Add me to the millions of folks saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton last month. Numerous interviews done with her over the years have been posted since her death, and they’re so entertaining to watch. Her quick wit, strong business sense and amazing talents are to be admired.
And today is unofficially (official in some states) Dolly Parton Day. Why today? It’s a wink to her movie and hit song 9 to 5 (9/25). When I first read about the idea of having a Dolly day, and suggestions to listen to her music, dress up like her and do something kind, I had a thought. And I posed that thought to my friend, Darcy.
My friends, and followers of this blog know that Darcy is a dear friend. She and her husband, Ken, have horses, and they let me come pretend to ride and dress up for all holidays and occasions. They’re always willing to supply my equine therapy.
A little shopping on Amazon and at Walmart, Dollar Tree, a local thrift shop, lots and lots of socks (IYKYK)…and ta da:
Yes, we ‘became’ Dolly for a day. We actually did the photo shoot last weekend, because of the coastal storm heading for our area this week.
Of course, pics were taken with Darcy and Ken’s gorgeous horses. This is Breeze, their yearling, who’s just learning about being decorated for holidays. Darcy stenciled a butterfly on each of the horses and added butterflies to their manes. And that’s Uncle Val watching from the sidelines.
Ken’s handsome gelding, Messiah, getting kisses.
Darcy’s mare, Chevelle, pretty in pink:
And this, with my Motor Man. He liked having a blonde with “big…..ideas”, to quote Dolly.
Motor Man took this picture of Darcy, Ken and me with Chevelle and Messiah. Such gorgeous, gentle, loving horses, and so good at cooperating with our holiday ideas.
A couple of thoughts about Dolly: I saw an interview posted with her, in which she said that she approved of folks dressing up like her. I wasn’t able to find that clip, so I Googled it, and this was the result: Dolly Parton has expressed her delight in fans dressing up like her, viewing it as a form of flattery and celebration of her persona. She appreciates the joy her style brings to others and often encourages such expressions of admiration.
And my favorite Dolly song? Her Christmas duet with Kenny Rogers: ‘I’ll Be Home With Bells On’. Listening to it during this Christmas season will definitely be different than in years past.
Thanks, Darcy and Ken, for such a fun visit and providing the backdrop to our tribute to Dolly. And to my Motor Man for being our photographer and always such a good sport.
🩷🦋🎸 These Days Of Mine 🎸🦋🩷
