Where has the time gone? A week has passed, yet it seems like only yesterday I was settling myself in at Allphones Arena to catch living legend Dolly Parton.
It’s impossible to underestimate the presence of this woman. She steps on stage all big blonde hair and glittering rhinestones and grabs you, captivating you with her presence for the hours she spends on stage. Not bad for a woman of 65, is it?
As she burst on to the stage with her version of ’80s smash “Walking on Sunshine” we knew we were in for a special night. Dolly seems to delight in delivering the unexpected, whether it’s 80s pop, rap, or even bluegrass versions of Collective Soul’s “Shine” and “Stairway to Heaven.” I honestly could have done without the latter, but she gets major props for trying!
Of course with several hours to play with the hits were represented too. I was thrilled to see “Jolene” trotted out only a few songs in, and ecstatic to hear her end with the Holy Trinity of “Islands in the Stream,” “Nine to Five,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her backup singer is no Kenny Rogers, but we were so thrilled to hear the duet that it mattered not. I also relished a few songs that I didn’t know before, especially “Coat of Many Colours” and her stunning a capella version of “Little Sparrow.”
I enjoyed those songs that were new to me mostly because of the stories Dolly weaved around them. She’s such a generous performer, one who stops to take the time to share herself with her audience. She showed us all her facets, including the playful side concerned with aging and flashy clothes and the dedicated daughter thinking fondly of her formative years. Those more heartfelt moments where she spoke of her large family, poor but happy and full of love, were so poignant and made her songs that much sweeter.
She told us that she hasn’t visited us for 25 years, and that she hopes that if it’s another 25 years before her return we still think she looks good for her age. I’m sure she will, but I really hope she doesn’t leave us waiting that long!
Image source: own photos