As the tributes for Dolly Parton continue to pour in, Rita Wilson has shared one of her own, and the heartbreaking message has left fans deeply moved. Wilson posted a black-and-white photo of herself and Parton in the studio, and they appear to be having a great time.
Rita Wilson Will Never Forget Dolly Parton
In her Instagram caption, Wilson wrote a lengthy, heartfelt message about what Parton meant to her. “I am heartbroken by the loss of Dolly Parton. She was one of those rare people whose light was so enormous that it reached everyone – through her music, her humor, her generosity, and most of all, her extraordinary talent and heart.”
Wilson continued, “Dolly was a true original. She showed us that being poor didn’t mean you weren’t rich with things that had nothing to do with material wealth. She embraced her roots, her family, her community, and God. These were the riches Dolly taught us to value. Her music spoke to everyone and transcended genre because Dolly’s originality defied her being categorized. She gave thousands, if not millions of children, the gift of books through her Imagination Library, allowing children to dream and learn about a world outside their own.”
Wilson reflected on Parton’s talent, her distinct voice, and the “honor” of performing with her on the single “PINK,” where all proceeds went to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization. Wilson concluded, “In Greek Orthodoxy, when someone dies, we say ‘May their memory be eternal.’ I will never forget you. God rest your soul, Dolly, you are and will always be loved.”
The comment section was flooded with messages from fans, eager to share their condolences and react to Wilson’s tribute. “For the first time in a very long time, I was finally able to cry. I’m sitting here sobbing,” a fan wrote. “Rita, your words sum up so succinctly how Dolly lived life. Just perfect,” another fan shared. “To have had the opportunity to perform with her I’m sure was thrilling. She was indeed an inspiration to the world.”
Dolly Parton’s Proudest Achievement
In her tribute, Wilson referenced Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to children under five. The late singer was most proud of this. “My dad couldn’t read or write, and that was kind of crippling to him,” she said in her 2020 documentary “The Library That Dolly Built,” E! News reports. “Of all the things I’ve done in my life—and it’s been a lot because I’ve been around a long time—this is one of the most precious things and the proudest I’ve been of any program I’ve ever been involved in, working with these kids.”
Parton died at age 80 from a private cancer battle. The news of her death was shared publicly by her family in a heartfelt video statement posted to her official Instagram account on August 25. Her nephew, Brian Seaver, shared incredible details about her, praising her life and legacy while remembering the wonderful person Parton was. Many people have been doing this since her passing.
