Read Time: 4 min 34 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

Legendary country music star Dolly Parton died on Tuesday at age 80.

Her nephew broke the news in an Instagram video (hear his whole statement). Later, a spokesperson said Parton died “after a brief battle with cancer.” In May of this year, she canceled a run of six shows in Las Vegas due to “health issues.” 

The “Queen of Country” was a singer-songwriter-actress who rose from rags to riches over a 60-year career. She sold 100M+ records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists ever. Some of her most famous songs are “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” (Whitney Houston popularized it, but Dolly wrote and sang it first). She also brought her Southern charm to the silver screen in “Steel Magnolias” and “9 to 5.” The icon also built an entertainment empire around her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Dolly’s career was award-winning. She won 11 Grammys and was inducted into both the Country Music and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. She was as well known for her signature look (see her blonde bouffant + glam makeup) as she was for her music. 

Outside her 9-to-5, Dolly was known for her generosity. Her literacy program, Imagination Library, has given over 300 million books to kids under 5 across the country.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Sudden deaths remind us that human life is brief and fragile. Believers’ hope of resurrection doesn’t mean we don’t grieve real sorrows but reminds us that death will not have the final word. Pray for Dolly Parton’s loved ones and for her fans to experience the comfort and hope of Jesus.

“On this mountain… [the LORD of Armies will swallow] up death once and for all. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears… On that day it will be said, ‘Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him. Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’” 
Isaiah 25:7-9 (CSB) (read full passage)

What might my kids misunderstand about this story?
Death raises a lot of questions, many of which are tough to answer. 

While we can’t satisfy sad “why”s, we can teach our kids (and ourselves) that it’s normal to not have all the answers, and it’s very good to take our sadness, longing, and confusion to the God of all comfort. He is sovereign, trustworthy, loving, and near. 

We can also remind them of the truth that can satisfy their souls: Death has been swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54). Talking about death opens the door to talking about eternity… and the joy of getting to spend it with the God who loves them more than anyone. 

What response to this story do I want to model for my children?
Leaving a legacy of faith, and discipling them to do the same. 

When a famous person dies, we often look at their legacy: accomplishments, contributions to society, what they were known for. And it begs the question, “What do I want to be remembered for?” and “What do I want to leave behind?” 

If our answer doesn’t include our faith in Jesus, we may want to revisit the question. Whether we’re parents, friends, or grandparents, we have opportunities every day to leave a legacy of faith by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in our words and deeds.

Gen Z Word of the Week: This song by Dolly is a low-key banger.

Family Fun: Head to your local thrift store and see how many hidden treasures you can spot from this scavenger hunt list.

Whipped Cream on Top: Do you ever just...

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