At age 75, Dolly Parton has never been more popular. However, she wants people to look to God instead of her.
“I don’t want to be worshiped, because there’s a scripture in my Bible that talks about idol worship,” she said after being named one of “People Magazine’s” 2021 people of the year. “And I see that happening all the time with movie stars and these celebrities. People literally worship them more than they worship God. And I just — I cringe at it sometimes.”
The magazine recognized Parton for her charitable work.
“Dolly Parton has always done her part through efforts like her Imaginary Library which to date has given more than 160 million books to kids in need,” it wrote. “Early in the pandemic, she saw another way to help, donating $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support COVID research, which resulted in the Moderna vaccine that became widely available this year.”
Her Dollywood Foundation, founded in April 1988, raised $700,000 in October for flood victims in areas of middle Tennessee. More than 170 million children have received free books through her Imaginary Library Project founded in 1995, which aims to give books to as many children as possible to instill in them a love for reading. Parton shared how she loves how giving to others makes her feel.
“I’m kind of addicted to the feeling of giving — knowing that I’m doing something good for someone else,” she said. “It makes my heart feel good to know that I can do something for somebody else.”
Jesus, she said, has been influential in her life for decades, and growing up in the church has left her with unforgettable memories that stay with her today.
“I never let go of that,” Parton said. “I always felt responsible to God that I was supposed to be doing something for God. I still feel like that, and I’m still doing it, trying to. Sinning all the way, but trying my best, and asking forgiveness 70 times seven.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
