Manny the Movie Guy
Remembering Dolly Parton: The "God-Glow" She Left On All of Us
The news hit like a gut punch nobody saw coming: Dolly Parton has passed away at 80, and the world suddenly feels a little less glittery, a little less warm, a little less like home.
Over the years, I was blessed to sit down with Dolly more than once, and every single time, her spirit was pure warmth and light. That's the Dolly I want to remember today — not just the legend on the marquee, but the woman who made you feel like the only person in the room.
The "God-Glow"
I still think about the time we talked about Joyful Noise, and I asked her why she took the role. In true Dolly fashion, she chuckled and told me she'd been praying for a good movie — one about all the things she believed in. And, she added with that unmistakable twinkle, she got to keep all her hair, her nails, and her heels while she did it. A "God-glow," she called it. All the way.
That was Dolly — grounded, hilarious, and guided by a deeply faithful heart, even while dazzling in six-inch heels.
A Life's Mission: Lifting Hearts
When we spoke again for Christmas on the Square, she opened up about what drove her. She told me she always prayed for God to lead her and guide her, to help her be where she was supposed to be at the right time. Her hope, she said, was simple: to lift people up out of their dark days and make their hearts happy.
That was Dolly. Always trying to make hearts happy.
The Songs, the Laughter, the Legacy
She gave us "Jolene," "9 to 5," "I Will Always Love You." She gave us laughter, faith, glitter, and more kindness than one person should be able to carry. She made the world feel a little softer, a little brighter, a little more like home.
Thank you, Miss Dolly, for every song, every smile, and every time you made us feel like we mattered. You told me once you'd continue to light the light. Tonight, the whole world is lighting one for you.
You will always be loved.
By: Manny Dela Rosa
August 26, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Tonight one vote stands between the city of Coachella and a permanent data center ban. Meanwhile, Palm Springs City Council is considering a temporary 45 day ordinance ban against data centers on their end. Make sure to tune in to our 6 and 11 p.m newscasts as our @newsbyalondra has the latest details on the final vote and reaction from the community.
Did you SEE what viewers spotted behind Brad during the Roggin Report? Eagle-eyed viewers were convinced there was something… a little questionable… sitting outside his window. But was it really a naughty garden sculpture? Or was there a much more innocent explanation hiding in plain sight? Let’s just say Brad had some explaining to do. Watch the full story and see what REALLY caused all the commotion at NBCPalmSprings.com. #RogginReport #FredRoggin #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings YouSawWhat OnlyInTheDesert DesertLife
Thousands of revelers took over the streets of Buñol for La Tomatina — the world’s most famous tomato fight! 🇪🇸 About 22,000 people joined the one-hour food fight, with a whopping 330,000+ pounds of tomatoes getting tossed, smashed and… well, basically turned into salsa. 😂🍅 Would you jump into this tomato madness or watch from a safe, tomato-free distance? 👀 #LaTomatina #LaTomatina2026 #Spain #Bunol #TomatoFight FoodFight Travel Festival SpainTravel NBCPalmSprings
Our Kai Beech talks with the owner of Real Italian Deli in Palm Desert about why using the best ingredients matters — even when it cuts into profits. From making their own bread to carefully choosing what goes into every sandwich, quality is at the core of the business. 🥪🇮🇹 #PalmDesert #RealItalianDeli #CoachellaValley #LocalBusiness #ItalianDeli Sandwiches PalmDesertEats NBCPalmSprings
Did you know that a tablespoon of olive oil per day is great for your health? Starkie Sours shares why in this Wellness Wednesday tip! 🥗
Dolly Parton’s Lasting Impact on LGBTQ+ Community Dolly Parton’s music touched generations — and her message of acceptance left a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community. ❤️🏳️🌈 In Provincetown, Massachusetts, members of the queer community are remembering the country music legend and the influence her allyship had on their lives. #DollyParton #LGBTQ #LGBTQCommunity #MusicLegend #Provincetown #CountryMusic #NBCPalmSprings
Title: Dolly’s Final Song Is Set for 2046 Dolly Parton has left fans one final musical gift. 🎶 The country music legend recorded an unreleased song that is set to be released on what would have been her 100th birthday in 2046. Parton died Tuesday in Nashville at age 80 following what her publicist described as a brief battle with cancer. Her music and legacy will live on for generations. ❤️ #DollyParton #CountryMusic #MusicLegend #Entertainment #Nashville #NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Dolly song? 🎶
BREAKING NEWS: Country artist Dolly Parton has died at 80 following prolonged issues. Our Maria Noble Valdez has more here. Be sure to stay tuned nbcpalmsprings.com for more information. #dollyparton #breakingnews #nbcpalmsprings
📘Make your child the main character in a book, or give someone a special keepsake.📕 Thalia discovered this app and wanted to share it with all of you: Bookestry.com