May We All Be a Little More Dolly
A tribute to Dolly Parton’s generosity, joy, resilience, and the way she used her life to lift others.
Yesterday, before I fully understood how deeply this moment would touch me, I posted a video of myself dressed as Dolly Parton, joyfully singing along to “9 to 5.” Today, that video means something entirely different.
I never had the opportunity to meet Dolly, but I have long admired what she represented: faith, courage, humor, generosity, authenticity and service.
Dolly came from very little and spent her life creating so much—not simply for herself, but for others. She opened doors, gave children books, supported families in crisis, invested in medical research and used her success to lift people she would never even meet.
That is the part of Dolly I want to carry forward.
I desire to be more like Dolly.
Not her fame.
Not her rhinestones.
Her heart.
I want to live full out, love full out, laugh loudly, stay true to who God created me to be, and use whatever gifts, resources and time I have to make someone else’s journey a little brighter.
Last year, I even played Dolly at our Robichaud family reunion talent show. I thought I was simply having fun. But maybe there was something deeper that I recognized in her—the freedom to be completely yourself while giving generously to the world.
As I submit my little “9 to 5” tribute video to CNN and share it on Rochelle.World, my message is simple:
May we all be a little more Dolly.
Give when you can.
Encourage somebody.
Open a door.
Make people laugh.
Help without first asking whether someone deserves it.
And never dim the light God gave you just to make somebody else comfortable.
Dolly showed us that you can be successful and generous, powerful and kind, unforgettable and deeply human.
That is a legacy worth aspiring to.
Thank you, Dolly, for showing generations of us how to live, love, create and give full out.
Heaven gained one incredible set of rhinestones.
I don’t want simply to be remembered. I want to leave people, places and possibilities better because I was here.
That is what Dolly inspires in me.
With love,
Rochelle Forrest Hankins
Rochelle.World
#ThankYouDolly #BeMoreDolly #LiveFullOut #LoveFullOut #RochelleWorld #Legacy #ShineYourLight
About Rochelle
Rochelle is a registered nurse, educator, speaker, author, and life coach whose work centers on helping others live with greater purpose, resilience, and encouragement. Dolly Parton’s generosity, authenticity, humor, and commitment to lifting others have long been an inspiration to her.
What Will You Create After the Applause?
👉Download Rochelle's complimentary guided reflection exercise designed to help you explore purpose, legacy, resilience, and the impact you want your life to have—long after the applause fades.
Carry the Inspiration Forward
Complimentary Affirmation Cards
Download Rochelle’s complimentary printable reflection cards created to encourage emotional clarity, renewal, and self-reflection during seasons of stress, caregiving, illness, grief, and transition.