Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You
Parton herself is the first to admit that being asked to speak at a university commencement was one of the most unlikely performances of her career. As a child of poverty from a small town in eastern Tennessee, Parton’s formal education ended at high school. That was fine with her, for she had bigger dreams, and the stuff of those dreams is what fueled her career and inspired her remarks to the University of Tennessee graduating class of 2009. Parton’s message was simple: dream more, learn more, care more, be more. Realizing that there is, indeed, more to be said about each topic, Parton now expands upon her well-received commencement address, providing examples from her down-and-out childhood as well as her illustrious career as an entertainer, businesswoman, and philanthropist. As unassuming and genuine, vibrant and outrageous as the woman herself, Parton’s advice resonates with a sincerity that can be appreciated by graduating students or anyone seeking a comfortable source of inspiration and guidance. --Carol Haggas