08/25/2026
There are certain artists who become part of the fabric of who you are. For me, Dolly Parton was one of them.
I learned how to sing listening to Dolly's records as a little girl. I studied her voice, sang along with her and tried to figure out how she did what she did. Then I discovered *Trio* with Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, and I became obsessed with harmony. I would sit and pick apart those three voices and learn every part I could. I truly believe so much of my musical ear was developed listening to those women sing together.
But Dolly's influence went far beyond music.
She showed generations of women that you could be glamorous AND brilliant. Funny and deeply serious about your work. Ambitious and kind. You could know exactly who you were, never apologize for it, and still make everyone around you feel important.
I had the incredible privilege of meeting Dolly several years ago. During our conversation she looked at me and told me that I reminded her of her mama. I don't think she could have possibly known what those words would mean to me, but they remain one of the greatest compliments I have ever received.
For nearly 14 years at Magill Musical Theatre Studio, I have tried to teach young performers that excellence and kindness are not mutually exclusive. That being talented doesn't give you permission to be unkind. That glamour can be fun. That hard work matters. That knowing who you are matters. And that the greatest artists use their gifts to give something back.
Dolly Parton embodied all of it.
It is hard to put into words what it feels like to lose someone you didn't really *know*, but who has somehow been with you for most of your life.
Thank you, Dolly, for the songs. For the harmony. For the humor and the rhinestones. For your extraordinary generosity. And for showing a little girl listening to your records that there was no reason she couldn't dream big.
What a life. What a legacy.
We will always love you. 🤍
— Megan Magill
Artistic Director, Magill Musical Theatre Studio
