AUSTIN, Texas — Dolly Parton’s impact stretched far beyond country music, and Austinites are remembering the singer, songwriter, and philanthropist with tributes to the warmth, generosity, and music that made her beloved across generations.
At Violet Crown City Church in North Austin, Pastor Jay Cooper transformed an oversized chair outside the church into a tribute to Parton.
The chair has been painted and repainted nearly 130 times over the past seven years. After learning of Parton’s death, Cooper said he knew immediately what would come next: a colorful design inspired by “Coat of Many Colors,” along with the message, “This Coat’s for Dolly.”
“I just knew I wanted to get out here and pay tribute to Dolly Parton, who is truly one of the last universally beloved human beings there is,” said Cooper.
Cooper said he grew up watching 9 to 5 and listening to Parton’s music, but “Coat of Many Colors” holds a special place in his heart because of its message about poverty, wealth, and what truly makes someone rich.
“Coat of Many Colors, you know, I thought it was just so profound in the way it talked about poverty versus wealth and what is true richness,” said Cooper.
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Dolly Parton also left a lasting mark on one of Austin’s most iconic music stages. In 2000, she made her only appearance on the PBS show Austin City Limits.
Executive Producer Terry Lickona said the performance remains one of the show’s most memorable, but he said Parton’s genuine character stood out just as much as her talent.
“Dolly was Dolly, whether she was on stage, off stage, backstage, whether she was with her fans, with a working crew, her tour band,” Lickona said. “She was just a truly honest, open person.”
Parton’s legacy extended well beyond her music. Through her Imagination Library, she supported children’s literacy, and she also helped communities recover after disasters.
“Dolly’s sense of humanity was every bit as strong as her music,” Lickona said.
For Cooper, Parton’s rare gift was making people feel valued exactly as they are.
“She celebrated them just for who they are,” Cooper said. “That kind of seems to me like what every human really desires most, to be seen and loved and celebrated.”
In one corner of North Austin, Cooper’s larger-than-life chair has become a larger-than-life thank you to Dolly Parton.