Kindness Wins
Dolly Parton died last week.
We happened to be in downtown Nashville with some friends visiting from out of town when we heard the news. The band at the honky tonk we were in started telling stories about Dolly and then played one of her songs.
That night, we went to see one of my favorite artists in concert, Jack Johnson.
Even he played “9 to 5” off the cuff in tribute to her… and the crowd erupted.
That’s Dolly.
She was loved by just about everybody.
Why?
I think a big part of it was simple.
She was kind.
To everybody.
Everywhere.
That didn’t mean she was a pushover. She stood for what she believed in. She was incredibly smart and successful!
But she always treated people with kindness.
I’ve been to Dollywood more than 20 times. We’ve even had season passes twice, despite it being a four-hour drive each way! I’ve met some of her relatives who worked there, and they talked about her like she was just a regular person. And maybe that’s what made her so special. She really did seem like a regular person.
One of the stories that came out this week really caught my attention, especially for my old music industry friends.
After Eminem was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly sent him a handwritten note congratulating him and telling him how special he was:
Marshall (Eminem),
Congratulations on your induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Your performance was amazing and everyone said so. Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know you are the very best at it. Aside from that I hope that what I have to say will not seem weird or strange to you but I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow. I had hoped to meet you at the show but you know how nuts those things are, personally I hate ‘em and I missed my chance but maybe someday we’ll meet. In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing because you do it so well and no matter how complex your world may be just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.
With love and respect,
Dolly Parton
Marshall’s response after he posted this note last week:
I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly, And thank you for the kind words.
Think about that.
Dolly Parton didn’t need anything from Eminem.
She didn’t need his business.
She didn’t need his approval.
She simply chose to be kind.
A Real Christian Businessman understands that kindness isn’t something we do when it’s convenient or when we expect something in return. It’s how we’re supposed to treat people. Even when we disagree. Even when they can’t do anything for us. Even when nobody is watching.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Eph 4:32 (ESV)
Dolly wasn’t kind because she wanted something in return.
She was kind because that’s who she was – and that’s who we’re called to be.
This week, let’s try the Dolly Way.
Be kind to someone who can’t do anything for us.
Send the note, make the call, give the compliment, listen.
Because Kindness Wins.
And it’s the least we can do.