Dolly Parton touched the lives of so many people in different ways, whether it was through her music, her kindness, her Imagination Library, or something else. Since her death was announced on August 25, tributes for the late country music icon have been pouring in, many have expressed what Parton means to them, and how her memory will live on.
Among the stories is one about a three-year-old girl named Pearl Monroe “Roe Roe” Tucker, who, while battling cancer, found comfort in Parton’s music.
How Dolly Parton’s Music Helped a 3-Year-Old Girl Heal
After Parton’s passing, Pearl’s parents, Chad and Meredith Tucker, shared her health journey, beginning in 2019 with undiagnosed pain and later with her being unable to walk because of it was so severe. In an interview with People, published on Friday, September 4, Chad reflected on how his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. “I just remember feeling this peace that everything was going to be okay,” he recalled.
Pearl’s pain was often unbearable and to soothe her, her parents looked for music that could bring her comfort. Among the songs she loved were Parton’s “9 to 5,” “Jolene” and “Love Is Like a Butterfly.” Chad told People, “Dolly’s music was an amazing healer.”
Pearl would spend 858 days in treatment and during this time she received books from Parton’s Imagination Library. “She couldn’t go to school. She couldn’t be around her friends, she couldn’t do a lot of things,” Chad said. “But she could still get those books.”
In March 2024, the family visited Dollywood, and held up a sign which read: “Dolly, your music helped me beat cancer.” Parton saw it and asked after Pearl’s wellbeing. The little girl was then able to meet her icon.
Remembering Dolly Parton & Her Beautiful Life
This is one of many touching stories that highlight Parton’s beautiful personality and the legacy she lives behind. Her death was announced in a video post on her official Instagram. In it, her nephew, Bryan Seaver, spoke on behalf of the singer’s family, he shared not only the news of her passing, but also remembered her beautiful achievements.
“She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not. Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever,” Seaver said. The post was liked over 12.1 million times by fans and celebrities eager to show their support for the family.
He continued, “Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy; he farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”
It was later revealed that Parton had privately battled cancer. She was 80 at the time of her death. The beloved star won a slew of awards for her music, she was a businesswoman, had a guest mentoring position on “American Idol” in 2008, and was a philanthropist and actress. She will be missed by many.
