction to the Death of Dolly Parton

A few days ago, Dolly Parton died of cancer at 80 years old. Subsequent tributes to the singer’s death reminded me of how the world mourned after the 1997 car crash that killed Princess Diana. Numerous celebrities have eulogized the country music icon. President Donald Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff for a week in honor of Dolly. 

As a boy, I first heard of Dolly Parton when seeing her introduced on The Porter Wagoner Show. I disliked country music and usually turned the TV channel after briefly watching the intro. Then in the late 1970s, Dolly’s songs started appearing on “American Top 40.” One of them titled "Baby I'm Burnin'" was played in discos. By the time I became a DJ, the pop hits for her dwindled except for 1983’s “Islands in the Stream”, her number one duet with Kenny Rogers (written by my favorite group The Bee Gees).


Like many other performers, Dolly got her start singing in church. Her grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher. Dolly’s birth was even aided by a missionary. Throughout her career, the singer talked about her faith in God. She recorded some gospel songs and even collaborated with Christian artists such as Selah, For King & Country, and Zach Williams.


However, Dolly did some questionable things. As an actress, one of her movies was 1982’s “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (I saw that in a theater, but wasn’t living for the Lord then). Dolly starred as Miss Mona, who was in charge of a brothel. Years later while staying at a friend’s house, I caught part of a movie titled “Straight Talk.” Dolly played the part of a radio announcer who gave encouraging advice to someone going through a gender transition.


Fans of Dolly Parton are quick to point out all the good causes she supported such as the Imagination Library, which gave free books to children. Unfortunately, there were bad ones such as Dolly rewriting her classic hit “Jolene” to encourage people to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. I suspect the jab played a part in her death. Dolly talked of having health problems after receiving the vaccine.


A more serious concern I had was her supporting gay and transgender rights. Although we are not saved by works, the Bible warns against those who encourage sinful lifestyles. Romans 1:26-27 clearly forbids homosexual relationships. Verse 32 from that chapter says, “who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”


Other ministers received flak for questioning Dolly Parton’s standing with the Lord. Although 2 Timothy 2:19 says, “The Lord knows those who are His”, that same verse goes on to say, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” It’s disturbing to see professing Christians condone people doing things the Bible calls an abomination. Nevertheless, I hope Dolly is rejoicing in heaven with her husband Carl Dean who passed away last year. 


“For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13


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