Dolly Parton has proven herself to be the (informal) patron saint of Nashville. She’s donated $1 million to coronavirus research. She’s started a weekly video series reading books to kids. She’s provided protective supplies to medical personnel. She’s offered an inspiring Easter message. And now, she’s imparting a little wisdom, too.
During an appearance this week on NBC’s “Today,” Parton told host Hoda Kotb about the Bible verse that has served her as a “beacon of light” in difficult times.
She referenced Matthew 19:26, in which Jesus told his disciples, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
“I actually think a lot about things that my mama used to say and things I learned in the church growing up,” Parton told Kotb. “And I still love the Scripture that, through God, ‘all things are possible.’ And that just covers so much territory. And it’s like God is able to clear everything up.”
“God is able to heal, God is able to open people’s eyes, open people’s hearts, if we allow it,” she continued. “To me, I always thought that was a good Scripture, even when I feel weak within myself, I think that, through God, ‘I can do this.’ All things are possible.”
Parton, who previously said she believed God is teaching us a lesson through the coronavirus pandemic, said she thinks this crisis is causing people to turn “to their faith more.”
“We just kind of drift along like leaves in the wind, and then when something like this happens, it just jolts you and you just panic, you just freak, and then you really realize how small we are in comparison to what matters,” she explained.
At another point, Parton referenced the 1933 quote from then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who said, “There’s nothing to fear but fear itself.”
The “9 to 5” singer-songwriter said it’s “natural” to be afraid, but encouraged people to “ask God to strengthen you.”
“You really need right now to take personal inventory and actually just look at the world and see what all we can do to make life easier and better for each other,” Parton said.