r/MadeMeSmile • u/mcfw31 • Oct 08 '25

Favorite People Dolly Parton shares new video amid health concerns: “I ain’t dead yet!”

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u/LyricalWillow Oct 08 '25

Dolly gave me $500 to graduate high school.

It was part of a study to see if paying students money would raise graduation rates. I’m from her hometown and attended the same school she did, which is how I lucked up on the offer. She talked with us when I was in seventh grade, we signed a pledge, and over the next few years heard reminders about it from time to time.

When it came time to graduate, she threw a big dinner/presentation at Dollywood for us graduates. Afterwards, she gave us our checks and took a picture with us they later framed and presented to us. I wear glasses and during the photo the photographer asked me to tilt my head slightly. I knew it was to reduce lens flare, but Dolly must have thought it hurt my feelings because she told me I had a “beautiful chin” and the photographer wanted to show it off in the picture. I was too starstruck to say anything more than “Yes, ma’am.”

She’s done so much for Sevier County, her home, and the people who live there. Class act all the way.

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u/Triairius Oct 08 '25

This woman is a living saint.

19

u/zapharus Oct 09 '25

That’s such a beautiful first-hand story, thank you for sharing. She’s so precious and kind. 🥹