Eternal joy, Dolly Parton respectfully asks that Tennessee not put up a statue of her

ICYMI, Dolly Parton is a legend. A legend on stage – there is no denying that – but also a legend in life, as the performer continues to make her way through Hollywood with unapologetic grace and candor. Simply put, Dolly Parton continues to be Dolly Parton, and she sets the bar high.

Adding to the "Reasons We Love Her" list, is her recent response to being considered for a statue at the Tennessee Capitol. The 75-year-old "Jolene" singer shared today that, although she was honoured, the current state of the world makes it an inappropriate time for such a tribute.

"I want to thank the Tennessee legislature for their consideration of a bill to erect a statue of me on the Capitol grounds,” Parton wrote. “I am honored and humbled by their intention but I have asked the leaders of the state legislature to remove the bill from any and all consideration. Given all that is going on in the world, I don't think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time." The buzz around a Dolly statue was first started in the summer when a petition calling for Confederate monuments in the state to be replaced with statues of the country star was circulated.

Parton clarified, however, that she would be open to this consideration "several years" from now.

"I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I'm gone, if you still feel I deserve it, then I'm certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol as a grateful Tennessean." Um, did your heart just implode? Yeah, ours too. Parton took it upon herself to remind us that, at this historical and uniquely challenging moment in time, there are more important matters to dedicate our time and attention to.

Ironically, Parton’s eloquent reasoning for why she doesn’t want a statue erected in her honour at this time, makes us want that statue even more. A true icon and American treasure is in our midst.

Of course, this isn’t the only feel-good news to surface out of Parton’s camp. The singer is, after all, an avid philanthropist who consistently (and generously) donates her time and money to causes she cares about. Fans online have been quick to point out that the 9 to 5 star donated $1M to COVID-19 vaccine research just last year.

Honestly, we don’t deserve her.

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