Dolly has left us

She was one of the few people who managed to be universally loved. 

I think about this. For some, to be universally loved is an aspiration.

And I wonder, is it the way, in a world that kills the ‘other’ with such ferocity? 

We need people like Dolly. She knew she played a public role. That role was not who she was. She played the blonde, yet she was never the stereotype. She could walk out of the negotiation room a winner before the other person even realised she scored. Her whip-smart wore a wig and rhinestones.

And she never forgot her roots: deep poverty.

For many, we long to be universally loved, even as our path insists on speaking to the crimes and criminals, loud and clear.

Those of us who are destined to take a stand, fierce, knowing we will divide and be hated by many. We too have a role. 

It demands that our purpose is far greater than our longing to be universally loved and accepted.

Rest in peace, Dolly. You brought so much happiness to everyone you touched, near and far. Your songs are printed across the stars, ready to bring us home from a dark night.

Published August 26th 2026. Photo taken August 22nd 2026