Wholesome and Comforting Country Critters Living the Way Dolly Would Have Wanted

Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager

Aug 31, 2026 6:45 AM EDT

Like everyone this past week, mourn the loss of Dolly Parton. But just because she's gone, doesn't mean she's forgotten - we can continue to live the way she envisioned with the help of some heartwarming farm animals and cute critters.

Dolly Parton spread the message of love and acceptance her whole life. She accepted everyone with a good heart and was one of the kindest people you would ever meet, all while wearing a 10 lb. wig and about 10 more lbs. of rhinestones. She encouraged people to pursue their dreams, and to respond with compassion and sincerity instead of cynicism and negativity.

One of the most impressive things about Dolly Parton is that she probably could have been a billionaire if she wanted, but chose not to. She chose to invest in communities and education instead of hoarding wealth like some people we all know. She created the Imagination Library foundation, which mails a free book every month to kids from birth to age 5 for free, and has distributed over 3 million books worldwide. She donated millions to survivors of natural disasters in her home state and across the United States. She had no connection to 95% of the people who benefited from her money, but she did so because she knew that lifting people up was important to keeping hope alive.

What does all of this have to do with some wholesome and comforting country critters? Well, Dolly was a Southern gal, if you didn't know that already. These heartwarming animals and silly memes have the same message as Dolly preached her whole life: that you should make someone smile instead of giving them a reason to frown. That you should spread pawsitivity through the world instead of hatred. That you can make someone laugh and look like a fine country woman while doing it.

She will be remembered for her songs, but we will remember her for the message she left for us: be kind, be compassionate, and a coat of many colors, made with love, is worth more than any designer handbag you can buy.

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