August 27, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” -1 John 4:11-12
Like many of you, I am saddened by Dolly Parton’s death. She was a true American treasure. Few people have achieved the level of success that Dolly Parton has attained. As a musician, Dolly was truly remarkable. She was a singer who played multiple instruments. When she wasn’t entertaining massive audiences, Dolly showed off her musical skills by writing hit songs that crossed multiple music platforms. She wrote a hit Broadway show and starred in several movies. She is one of the few people in history who have been nominated for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony Award. When she was not writing and performing amazing music, Dolly Parton was building theme parks, gas stations, and a huge financial empire. Dolly Parton lived a bright, beautiful life that brought joy to so many.
The success of Dolly Parton is the dream of any entertainer. With a net worth of over $650 million, Dolly could have easily retired to enjoy a life of ease. However, the drive that made her a hall-of-fame entertainer and world-class businessperson kept Dolly Parton working long past her debut in 1967. Never forgetting her roots and being constantly anchored in the love and kindness of God, Dolly used her tremendous success to bless others. Her life of service and generosity is now as much a part of her legacy as her success in entertainment.
In 1995, Dolly Parton helped to launch the Imagination Library. This free program mails books to children from birth to age five. Because her father struggled to read and write, she wanted to help others experience success in literacy. She first started the program in her home county of Sevier County, Tennessee. Within just 8 years, the program had spread across the United States, mailing over 1 million books. Today, the Imagination Library has sent well over 3.3 million books across the United States and several other nations. This work is done to help others experience the joy of reading. This happened and will continue because of Dolly’s generosity.
Her kindness did not stop with the Imagination Library. Dolly Parton and the leadership of Dollywood Parks and Resorts pay tuition, fees, and books for any employee who wants to further their education. This offer is available to all employees starting on their first day of work. It is an extraordinary commitment to staff and an enormous investment in others’ dreams. Dolly was excited to help. In addition to these major programs, Dolly would fund medical research, disaster response, educational funding, and so much more.
I love the music of Dolly Parton. When I hear Jolene, 9 to 5, and Islands in the Stream, I will always sing along. However, I will not simply remember Dolly for the entertainment. I will remember her life of generosity, service, and kindness. Dolly Parton’s life reminds us that our lives are not just our own. To truly live life, enjoy life, and experience the fullness of what life can be, we must be willing to give of our time, our resources, and talents. God has given each of us gifts. Let us use them to bring light and life to our world.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
