Some people feel immortal. Dolly was one of those rare people. Her presence felt untouchable, and her radiant spirit was undeniable. She epitomized light, kindness, and beauty from the inside out.

Like most people, when I heard the news today, I was in shock. It felt surreal. The world immediately felt darker. Dolly had that special gift of making every person—even strangers—feel seen and safe. She never had a bad word to say about anyone, and with as many awful things as this world has to say at all times, I never once heard or saw a single soul say they didn’t like her. What an incredible legacy to leave behind.

I have idolized Dolly my entire life. People have always asked me why I am “fixed up” all the time, and Dolly provided the most perfect response to that: “I feel glamorous on the inside, so I want to look like it on the outside.”

She had a way of making us girls and boys who always feel like we’re a little “too much” feel like we’re just enough.

I got dozens of notifications today from people reaching out to me. Not because I knew Dolly, but because they know how much she means to me. That’s what Dolly did. She reminded us to check on each other. To show kindness. To show grace. To show love.

I wore probably the most obnoxiously pink outfit I have ever owned today, and I joked to a coworker this morning that only Elle Woods and Dolly Parton could appreciate that level of pink. Now, every time I wear it, I will think of Dolly a little extra.

There will never be another talent or human being like her. Dolly, much like her song, was like a butterfly—a rare and gentle thing.

I hope she is reunited with the love of her life, Carl, now, and that she knows the world will always, always love her