Dolly Parton: 2022

I share Dolly Parton's puzzled response to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame -- because Dolly Parton doesn't write rock and roll. But anything that highlights Parton's genius is also not so bad.

A favorite Dolly moment of mine is "Travelin' Thru," which nearly won the Oscar. Dolly was writing for a transgender character; DP took the idea of a "journey," inner and outer, and began thinking about Joseph on Christmas Eve:

Like the poor wayfaring stranger that they speak about in song,

I'm just a weary pilgrim trying to find my own way home.

Oh sweet Jesus, if you're out there, keep me ever close to you --

As I'm travelin'....travelin'......travelin'.....as I'm travelin' thru.

Parton's thoughts on emotional pain and oppression take the form of a homily:

Questions I have many, answers but a few.

But we're here to learn -- the spirit burns -- to know the greater truth.

We've all been crucified, and they nailed Jesus to the tree...

And when I'm born again, you're gonna see a change in me.

Parton can inhabit a character -- and can find the universal "story" within one person's suffering. The song is hopeful, but not saccharine. It's simple and direct. I think that's evidence of a gift.

I'm away the next several days with Marc and the kids. A flight to Florida! Wish us luck.

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