As the world, and our small mid-Hudson Valley segment of it, mourn the death of the cherished country music singer Dolly Parton, a local church is giving the public an opportunity to celebrate her life, music and generosity.
Christ Episcopal Church, founded in 1760 in the City of Poughkeepsie, will hold a “Community Service of Thanksgiving for the Life and Witness of Dolly Parton” on Sunday, Aug. 30, according to the Rev. Tommy Dillon, Interim Rector of Christ Episcopal Church.
Music will be at the heart of the gathering, including selections associated with Parton’s career.
Parton had been battling cancer before her death, which was announced on Aug. 25 by her nephew Bryan Seaver on social media. She was 80 years old.
Regardless of religious background or church affiliation, all Hudson Valley residents are invited to gather for a free community service, held at 6 p.m., where locals will hear Dolly Parton’s music, readings, prayers and stories reflecting the remarkable life of Parton.
“Dolly had this remarkable ability to bring people together,” said the Rev. Dillon. “People loved her music, of course, but they also loved her kindness, her humor, her faith and the way she used her life to help other people. It seemed fitting to give our community a place to come together, sing some of the songs we love, laugh a little, grieve a little and give thanks for her life.”
Music for the service will be directed by Artist-in-Residence at The General Theological Seminary in New York City, Buck McDaniel. He’ll be joined by Josh Henderson, Professor of Violin at the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as well as Christopher Seefeldt of The Clarion Music Society in New York City.
The Christ Episcopal Church is located at 20 Carroll St. in Poughkeepsie.
In the spirit and in honor of Parton’s commitment to childhood literacy and her care for children, those attending are encouraged to bring a new children’s book. These will be collected and given to children in the Hudson Valley through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
“Perhaps the best way to remember Dolly is not simply by talking about what she gave to the world, but by giving something ourselves,” Dillon continued. “So we hope people will come carrying a children’s book under one arm and maybe a favorite Dolly song in their heart.”
After the service, the celebration will continue right nearby at Goodnight Kenny, at 27 Academy St., which will become “Goodnight Dolly,” from 7-8 p.m.
A special drink was created by Goodnight Kenny in honor of Parton, which will be available throughout the day on Sunday.
Nickie Hayes is the Breaking & Trending News Reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal and focuses on how to make the most of what the mid-Hudson Valley has to offer. See her most recent articles here. Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and @nickieehayess on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Poughkeepsie church to hold celebration of life for Dolly Parton
Reporting by Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
