Few have done more to create community than Dolly Parton. This week, the Crü lament her loss by singing (not literally; you're welcome) her praises. We explore what inspired Dolly's songwriting, her philanthropy, and her enduring commitment to children's literacy. Then we try our own hand at creative writing and flash fiction inspired by her songs.

Our writing prompts include 9 to 5, Love Is Like a Butterfly, Two Doors Down, Wildflowers, and Blue Smoke. Song links are included if you're interested (and you should be interested).

Inspired by Dolly's work promoting children's literacy, some of us even try writing stories for children. SOME of us didn't get the memo (cough Murph cough and also PC).

The original stories begin around 21:40.

Whether you're a Dolly Parton fan, or someone who's about to be a Dolly fan but maybe doesn't know it yet, we have something for you here.

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Be sure to follow us on Instagram (if that's your sort of thing). Please do send us an email with your story if you write along, which we hope you will do.

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