Dolly Parton has been an inspiration for people all over the world, but perhaps her influence has been the biggest on one 7-year-old girl who now credits the star for helping her during her brave battle with cancer.
Dolly Parton Makes Young Fan’s Dream Come True
The young fan, whose name is Pearl Monroe Tucker (nicknamed “Roe Roe”), not only beat cancer, but she recently saw her dream come to life when she got the chance to meet the 78-year-old country music icon in person.
The special moment happened during a chance sighting when the “9 to 5” singer/songwriter was making her way to a press conference as part of the opening day of Dollywood’s 2024 season in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She was with her dad, Chad Tucker, who is a TV Journalist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and he was on site to cover Parton’s Dollywood press conference for FOX8.
”Before my daughters met Dolly we had just left a Dollywood press event where I got to tell Dolly about both my daughters admiration for her book program and how her music helped heal my daughter during those tough days of chemotherapy,” Chad told Music Mayhem.
A video posted to Facebook by one Dolly fan shows the moment in action paired with a caption that reads: “Dolly, on the way to do media, meets a little girl who beat cancer.”
After stepping outside a maroon vehicle, Parton’s eye catches a glimpse of the young girl’s colorful sign, reading, “Dolly, your music helped me beat cancer.” Parton, who appears in a form-fitting dress with floral detailing, looks so moved by the revelation and the sweet poster that she can’t help but stop in her tracks.
“Hi, sweetie,” Parton says in the clip, pausing to chat with the adorable fan. “Are you all better now?”
Parton’s Music Helped The Fan Beat Cancer
Upon learning that Pearl did, in fact, beat cancer, Parton responded excitedly, saying, “Good.” She then signaled the cancer survivor to come closer to her so they could pose for pictures together. Those who were able to experience the tender-hearted moment in person watched everything unfold while uttering the word “awww” as a form of expression over the touching exchange.
Parton urged Pearl to show off her sign for photos, and the pair posed for a round of snapshots before her sister, Carson Parry, entered the space to share in the unforgettable memory.
According to Chad, Pearl fought Acute lymphoblastic leukemia for 858-days and today is in her 3rd year of remission, and it’s no doubt that Parton was beyond thrilled to find out she played a major role in the motivation behind the girl’s story of overcoming her battle.
“I’m so happy. I’m so happy for you,” Parton told the child as she bent down to give her a hug.
The clip is just one of several examples, proving Parton’s heart is in the right place. And there’s no doubt that people everywhere would agree.
“This is why we all love Dolly.” One person wrote in response to the video.
Another fan captioned, “Best human on the planet. Hands down.”
God bless her. Her kindness is unmatched. We don’t deserve her. She truly is an angel on this earth,” a third person added.
Inspired By Parton To Launch Roe Roe’s Heroes
Pearl’s Dad, Chad, also told us that the Tucker family was inspired by Dolly Parton to launch Roe Roe’s Heroes.
”Our family started a childhood cancer foundation called Roe Roe’s Heroes and inspired by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library we created ‘The Hero Library,’ which gives away comfort children’s books to help kids battling cancer. The books deal with everything from hair loss, to being brave during treatments, to paying it forward and even the reality of end of life… so many of these kids unfortunately face,” he continued.
Chad added, “Our family hopes to one day have the opportunity to spend some time with Dolly to tell her about our Hero Library, and get advice on helping it grow. I personally want to get comfort children’s books into every children’s hospital our family foundation can. As a dad, I try to raise my children (we also have a 3 year old son) to have a servant’s heart by helping other families fighting childhood cancer …just like people did for us during our 858-day battle. While my day job is a television news anchor my passion outside work is helping childhood cancer families get through the journey and spreading awareness about our desperate need for more research.”
Grand Opening Of Dollywood 2024
Parton’s latest exchange with her incredible fan comes after the legendary artist officially rang in the 39th season of Dollywood, welcoming guests on Friday (March 8).
This year, the amusement park and top destination will feature new attractions, updates, shows, and food, including the Dolly Parton Experience, which replaces the Chasing Rainbows Museum and will open on May 24.
“What we built Dollywood on is just make good memories and live in every moment, as we say,” Parton said, according to wjhl.com. “And just remember that this is a wonderful place for families, a discount to build on that, to say you can bring everybody [and] have a good, wholesome fun here. We have enough staff to entertain even your teenagers with roller coasters and all the great things and all the great shows.”
Released A New Cookbook
In addition, Parton recently announced a brand-new cookbook released in collaboration with her sister, Rachel Parton George. The 272-page cookbook, titled Good Lookin’ Cookin,’ hits retailers on Sept. 17.
“Well, what’s cookin’, good lookin’? It’s our new cookbook!” Parton captioned a post on Instagram alongside a photo featuring the cover of the upcoming release. “I wrote this book with my sister, Rachel, who might just be the best cook I know. If you’re like us, you believe that good food and good times are the next best thing to pure love. So take a journey with us, into the kitchen. #GoodLookinCookin hits bookstores on September 17th! Pre-order now http://dolly.lnk.to/GoodLookinCookin.”
Parton and Rachel’s cookbook will feature 80 recipes, including several family and holiday dishes and plates for various special occasions. Good Lookin’ Cookin’ is available for pre-order now.
