Gov. Pritzker, Chicagoans share memories of Dolly Parton as Edgewater memorial grows
Parton performed at Ravinia in 2016 and appeared in Chicago in 2011 during the opening night of '9 to 5.'
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A growing memorial outside a Dolly Parton mural in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood is drawing fans who say the singer's legacy extends far beyond her music career.
Flowers and candles have accumulated in front of the mural at The Lytle House on Broadway as admirers gather to remember the country music icon, actress and philanthropist, who died Tuesday in Nashville following a brief battle with cancer, according to her team. She was 80.
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"This is a woman who really spoke her mind. She said what she believed in, and she said it in a way that wasn't divisive," said Michelle Lytle, owner of The Lytle House.
Fans described Parton as a figure defined by compassion and kindness.
"Dolly led with love. She led with kindness. She is the epitome of, I think, a loving person. And it's really sad that she's gone," said fan Curtis Kimberlin.
For some, memories of personal encounters with Parton have resurfaced following news of her death.
David Hernandez said he met Parton by chance at O'Hare International Airport when he was 9 years old.
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"So, I went up to her and said, 'Ms. Parton, can I have your autograph?' And she's like, 'Sure, honey.' She's like, 'But I'm late for a plane. You're going to have to take a walk with me.' So, she put out her hand. I grabbed her hand and I took off walking with her," Hernandez said.
Parton's voice reached audiences for more than half a century through songs including "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You."
She also maintained ties to the Chicago area. Parton performed at Ravinia in 2016 and appeared in Chicago in 2011 during the opening night of "9 to 5," the stage production based on her 1980s hit song and the film in which she starred.
Ray Stevens, morning show host at WLS-AM 890, recalled a message Parton once shared with him about how she hoped to be remembered.
"She once said in an interview with me on U.S. 99 that when she that when she passed, it was probably what she did for people is how she wanted to be remembered and not necessarily by her music," Stevens said.
Parton was born Jan. 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 children.
Her career spanned more than half a century and included more than 3,000 songs about love, heartbreak and other themes that resonated across generations.
Kimberlin said news of her death came as a surprise because she remained active in recent years.
"But she's been still working. She's putting her Broadway play together. She's still putting out new music, I feel like, in the last couple years. So, it's just really shocking," he said.
All Seasons Apple Orchard in Woodstock collaborated with Dolly to celebrate America 250 with a corn maze honoring her.
Beyond her entertainment career, Parton was widely known for her philanthropic work. Her Imagination Library book-gifting program mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to young children regardless of family income.
In a 2023 interview with ABC News, Parton explained what inspired the program.
"My own dad couldn't read and write, and that's why I got involved in this, because I got my dad involved with me. And, he was so proud," Parton said.
According to the program, Imagination Library has distributed more than 300 million books to children around the world.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker helped open the first Illinois chapter of the Imagination Library in 2023. Remembering Parton in a social media video, he said, "She spread her love by caring deeply for young children."
Pritzker also offered condolences to her family.
"Let's keep her family in our prayers, and be thankful for her life," he said.
As tributes continue to grow outside the mural at The Lytle House in Edgewater, fans said Parton's impact as both an entertainer and philanthropist will endure for generations.
According to ABC News, a small private service will be held for Parton's close friends and relatives. A date for the service has not been disclosed.
