08/26/2026
Today we join those who grieve in giving thanks to God for pilgrims like Dolly who travel through this world and leave a little more light, courage, and kindness in their wake.
Presbyterians do not reserve sainthood only for a special, extraordinary few. We believe the saints of God are all of God's beloved--the dead, the living, and even those yet to be born. Still, now and then, a particular saints helps us see more clearly what grace can look like in a human life.
Dolly traveled among us with mountain wisdom and rhinestones, humor and grit, generous hands, deep faith, and a heart that helped make room for others. She put books in the hands of children. She refused to let others make her small. And, she sang of a God whose love is large enough for every traveler still becoming, still searching, still making the journey home to who God made them to be.
In "Travelin' Thru," Dolly offered up a pilgrims hymn--honest about uncertainty, tender toward those trudging difficult roads, and trusting that no one ever travels outside the reach of grace.
Thanks be to God for Dolly--the songs, laughter, courage, and generosity--and the lives made brighter because this beloved saints came traveling through!
Check out this video-
