BETTER ANGEL

President Lincoln, in his first inaugural address asked citizens to let the “better angels of our nature” mend the broken ties of the country. Sometimes our better angels assume human form to provide examples of kindness, empathy and honesty. One angel just passed away and she was Dolly Parton.

At aged six, Parton escaped crushing poverty by singing into a tin can on her front porch. Then she began writing songs with a bright focus to become a country music star. She unapologetically emulated the rhinestone flash of earlier stars. Parton didn’t read sheet music; she learned by doing. At sixteen, she developed her songwriting skills and somehow, with little formal education, became an astute businesswoman who could have been a billionaire.

Instead, Parton formed the Imagination Library which has donated 330 million books to children worldwide. She also supported where she grew up-- Sevierville, Tennessee with massive economic investments, local employment (Dollywood) and literacy programs. This is just a tiny part of what this better angel gave to us.

When we emulate and model ourselves after people like Dolly Parton and speak with compassion, cooperation and fairness, we can change the world. And by giving back as we advance in our careers, we usher in a rising tide that lifts all boats.