If you don't get the world's reaction to Dolly Parton, watch this

I grew up listening to the Country Queen Dolly Parton, and like much of the world, I'm heartbroken at the news of her death.

Dolly was so much more than an iconic singer, song-writer, actor, humble but extraordinary philanthropist, children's literacy and education champion, kindness advocate and very witty feminist.

Dolly was a one of a kind woman - a once in a lifetime woman.

And you might roll your eyes at this, but she goddamn raised me. Dolly, and Oprah Winfrey, (and to a much lesser extent, my own mother), taught me so much about life. 

They were the role models and heroes for this pudgy little brown girl in Adelaide in the 90s.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

Very obviously, I'm not the only person who adored her. Look at the global reaction to the news of her passing; on social media, in headline news.

If you listen carefully, you'll hear “9 to 5” being belted out as people sit in traffic today, and “Here you come again” tearfully sung in showers as you walk past homes. (Yes, that last one is me.)

It might all seem a bit bewildering to those who didn't grow up with Dolly, who don't have her ingrained in their memories from youth. Who aren't quite sure about the huge wigs and… boobs.

But I know an easy way into the phenomenon that is Dollywood (not just her 60-year career, but a legit place too, by the way).

Watch the 2018 Netflix movie, Dumplin'.

On the surface it sounds like it's a teen's coming-of-age drama, and it is. But the teen is obsessed with Dolly and her music, thanks to her aunt who was equally obsessed. 

You'll see that Dolly has a song for every moment in life, and learn why her relevance and immense popularity has spanned generations.

Dolly herself was heavily involved with the production. She wrote six songs for the film, with "Girl in the Movies" earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.

Dumplin' is ultimately a feel-good and tender watch - and now, even more so. 

You'll laugh and cry; but you'll also sing, and come to understand how Dolly was the soundtrack to the lives of millions for decades, and always will be.