Dolly Parton died this week, and I believe not since the sudden death of Elvis Presley 49 years ago, also in August ( Aug. 16, 1977) , has there been such a world wide reaction to the death of a performer. At least in North America ,one cannot read a newspaper or magazine, watch television or log on online and not see a story, a flashback or tribute to Dolly Parton. The story of her rise from a childhood of poverty in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, as one of twelve children, to becoming a phenomenally successful singer, song-writer and business woman with a long list of Hall of Fame inductions, is inspirational to say the least.

Dolly created her own persona — a glittery, sassy, over the top, big bosomed woman and turned her into an icon. She revealed that she had patterned her look after a woman who, when Dolly was child, was deemed the town “tramp” but whom Dolly thought looked glamorous. Over the years she was encouraged to temper the look or abandon it but she continued using it to carry her through decades of unmistakable recognition and success.

Her passing on August 25, ushered in amazing tributes — famous monuments around the world were flooded in pink lights -Dolly’s signature colour. The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace the day after her death featured the guards playing “Nine-to Five”, Parton’s anthem to working women. Flags on government buildings in the US and famous private residences, like current singing and song-writing sensation Taylor Swift’s home, flew at half mast. The outpouring of praise from entertainment artists everywhere was effusive. Details arose of her philanthropy and her Imagination Library which donated millions of books to children to encourage literacy, as a tribute to Dolly’s father whom she considered very “smart” but who could not read or write .

But what stood out to me in all of the reactions to Dolly Parton’s death was that she was a phenomenom, not only because she was a hugely successful entertainer and songwriter, but maybe even more so because she was an incredibly kind and humble woman. She never forgot where she came from and acknowledged her connection to everyone she encountered, whether famous or ordinary.

As I have suggested often in this Blog which is essentially meant as a tribute to Petula Clark, that my husband and I returned time and again to see Petula perform because we loved her music and her voice, but as well the concerts were always a revelation of Petula’s ability to connect deeply with her audience. Her stories of her life experiences were personal and endearing. She was never just singing a list of songs –each song was delivered with sincere emotion. It was always clear that Petula loved what she was doing. She took the time often before or after concerts to meet with her audience , to talk to them . She remembered them . She asked them questions. She was never the Diva –too remote or removed to interact. She often referred to performing as a kind of communion with her audience.

So I have come to the conclusion that all great stars who have successful, long -running careers and are beloved by their fans have at their core — a reverence for what they do, a gratitude for getting to do what they love and a enduring respect for their audiences–their star status never diminishes the core of their humanity which is what connects them so closely to their fans. That is somewhat of a paradox I think –true star power –the ability to rise above the ordinary –is really rooted in humility and kindness !