08/27/2026
Dolly was so much more than a music legend. She was a national treasure, a humanitarian, a businesswoman, an entertainer and, perhaps most importantly, an example of what it means to be a genuinely good human.
Her message of kindness, acceptance, generosity and being unapologetically yourself has inspired people from every walk of life, regardless of identity on the beautiful spectrum of humanity. Dolly had a way of reminding all of us that there is room at the table for everyone.
Her influence has even found its way into Brazoria County Pride. Over the years, we have held events inspired by Dolly’s philosophy, celebrated her music and welcomed more than one fabulous Dolly impersonator. Her spirit of joy, inclusion and simply being who you are has always felt right at home with us.
This loss hits especially close to home for our organization because our very own President, Timothy Wayne, was fortunate enough to know and spend time with Dolly in a way most people could only dream of. Through multiple charity events, tours, movie sets, backstage experiences and events at Dollywood, Timothy was blessed with making memories with the Queen herself.
For him, and for so many of us, Dolly wasn’t simply someone we admired from afar. She was someone whose example became part of the way we try to live our lives.
So today, we don’t just mourn Dolly. We celebrate her.
Let us honor her legacy by never leaving a rhinestone unturned. By finding something good in every day. By lifting others up instead of tearing them down. By giving more than we take.
And most importantly, by remembering one of Dolly’s greatest lessons:
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
Thank you, Dolly, for showing generations of people that you can be successful without losing your kindness, famous without losing your humility, and unapologetically yourself while making the world a little brighter for everyone around you.
From all of us at Brazoria County Pride, thank you for the music, the laughter, the generosity, the rhinestones and the lessons.
Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Rest in rhinestones, Queen Dolly. 💖✨🌈
