People Are Loving Dolly Parton Even More After She Turns Down a Statue of Herself in Tennessee
On June 11, 2020, Alex Parsons started a petition on change.org. He wanted statues of Confederate soldiers to be replaced with statues of Dolly Parton. He explained what a positive influence Parton has been and continues to be in Tennessee and America.
“Aside from her beautiful music, which has touched the hearts and lives of millions of Americans, Dolly Parton’s philanthropic heart has unquestionably changed the world for the better. From the Dollywood foundation that has provided books and scholarships to millions of American children, to the millions of dollars she has donated to dozens of organizations such as the Red Cross and COVID-19 research centers, Dolly Parton has given more to this country and this state than those confederate officers could ever have hoped to take away.”
Speaking of COVID-19 donations, Parton actually donated $1 million to help create the Modera vaccine. You might think that would mean that Parton would be one of the first people to get vaccinated, but that’s not at all the case. She explained, “I didn’t donate the money so I could be protected. I did it for everybody.”
Parton has yet to get vaccinated, and that definitely speaks to her character. With all the wonderful ways she has contributed to make the world a better place, it’s easy to see why so many people want to see a statue of her.
Fast forward to February 2021, and there is now a proposal for a statue of Dolly Parton to be placed at the Tennessee State Capitol. On February 9, the bill passed a state House committee, but that’s where Parton wants it to stop.
A lot of people would love to see a statue of Dolly Parton, but Parton isn’t one of those people. The country music star released a statement in which she explained, “I don’t think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time.” She expressed gratitude for a statue coming under serious consideration but “asked leaders of the state legislature to remove the bill from any and all consideration.”
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) February 18, 2021
This isn’t the first time Parton has turned down something that would be considered an honor by most people. She revealed that on two separate occasions she has turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Fans are loving Parton more than ever since she announced that she does not want a statue of her likeness to be considered any further.
The timing may not be right but the idea is justified because of all the philanthropy work that you’ve done. And what speaks to your character is that you’ve never bragged about it and you put the focus on the work. That’s why you’re an American treasure
— Maurice McGee (@HeyTlacuache) February 18, 2021
-> in TN, there will darn sure be one in any state I’m living in when your time comes. I’ll make sure of it. Thank you, Mrs. Parton for being who you are. I don’t say I love strangers easily, but I will always love you for what you did for my family.
— 𓆉 𓆉2 Pups Mommy𓆉𓆉 (@2PupsMommy) February 18, 2021
You are, without exaggeration, the greatest human who has ever lived.
— ᴊᴀᴄᴋ 👑 ✨ (@JackDMurphy) February 18, 2021
For more about why Parton doesn’t want a statue of herself at the Tennessee state Capitol, watch the video below.
Do you think it’s a good idea to have a statue of Dolly Parton placed at the Tennessee state Capitol? Do you think Parton made the right decision to ask the state legislature to stop considering the proposal for a statue?
