SAN ANTONIO – Dolly Parton’s unmistakable voice, larger-than-life personality and generosity made her one of the most beloved entertainers in the world.
On Tuesday, the country music legend died at 80, ending a career that spanned more than six decades. Parton extended well beyond music into film, business and philanthropy. Her publicist said Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer, according to ABC News.
But in San Antonio, fans are remembering Parton not only for the songs she made famous, but for the inspiration they say she provided. One of those fans is Melissa Turner, owner of Hello Darling Blow Dry Bar on Bandera Road.
Turner said her love for Parton began when she was a child. Growing up, her family listened to a variety of music, including rancheras and country music.
“We grew up listening to different genres. One day we were rancheras, the other day, we were listening to Dolly,” Turner told KSAT.
Melissa Turner and family at Dollywood in Tennessee. (-)
Years later, that childhood admiration became part of Turner’s business. Hello Darling is filled with pink, glitz and Dolly-inspired decor, creating an atmosphere that Turner says reflects the confidence, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit she admired in Parton.
“You know, she inspires us. She inspires many women,” Turner said emotionally.
The salon also has a dedicated ofrenda honoring Parton with candles, disco balls, a guitar and books inspired by the country music star. For Turner, the tribute is about more than recreating Parton’s signature look.
Hello Darling Blow Dry Bar in San Antonio, TX (-)
“We are lucky that we get to see her every day and to celebrate and just give that passion back to serving other women,” Turner added.
Turner is not the only San Antonio woman finding a way to honor Parton. Erica Gamboa, owner of Wild Encanto Clay Studio, grew up listening to Parton with her family. She recently launched a Dolly-inspired jewelry collection at Hello Darling, adding another local tribute to the singer’s legacy.
Gamboa told KSAT that Parton’s ability to overcome barriers as a woman in the entertainment industry continues to inspire her.
“Just to see everything that she’s gone through and how she’s built herself up, all the things that she’s had to break through being a woman in the industry that she was in and just trying to come up and make her way — that’s just so inspiring,” Gamboa said.
Parton’s connection to San Antonio goes back more than five decades. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo shared photos with KSAT showing Parton’s 1970 visit to the event, when she performed alongside Porter Wagoner as a rising country star.
Dolly Parton at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in 1970 (-)
The organization sent the following statement to KSAT:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton, whose talent, generosity, and spirit left an extraordinary mark on country music and generations of fans. We were honored to welcome Dolly to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in 1970 and are proud to have a small place in her remarkable legacy. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the countless fans whose lives she touched.”
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Parton’s publicist shared there will be a private funeral service held for family and the music star will be laid to rest in Nashville beside her late husband, Carl Dean.
There are no details yet about a public memorial. For Turner and Gamboa, however, saying goodbye does not require a formal ceremony. Their tributes are already on display — in a salon, in a jewelry collection and in the stories they hope to continue telling about the woman who inspired them.
“She was definitely a trailblazer,” Turner said. “A lot of women will remember her.”
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