If there is not a special place in your heart for Dolly Parton, then I’m not sure you’re a living, breathing human.
No offense—perhaps you haven’t been stopped in your tracks by her distinctive voice or listened to her lyrical stories. Maybe you haven’t repeatedly watched Nine to Five or Steel Magnolias or Straight Talk. It’s possible that you haven’t heard her giggle or read an interview, noting her quick wit, humility, and messages of love and acceptance. Maybe you just don’t know enough about her. And that’s cool. But, for real—you’re missing out.
I’ll tell you who didn’t miss out though—the thousands of us in attendance at her sold-out show at Ravinia Festival, her first show there since 1993. Passing through the north shore of Chicago to celebrate her 43rd (yes, 43rd!) album, Pure and Simple, Dolly dazzled, danced, sang, shared, and strummed her way through her two-hour set. It was the most crowded I’ve ever seen Ravinia and a blanket of Dolly generated euphoria enveloped the audience. At 70 she’s not showing one sign of slowing down. And that’s great news for all of us. If Dolly’s making her way to a town near you, I recommend grabbing a ticket.
