Commencement Address by "Dr. Dolly Parton"!

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born Jan. 19, 1946 in the town of Locust Ridge, Tennessee. She was the 4th of 12 children and had big dreams for herself and for others! At the University of Tennessee Commencement for the College of Arts and Sciences on May 8, 2009, Dolly gave a moving address to the new college graduates. Enjoy!

1. Dream More - Dreaming is not like a wish. She gave the example of herself as a little girl putting a can on the end of a broom handle and pretending it to be a microphone. She pretended to be dressed as a performer and when she sang to the chickens, she envisioned a large audience. She said that the dreaming built convictions and demanded hard work. She emphasized that there must be a fire in your gut to overcome obstacles. She spoke about her own graduation from high school and how her graduating class laughed at her when she expressed her desire to become a great star. She said that you mustn't blame others if something doesn't happen for you.

2. Learn More - She spoke of her mother reading the Bible to her as a young girl. She said that you must work at making dreams come true. She said that people must take chances and roll up their sleeves and try to win. She encouraged reading and learning as much as you can in your lifetime.

3. Care more - She spoke clearly that you must do your best in life. In other words, do your best to look good! She asked pointedly - how do you prepare? Never disappoint others by not being fully prepared. She gave the example of memorizing her own lines and also the lines of the whole cast.
She spoke about keeping commitments and being on time to everything. She carefully reminded the audience to not judge other people and to remember the uniqueness of each individual.

4. Hope more/Be more - She talked about counting your blessings and loving and caring for other people. Just like "The Little Engine That Could", she encouraged the can do spirit of caring the most! She gave special care to talk about her spiritual center - God. She said that heaven and earth met in her heart and she said that ,in that - "You will be special".

Dolly Parton is all that and more! She sang to the graduating class, of which my daughter was celebrated! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndEsn9gorKc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFFuBEK-0WY