Dolly Gets Her Wings
In Memory of Dolly Parton: 1946 - 1926
The Southern Saratoga Art Society (SSAS) is presenting its Annual Member's Show at the Clifton Park Senior Center Gallery in
November and December. The theme this year is "Things with Wings" and my entry will be:
"Dolly Gets Her Wings"
BACKSTORY:
Given the theme “Things with Wings” and being a lifelong Beatles fan, a tribute to Paul McCartney’s band, “Wings” popped into my head. But when, on August 25th, I learned of Dolly Parton’s passing, the emotional ending of the beloved classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), when Clarence gets his wings -- immediately came to mind for my entry.
You may recall, Clarence, kind but inept, was an aspiring Angel, never having achieved the highly coveted rank of “Guardian Angel”. After performing heroic feats of brilliance to restore the self-esteem of his charge, the deeply depressed, self-conflicted George Bailey, Clarence literally talks him off a bridge in an attempted suicide. Ultimately convincing George that his life was truly worthwhile, Clarence finally qualifies for “Wing” status as a verified Guardian Angel.
Dolly Parton came into her Angelhood by performing good deeds throughout her entire adult life. She was that special brand of human being, using her personal wealth and celebrity status to benefit those less fortunate. Moreover (and this is huge!), she inspired other successful artists and entrepreneurs to be GIVERS. In November 2022, Jeff Bezos honored Dolly Parton with his $100 million “Courage and Civility” award, created in 2021 to recognize individuals who “give with their heart” The award includes $100 million to be spent within 10 years on charitable causes. Bezos said Parton’s work for children, literacy, and community was “incredible”.
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton was one of twelve children in a poor, rural Appalachian family Her parents, Robert Lee Parton Sr., a tobacco farmer and construction worker, and Avie Lee Owens, a preacher’s daughter, raised Dolly and her eleven siblings in a two‑room log cabin without electricity or running water. This humble, impoverished upbringing in the Smoky Mountains deeply shaped her music, values, and identity.
“Before he passed away, my Daddy told me the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done. I can’t tell you how much that meant to me because I created the Imagination Library as a tribute to my Daddy. He was the smartest man I have ever known but I know in my heart his inability to read probably kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams.”
Since its founding in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted more than 332 million books. Though always giving back to her home county in Tennessee, through awards and scholarships for high school graduates, her Global Literacy Donations program operates in over 1600 communities worldwide, including thousands of schools and libraries in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. She helped raise millions after wildfires in the Tennessee and gave millions more to hospitals. Following Hurricane Helene, Dolly donated millions supporting relief and recovery efforts across North Carolina and Tennessee, through her Dollywood Foundation's long-standing commitment to helping communities when they need it most.
Dolly’s life is summed up in Clarence's line, when he says to George, "Strange isn't it? Each man's life touches so many lives."
Rest in Peace, Dear Dolly.
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ABOUT THE PAINTING:
Medium: Watercolor
Size: 14"x 11"m Framed
Frame: Antique Gold (Like Dolly's hair!)
Price: $300*
Availability: March 1, 2027**
* includes shipping to any location in the U.S., entire proceeds of sale will be donated to
Dolly's Imagination Library. Check should be made payable to The Dollywood Foundation.
**Buyer agrees to allow the painting to be shown at the SSAS Show in November and December 2026,
and my semi-solo show, which will run from January - February at the same venue in Clifton Park.
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