Written by: Paolo Ramos, Vice President
Over the last few weeks, I have done some unexpected reflecting on Dolly Parton’s death. I’ve never been one to engage with celebrity culture on more than a passing level, yet I found myself particularly moved by her passing—so much so that I felt I needed to share my thoughts, not just as a PR practitioner, but as a leader.
As I considered writing this piece, I wondered whether I was joining the ranks of other opportunistic thought leaders who capitalize on tragedy to advance their latest platforms for personal gain. However, I think reflecting on the legacy we leave behind is a topic that many people outside the business world can relate to and are likely thinking about at this particular moment.
As a gay millennial, I grew up in a world where allyship was just starting to become mainstream. I latched on to any shred of it I could find, from people within my social circles whom I could confide in to celebrities who would speak up on our behalf. I was aware of Dolly Parton through a pop culture lens, but over time, I learned more about her steadfast commitment to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, along with her seemingly limitless kindness.
This is not to say I was a superfan. Far from it. I don’t think I could name any of her songs beyond “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.” I don’t remember any of the TV shows or movies she appeared in beyond a cameo on Hannah Montana, which I watched as a teenager.
And yet, I’ve felt a sense of loss much more strongly than I have after the deaths of other celebrities or public figures. After reflecting on it, I realized that I was mourning the loss of someone who embodied allyship to the LGBTQ+ community. In the cultural climate we’re living in today, it felt as though she was taking some of that positivity with her in an irreversible way.
This also made me reflect on the concept of legacy and what we leave behind. For Dolly, it was that enduring brand of kindness, humor and, above all, philanthropy. I read an article that listed all the causes and organizations she donated money to, most of which I had never heard of—mostly because she never focused on publicizing any of it. As far as anyone can tell, it was all done out of the goodness of her heart.
And really, both as a publicist and as a human being, that’s the lesson, isn’t it? You only leave a lasting impact and legacy if it comes from a place of truth and honesty. That is what people will latch on to above all else.
