Live Like Dolly

Live Like Dolly                                                                                                                                                                  8/25/2026

Today was a hard day for Tennessee. We lost our living legend to be a new guardian angel. When you think of Dolly Parton, you probably think of rhinestones, big boobs, and big hair. When I think of Dolly Parton, I think of the millions of lives she has transformed through her generosity and love for her beloved hometown community.

Years ago, when I first went to New York City, people would hear my country accent and immediately always ask where I was from. I would proudly say, “I’m 50% Pat Summit and 50% Dolly Parton.” I bleed orange and I am a Proud Tennessean. Always have been, always will be. Even when publishing my book, Create Your Own Reality, I only hired women in Tennessee for my team. Dolly may be globally known and celebrated for her musical fame. But here in East Tennessee, we see so much more than that. We see beyond the glitz and the glam. We see her heart. We are her heart. And she has always made that known. Just this year the local’s children’s hospital was renamed in her honor to Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.

We need more Dolly’s. The world is starving for more Dolly’s, East Tennessee’s fairy godmother. I don’t even need to list her philanthropic impact. Those are very well known. One of my greatest aspirations is to live like Dolly. To give generously, love big, smile often, and leave a lasting impact and legacy for my family and my community.

I am challenging myself, and I also challenge all of you to Live Like Dolly. Because, when I think of Dolly, I think of everything good in the world. And we need more people like that.

Please pray for East Tennessee today.

Rest peacefully, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean.

We will always love you.

Xoxo, Presh