# @thekerripaul on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DcegXJmzoiS
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70161713-thekerripaul-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/da40642605.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-25T20:59:00.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Kerri Paul (@thekerripaul) — https://gondola.cc/thekerripaul

## Caption

Heaven opened its doors to one of the brightest, most beloved trailblazers of our time in bringing Dolly Parton 🦋 home to glory today. 

Dolly was such a beloved entertainer and BUSINESSWOMAN and on a personal level has inspired me in many ways that I never imagined she’d resonate with me before I understood the true depth of who this woman was. 

In having had the privilege to collaborate with Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, and Smoky Mountain attractions and tourism several times over the past few years, I was able to take a deep dive into the world of Dolly, and when I tell y’all the woman BUILT that area of Tennessee — I mean she was and will forever be the trailblazer of the Smokies. 

As a female entrepreneur and entertainer myself, I love how Dolly utilized her resources to pour into her hometown and make it into something so magical by shining a light on an area that she saw as a jewel. 

She advocated tirelessly to build up her hometown and has poured so much into the Smokies that it’s now one of the top most visited areas in the US, all at the hands of Mrs. Dolly, baby! 

She was a SMART businesswoman, using her wit and talents to create infrastructure, bring opportunity, and give to those in her home as well as touching those all over the world. 

And don’t get me started on her heart and passion to give! Even my own babies were a part of Dolly’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to children — mailed to them every month! 

I’ve visited dollywood at least 4 times, one of which was an immersive tour and history of Dolly and her upbringing. There’s a replica of her childhood home in the park, and when I tell y’all that a star shone out of the most humble beginnings! I remember thinking to myself how much Dolly had overcome when I saw the home. It was basically a small living room! 

She turned a life with several siblings in a tiny wooded cabin, barely large enough to sustain two people by today’s standards, into becoming a superstar and placing others at the forefront of her empire. 

Iconic. 

Dolly’s legacy lives on in the women she’s inspired to utilize our talents for the good of others.

#ripdollyparton #dollyparton

## Stats

- **Views:** 4,887
- **Likes:** 180
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

dollyparton, ripdollyparton

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