Dolly Parton, throughout her life, embodied a beautiful aspect of humanity. Her passing has evoked a widespread affection that crosses many divides. This raises the question: What made Dolly so special? It wasn’t solely her talent or success. Her generosity, while notable, is also not the full story.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu introduced me to the African concept of Ubuntu, which translates to “I am because we are.” It’s an idea that extends beyond definition to a way of engaging with the world. It emphasizes that our lives can be enriched by our interactions with others, and that everyone’s humanity is significant.
Dolly Parton seemed to live by this philosophy. In a polarized America, she was admired by people from all walks of life—conservatives, liberals, Christians, non-religious individuals, rural communities, and urban areas.
The qualities that defined Dolly Parton remain, even though she is gone. She delighted in people without requiring them to be like her. To emulate her, embrace Ubuntu.
Many of us understand how it feels to be reduced to a label or judged unfairly. Yet, sometimes someone sees us beyond those limitations and makes us feel safe to express ourselves authentically.
Such affirmations from others can call forth our better selves, reminding us that we are not self-sufficient. We grow through our interactions. It’s common to carry burdens, so when another person sees us, believes in us, and takes joy in us, something within us awakens.
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library distributed hundreds of millions of books to children she would never meet, believing in their potential.”
Perhaps she never heard the phrase Ubuntu, but she seemed to grasp its essence. Her success served to enlarge possibilities for many. Dolly practiced Ubuntu.
One of the beautiful aspects of Ubuntu is its inclusivity—no entry requirements exist. Just bring your humanity. We are nourished and changed by encounters, sometimes with those whose lives differ greatly from our own. Ubuntu offers a unique possibility: none of us can realize our humanity in isolation. We need each other’s presence to thrive.
Though it can help us through tough times, Ubuntu’s true promise lies in enabling us to thrive. Our humanity grows when shared. Every time someone believes in another before they do, humanity is enhanced.
As Robert V. Taylor, President of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation, observes, Ubuntu is more than a word. It is a method of helping one another grow and discover our full potential. He encourages us all to “Ubuntu” together, enriching both ourselves and others.
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