Dolly Parton, Gloria Steinem and Annie Dillard are three women who up and died before we could make a big deal over their fertile contributions to our lives.
All three were authentic, spirited and best friends with their own selves, and all three were up-to-here with self-doubt.
Dolly sometimes cringed at her early fashion choices, but never at her talent or fans. Her depth was a joyous response to her life. She thought things through, then taught through her music.
Gloria walked out of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes because she realized Marilyn Monroe was portrayed as a woman seeking approval but considered an ornamental object. Steinem understood the inequality of a patriarchal society and spent her life encouraging women to understand that power comes from not accepting anything that doesn’t feel good for you.
Annie Dillard won a Pulitzer before she turned 30 and once wrote of her own writing, Do Not Read This Crap. To read her is to be gripped by the lyrical and sonic use of words that you just can’t quit.
Thanks, ladies. Adios.
Photo by NickyPe