Dolly Parton death: She was an inspiration to all of us in Nashville, says Keith Getty
Nasvhille musician and Lisburn native Keith Getty says Dolly Parton was an inspiration to everyone in the famed US city.
The renowned hymn writer, who was awarded the Freedom of the City of Lisburn in 2023, now resides in Nashville with his wife Kristyn and their children.
Speaking to the News Letter after Dolly’s death, he said that, “her lifelong dedication to her craft, her ability to connect across the generations and her warmth and quick wit have been an inspiration to all of us in Nashville for so long”. He added: “She was one of the finest songwriters and entrepreneurs in the history of entertainment.
“Her Ulster-Scots heritage was a huge part of her identity – her dad’s family came from Bushmills – and she had a special connection with Irish-Americans of every stripe. Our daughter’s favourite country songs to sing along to are hers!”
Keith also praised her “extraordinary generosity and care for the least of people” with her charity, the Imagination Library. Inspired by the fact that her own father could neither read nor write, her charity sends countless books out to children across the US, UK and Republic of Ireland.
Strangford MP Jim Shannon famously tabled a cross-party Parliamentary motion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her timeless hit, ‘I Will Always Love You’.
He said: “Dolly Parton was a unique force for good in this world. To rise from such lowly, impoverished roots and achieve what she did is remarkable, but what truly set her apart was her massive heart.
“Her philanthropy changed lives, and her books for children project gave millions of young people a fair start in life. She was a woman of deep faith and unmatched generosity.”