Dolly Parton recently offered an inspiring message to graduating seniors in Sevier County, Tennessee, the area where she was born and raised. The 74-year-old shared a few words at the end of the schools’ virtual commencement, which could not be held in-person due to COVID-19.
“Congratulations to all the graduates in Sevier County,” Dolly said. “I know you’ve missed out on a lot of fun activities this year that everybody looks forward to, but this is going to be a year you’ll never forget. Something to tell your grandkids about.
“I just wanted to wish you the best in your life going out there in the big world and just know that dreams do come true,” she continued. “Hopefully, I’m a good example of that, so you get out there and make your dreams come true.”
The Country Music Hall of Fame member has been doing her part to encourage and uplift others during the coronavirus pandemic, which is why she released the inspirational song and video, “When Life is Good Again,” last month.
“Since our world was forever changed by the COVID virus, I have felt a deep respect and appreciation for all of our frontline responders,” Dolly said about the song. “This video is to pay respect to them and to remind all of us that this too shall pass. If we pull together as a community, we can rise above and look forward to more beautiful days on the horizon. I hope you love this song as much as I have loved bringing it to you.”
Dolly has a lengthy history of writing timely songs, which is why she wrote “When Life is Good Again.”
“I really try to write what I think everybody is going through right now,” Dolly explained to TIME. “I try to create things that I think people would like to be able to express, because I’ve always been grateful that I’m a writer.”
The graduation message was shared with Gatlinburg-Pittman High, Sevier County High, Pigeon Forge High, Northview Senior Academy, and Seymour High School. Dolly just announced her Dollywood theme park, located in Sevierville, will reopen this month. See her entire inspiring message here.