Dolly Parton Loves the Mornings

I’m not sure there’s another human on the planet who sets the bar like Dolly does. I love everything about her. If I ever have the honour of running into her in a hallway somewhere—or getting close enough to a golf cart she’s riding at some awards show—I’m sure I’d stumble for words. But I know I’d land on a “thank you.” I’d have so much packed into those two little words.

I’d thank her for radiating this light and idea that we are all loved as we are, and that everyone is always welcome to the party. For standing her ground without ever offending anybody. For finding common ground wherever she walks, in those insane high heels. For writing some of the most incredible pieces of music.

I believe the greatest chorus of all time is “And I will always love you.” It’s completely perfect. So simple. Says all it needs to say in one line—with a melody that punches you in the gut at the same time it heals every cell in your body.

I’d thank her for bringing me closer to my great-grandparents. I feel so blessed to have been close to three of them for over twenty years. My Memere used to make quilts out of all my Pepere’s old shirts, and my whole family reveres Coat of Many Colors—it makes them feel seen. The part that made something beautiful out of nothing; the art of survival. I feel grateful to have heard stories about that, from their perspective.

They’d tell me about the shack on the farm in Northern Alberta where they were raised, with no running water and no heat, and how a family of eight stuck together with the glue of hope and an abundance of resilience. They can’t listen to that song without tearing up and remembering. I feel grateful to Dolly for opening a door of conversation with them that connected me to my roots. Every time I sing it, I feel close to them.

I could write for days about my love for Dolly. I’ve listened to countless podcasts, watched endless interviews, and read article after article about her story—and I’m always in awe of the witty gems she leaves behind, like a treasure hunt. I love the way she talks about her mornings.

I read that she likes to wake up around 3 a.m.—makes some food and coffee, starts her day with affirmations, reading, and prayer… and then begins to write songs when the world is silent and her mind is rested and ready. By 7 a.m., she’s showered and ready to roll for the rest of the day ahead.

I’m not sure I’m quite ready for 3 a.m., but I’ve always loved the mornings. I think it’s because my soul craves the quiet. When it feels like the rest of the world isn’t turning yet, there’s a freedom for thoughts and ideas. I love feeling like I’ve got my day going without a filter on my creativity. It’s been a helpful exercise for me lately, getting back to my mornings.

I usually start with some prayer and meditation, then get my body moving with a little yoga… and then I begin writing. First, a few pages of stream-of-consciousness rambles—just to clean out the engine—and then I feel like I have space to be intentional about starting some ideas for songs. Some that I finish on my own, and some that I bring in to a session with friends.

My dog Sam stays sleeping for the first hour I’m awake haha, and then we go for our walk together before I get ready for the rest of my day.

It makes such a difference in my state of mind when I keep this routine in motion. Especially the meditation. I’ve been trying this app called “Open” lately, and I feel like it’s helping regulate my nervous system. It helps me practice being centered and present in my body—letting thoughts pass, and growing my ability to trust my inner compass when making decisions.

Emotions can be helpful arrows and signs, but they often aren’t rational. It’s that calm, listening presence that helps me notice what the arrows are pointing to… and what I can do about it. That noticing is what I want more of in my life.

I wish I could snap my fingers and have it be second nature to operate in that state of presence. But it’s like using an underdeveloped muscle—it takes patience and practice to keep building it up.

Anyway, I think Dolly is on to something. There’s a window for starting the day centered in your mind, body, and spirit, if we give ourselves the time. I’m trying to be intentional about that time. Some days I nail it, and some days I don’t, but I’m moving in a direction I’m proud of.

I’m grateful for the north star dazzling in the sky that is Dolly Parton, and how much there is to learn from her.

Hope you’re enjoying your spring and giving yourself the time you deserve.

From one wandering soul to another, I hope you know you’re loved as you are.

<3 T

(This a Ray Bradley painting I have proudly hangin in my lil music room of the legend herself)