Country music star Dolly Parton celebrated her 75th birthday on Jan. 19. Parton shared on her website that she was planning quiet day to stay close with her loved ones. She said her birthday wish is a “call for kindness” and encouraged people to do something different today.

“I always encourage people to dream big but I also take great care to follow that up with the message to work hard. We can’t just hope for a brighter day, we have to work for a brighter day. Love too often gets buried in a world of hurt and fear. We have to work to dig it out so we can share it with our family, our friends and our neighbors,” said Parton. “So today, January 19th, let’s get to unearthing love. Love is more contagious than a virus so let your best self shine in a glorious light and others will be inspired by you.”

Parton shared a similar message on her Twitter as well.

Parton had a busy year, despite the coronavirus pandemic. She donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support research for a COVID-19 vaccine. Parton also supported the Black Lives Matter movement after the killing of George Floyd.

Parton launched an apparel collection with drag star Nina West to benefit LGBTQ+ youth and children’s literacy. She released her first book of lyrics, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics and premiered her documentary, The Library That Dolly Built. 

Parton performed in the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and released her new Christmas album, A Holly Dolly Christmas. In November, she released a Netflix musical called  Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square. 

To celebrate Parton’s birthday, Ruby Sunshine in Knoxville and Gatlinburg will have a special Dolly Parton inspired menu for guests. Some of the menu items include Jolene, I’m Begging You Please Don’t Take My Beignets, and a Dish of Many Flavors Benedict Tasting.

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Article by Sarah Huffman

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