Atypical & Awesome, “An Eagle When She Flies”

We lost Dolly this week and it absolutely gut-punched me. I never met her but I knew her. The past few days have been hard- going through the many responsibilities of life while managing a broken heart. I think back to one of my visits to Dollywood. Tourists were bustling around and most walked right past a display many of them did not even notice-a glass case holding handwritten lyrics by Dolly. It knocked by breath out and I remember crying because seeing those meant so much to me.

I have many Dolly “things” in my house and to know me is to know I love Dolly. I received three texts almost immediately upon the news of her passing- Phillip, Autumn (who was in Vienna when the news broke), and Alex. I literally felt my heart break. Was it somewhat expected- yes. She was 80 and it happens eventually to us all. But, still. It was like a light went out.

But, I am taking the impact she had on me personally and using it to be more like Dolly. To be kind, funny, creative, bold, and astute. I am gonna sing my songs because they need to be sung. No one will ever fill her heels but we can all take a few pieces of her and add it to our own journey. Thank you, Dolly so much for everything.