Dolly Parton tributes bid farewell to a beloved icon

Few figures inspire as much love and respect as Dolly Parton. The country star, who died yesterday at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, lived an incredible life, rising from her self-described “dirt poor” roots in rural Tennessee to become one of the country’s most famous and respected musicians. She produced 49 albums and made an indelible mark with hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” (one of my favorite Dolly stories was her recalling how deeply affected she was by Whitney Houston’s cover). Her talents expanded into acting, and she shined in movies like 9 to 5 (for which she also recorded the title track), Steel Magnolias , and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas . She also used her wealth and influence to provide millions of free books to children in honor of her sharecropper father, who never learned to read, donate to Appalachian relief nonprofits , and stand up for LGBTQ people. She was witty, smart, brave, and charming, able to disarm anyone who wrongly wrote her off as a dumb, buxom blonde (when joking about people looking at her boobs, she once quipped , “Nobody notices I’ve got a great ass, too.”) While this post could easily stretch into a novella, it should be a list of tribute events in Pittsburgh. So appreciate what made Dolly great with these dance parties, drag shows, and other local memorials for the late queen of country. Fri., Aug. 28 Head to Bottlerocket Social Hall for the I Will Always Love You…Dolly Parton Tribute Party with DJ Rodeo Starr. The night will include the big hits, deep cuts, and songs by Dolly-inspired artists. Proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library . 9:30 p.m. Doors at 9 p.m. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. $5. 21 and over. bottlerocketpgh.com Sun., Aug. 30 Blythe Books will give away children’s books in honor of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Kids of all ages who visit on Sunday can take any age-appropriate used bo