When the world lost Dolly Parton on August 25, she was mourned by countless fans across the country and well beyond. That includes celebrities like Sheryl Crow and Kristin Chenoweth, as well as Hallmark stars Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Nikki DeLoach.
In fact, when it comes to DeLoach, she shared a tribute to Parton that addressed both the legend’s inspirational ways and her lasting legacy, which we can all choose to honor.
Nikki Says Dolly Inspired Her as a Little Girl from the South
“I have loved Dolly Parton my entire life,” DeLoach wrote in the caption of an Instagram post that she shared following the passing of the country music industry legend. “As a little girl growing up in the South, with big dreams and even bigger opinions, she was a North Star. A woman who knew exactly who she was and lived it out loud, without apology, compromise or without ever dimming her light.”
DeLoach also included a black-and-white photo of Parton that was taken when she was younger, which showed the star holding a guitar. It also had a quote from the singer written on top, saying, “Love is the answer to all of it.”
On top of that, there were more heartwarming and motivational messages that were shared by Parton over the years, as well as details about the good she did in the world while she was with us.
DeLoach continued her caption by noting that “Dolly made you feel like the world was a lot more possible,” and “was a living embodiment of the divine,” as well as a “person who always moved toward the need.” The actress explained, “She spoke up against hatred, bigotry, oppression and cruelty. Not with rage, but with love so fierce it left no room for anything else. Unbelievably talented and yet profoundly humble. The epitome of strong back, soft heart.”
She went on to mention that she thought of Parton as a guiding light and “compass” when it came to making decisions and tried to live up to the standard that the icon set, saying, “For all of us who are devastated over her loss, maybe a way to keep her alive inside of us is to do this. In the moments when we don’t know what to do, when the world feels hard and unkind and the path forward isn’t clear, we just continue asking what Dolly would do. And then we do that.”
Nikki Is Doing Good In the World Just Like Dolly
It certainly seems like Parton’s efforts to help others have inspired DeLoach’s own actions. Along with the fact that the actress led a fundraising campaign for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, according to Parade, she also co-hosts the annual Dance Party to End ALZ with her friend and fellow Hallmark star Ashley Williams.
Williams even posted a silly video of herself with DeLoach to bring attention to their efforts and to let fans know that they can attend this year’s Dance Party to End ALZ on September 13.
The event will help to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s research grant program, while also “raising critical funds to advance scientific breakthroughs,” the event’s sign-up page tells those who are interested in attending. Frankly, this seems like an incredible way to follow in Parton’s caring footsteps.
