Dolly was born in East Tennessee and used her success to make it better. So much money from her attractions and fame came into our mountain communities and was put into schools and infrastructure. She made the Imagination Library to help childhood literacy in Appalachia. Every month since our daughter was born, the library has sent her a book with a note from Dolly encouraging her to be proud of where she’s from and to learn the importance of the stories that built us. Her husband passed last year and she spoke of being reunited with him. I’m glad heaven is a little sweeter, and sings a little better for it. Rest in peace to the Queen of Appalachia, Jolene could never.