Dolly the living legend. She just seems to get more popular by the day. What is it that makes her such an Icon? Why is she so loved by so many? She has such a mass appeal. She definitely has beauty and her figure helped make her a household name.
Her voice is like a southern song bird. She strokes her vocal cords with such ease and the song writing ability is beyond genius. She is funny, witty and has great timing. Another tidbit that some of you all might not know is that she is a smart and savvy business woman as well. She has been a creative entrepreneur for decades.
She has probably lost some and failed at a few things I’m sure like all entrepreneurs but gaining much more through the years.
Also when there was a huge fire in Gatlinburg TN near her hometown she was so giving of her time and resources helping families who had lost everything. She has a philanthropic spirit knowing she can never out give God. He always gives more which is the true meaning of success in my opinion. If you plant good seeds and keep giving you will reap a great harvest.
Some of my favorite Dolly memories are, I was 7 years old and roller skating on our back patio and a Dolly song came on. I skidded to a stop and yelled at my mom through the kitchen window, "Mom! This is Dolly right!?" "This song makes me want to be a singer songwriter and move to Nashville!" My mom smiled and said, "Honey with God all things are possible."
"Well mom, if Dolly can do it then Why Not Me?" That is when I began my love for country music and I was all in getting my hands on and learning every Dolly song I could.
Then years later I had moved to Nashville and had the opportunity to hear her perform at the Ryman Auditorium. I was in awe as she waltzed on stage in all her sparkle and shine singing “Why’d you come in here looking like that” The audience was on their feet full of absolute joy and wonder.
When there was a quiet moment in the show a man shouted out “I love you Dolly!”
And in her witty on her feet can’t stump Dolly way she answered back “Now I told you to stay in the truck!” The crowd went wild! Classic!
Then as the years went by and I opened my cupcake shop off of music row I got a call from her assistant saying she was in love with my coconut cupcakes and wanted to order 24 for her staff and could we deliver to her compound on 12 south down the street from the shop? Are you kidding me! Absolutely! I personally delivered them although I didn’t get to meet Dolly that day it was still an honor to know that her favorite cupcake was a Gigis coconut cupcake.
As I strolled into Walmart today a smile crossed my face as I pushed my cart past the isle with all the Duncan Hines Dolly Parton cake mix in the pink boxes. You go Dolly!
One day I want to meet you and hopefully bake you some coconut cupcakes.
Hey, maybe one day we can bake together? www.walmart.com/c/kp/duncan-hines-dolly-parton
Coconut cupcakes
In the spirit of the Dolly Brand use her white cake mix and follow recipe
After mixed put in 1 cup of sweetened coconut
Add 2 tps of coconut extract mix in
Put in cupcake liner and bake as directed
While baking make frosting
I/2 butter
1/2 Crisco
Mix well with mixer
Add 2 tps of vanilla
Add 2 tps of coconut extract blend
Add 3 Tbs of milk
Add 4 cups of powdered sugar - Blend until fluffy
When cupcakes are cooled with pastry bag frost cupcakes then put coconut flakes on top and press gently to make it stick.
Enjoy and thank you for reading my tribute to Dolly Parton!
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sold opinion of the writer.
