Dolly Parton's Concert Brings Out the Kid in Me
I looked forward to seeing Dolly Parton for months. Finally, the day had come. Last night (Oct. 26) I went to see her perform in Louisville, Ky. I arrived good and early so I could get my picture taken in front of the Dolly Parton sign. As I was standing there, full of glee, I saw a little girl who looked about 10 or 11 walking with her parents. They stopped right next to me and told the little girl to turn around. When she read the name "Dolly Parton," she looked as though she was going to cry. "You mean ... seriously? Do I get to see Dolly?!" she yelled and began jumping up and down. Her parents then handed her the ticket as tears ran down her face. I almost cried along with her. I used to be that little girl, too. But then again, I still am.
I remember when my parents took me to my first Dolly Parton concert and how special that moment was. My dad used to pick me up and dance with me to "I Will Always Love You" in our living room and I used to cry every time he did. When he'd ask me why the tears, I told him I didn't know. But really, it was because I couldn't find the words to explain it. I was crying because I could feel her heart break. I was crying because I imagined saying goodbye to someone I loved. I was crying because it touched my soul.
Last night when she sang her encore of "I Will Always Love You," tears began streaming down my face. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful evening. As I got up from my chair, smiling and wiping my tears, I looked over and saw that little girl with her parents. They were talking and asking her questions, but she just sat there in silence -- staring in awe at an empty stage. I knew she couldn't find the words. She didn't need to. I knew exactly how she felt.
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Nova says:
What a truly beautiful blog. Love you Miss Dolly and your blog truly does this lady honour… and all of us fans. thank you.
Jen says:
That was the best story ive read in the longest time, it was beautiful. I remember the first time i saw Dolly in concert too, i was 16 and i still cried; the first time i saw the sign w/her name and when she left the stage.
dean says:
What a wonderful story about the great lady whose iconic status is larger than life. I have love Dolly since I was a kid growing up in Jamaica in the west indies and loves her just as much today. Dolly Parton belongs to the world and she is a treasure that we must hold near and dear. Once in a lifetime, an entertainer comes along that embodies talent, guts, perseverance and good character….we are now wittnesing that once in a lifetime artist doin her thing—this woman is amazing and may she continue to reign as the queeen of country music.
ROSEBUD says:
When I was a teenager my friends and I used to carry our little “Boom Box” and listen to Dolly’s greatest hits. Jolene, Two Doors Down, Me and Little Andy, too many to mention. Dolly is one of my all time favorites!!!!
Dexter says:
Ain’t that the truth…to this day I keep complete silence during a Dolly concert…it’s like I’m scared I’m going to miss one syllable if I clap or scream during a song….I just sit there and soak it all in!
ROSEBUD says:
The first concert I went to was Dolly. It was at the Indiana State Fair. Clint Black and Dwight Yoakam(sp?) opened for her. It was great!!!
MC says:
This was so touching! I can totally relate being a huge Dolly fan. I have seen her many times in concert and I never fail to be moved but her gorgeous voice! She is one of the greatest entertainers of our time. A true treasure.
SNS says:
How wonderful this story. I wish I can watch her live but I’m in Malaysia. Although I just watch her video clips but her performance was really gorgeous!!!
sunkie says:
“Dagn Nabe It” Whitney,
You wrote with such convictions that I have tears flowing from my eyes as I attempt typing. You write in such a way that it exposes my inner soul and it too makes me weep. How you can write to such a degree that makes others feel not only your pain, but joy is a mystery to me. I guess that is why you are the writer and I am the reader. Each week, one of my favorite pleasures is reading your blogs. Thanks for taking everyday life’s lessons and placing them within your blog for all of us to experience. You my fine writer friend are going places and I shall continue to follow you like you do Dolly…….
Jeff says:
Reading your blog made me cry too. I can see you and your dad dancing to her magical voice. The way you convey your feelings is remakable. You are such a talent. I hope CMT gets that. Rock on Dolly!!!!!!!!
Kate says:
Your blog brought tears to my eyes. It’s nice to see that someone has such a deep passion about Dolly. She’s truly wonderful and so was this blog!