Dolly Should... An Open Letter to America's Treasure, Dolly Parton

Talk of the Town - December 2023

Dolly Should is happening again! This year, we decided to write a letter to the Queen herself and see if she’s inclined to join us in celebrating her birthday. Annual attendees of this Mockingbird event will carry on the celebration, no matter Dolly’s travel itinerary!
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- by Anne Pitre

Dolly Should, 2018

Dear Dolly,
 
I am writing on behalf of the residents and visitors of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi - a colorful, eclectic community made up of your biggest fans.  We are sending a special request for you to part with your “Tennessee Mountain Home” for a couple of days so you can join us for the 7th Annual “Dolly Should” festival, which we throw in honor of your birthday each year. ​

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Every 2nd Saturday in January, downtown Bay St. Louis comes alive with Dolly love and the streets fill with people wearing their best tribute costumes.  While Taylor Swift might currently be on her Eras Tour, we have to say that YOU are the true Queen of Eras, and you’ll see them all while strolling the streets of our little town!  There will be classic, country western Dollys, “9 to 5” Dollys, Truvy Jones Dollys, couples dressed as you and Kenny Rogers and sometimes even you and your husband, Carl!  So, if you decide to come, please bring him, too.  He’ll get a kick out of seeing a few of his lookalikes!  But just you wait . . . there’s “More Where That Came From!”

Dolly Should, 2016

As for the details of your special day, the party will be “Two Doors Down” from Main Street at the Mockingbird Cafe, which will be serving up Dolly specials all day.  DJ Doug Funnie will be spinning tunes on the front porch starting at 4, just as the lookalike contest sign-up is beginning.  The contestants will then model their best “Backwoods Barbie” looks starting at 7, with prizes afterwards.

Dolly Should, 2023

I know this sounds like a grown-ups only party and you might find yourself asking, “Where Do the Children Play?”  The answer is right here!  That’s right, Dolly Should is family-friendly, and the lookalike contest is also open to children.  Honestly, the little Dolly costumes are always the best ones.

So, Dolly - we know you’re not a “Dumb Blonde.”  We think you’re the smartest, most talented blonde of them all, and that if this letter reaches you maybe you’ll get to thinking, “Well…maybe I Should give this trip some consideration!”  Don’t worry, we haven’t said anything to “Jolene” about the party.  We wouldn’t want to make it awkward.

Dolly Should, 2019

Even though you’ve just released the “Rockstar” album, you’ve always been a rockstar to us.  Regardless of your final decision, please know that “I Will Always Love You,” and that the invitation stands for you to come visit Bay St. Louis anytime. 

Love,

The Residents of Bay St. Louis

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