Yesterday we woke to the sad news of the death of country music legend, Dolly Parton. People around the world are mourning and remembering her music, movies, and her life. Many have said that Dolly will live forever through her songs: 5 Dolly Parton Songs that will Live Forever
I also believe that Dolly will live forever, but not because of her songs.
If you’d prefer to listen to the podcast: Dolly Parton will live forever, but not for the reason you’d expect
As he announced her death, Dolly’s nephew Bryan Seaver said, “It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” he said.
“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl [her late husband], her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens,” Dolly Parton dead at 80
What did Dolly believe about life after death?
In 2019, Dolly shared how her faith impacted her thoughts on life after death:
“As far as what happens after we go on, like I say, I’m no saint, so I’m hoping just as a Christian faith person, that we go on to a greater thing. I believe that we’re all part of that great divine plan, and I’m hoping to get on up there, and do some more writing, and singing, and playing with those golden harps, and write some more songs, and have my own mansion, and walk them golden streets of glory, and keep doing it forever and ever and ever,” she said. “So I’m going to get in the angel band, for sure. I want to play in the angel band and I want to maybe play the harp up there. I don’t know,” What Dolly Parton said about ageing and death
Can we know about life after death?
In the quote above, Dolly said, “I don’t know.” She was wondering whether she would be playing in the angel band in heaven. We have lots of questions about what heaven will be like, but the Bible gives lots of answers. Dolly Parton was a Christian, who believed in God’s great divine plan.
In the Garden of Eden, the first people rebelled and broke the one rule. The consequence was death, and eternal separation in hell. But, thank the Lord, God had a plan of salvation. God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for all sin. Jesus bore ALL the sins of everyone when He died on the cross. Jesus rose again, defeating death.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2
We can live forever in heaven
God promises eternal life for those who believe that Jesus died for their sins. Jesus told his followers that there was a place for them in heaven:
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:2-3
We know that there will be no more pain or sadness in heaven. It will be a place of rejoicing and of peace. We will be safe forever in the presence of our loving Father.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Dolly Parton wrote the beautiful song, He’s Alive, which tells the story of the resurrection of Jesus from the viewpoint of the disciple Peter.
He’s Alive
The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hope of sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin’ through
To drag us all away
And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
And a voice began to call
I hurried to the window
Looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers’ feet
But there was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told me where she’d been
She said they’ve moved Him in the night
And none of us know where
The stone’s been rolled away
And now His body isn’t there
We both ran towards the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
And how or where they’d taken Him
Was more than I could tell
Oh something strange had happened there
Just what I did not know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn’t lift me very high
‘Cause I’d seen them crucify Him
Then I saw Him die
Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I’d promised Him
Just added to my shame
When at last it came to choices
I denied I knew His name
And even if He was alive
It wouldn’t be the same
But suddenly the air was filled
With a strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With His arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And I just clung to Him and cried
Then He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
The love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Disappeared in sweet release
And every fear I ever had
Just melted into peace
He’s alive yes He’s alive
Yes He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive yes He’s alive
Oh He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive He’s alive
Hallelujah He’s alive
He’s alive and I’m forgiven
Heaven’s gates are open wide
He’s alive He’s alive He’s alive
I believe it. He’s alive
Sweet Jesus
Listen here to Dolly singing: Dolly Parton sings He’s Alive
Dolly will live forever
Dolly Parton believed that Jesus died and rose for her. She trusted that Jesus paid the price for all her sins. God promises eternal life for everyone who believes in Jesus. So, Dolly has eternal life. She’s living forever in heaven.
She’s not there because she wrote nice songs, or was famous, or because she was a good person. She, like everybody else, could never be good enough to get into heaven on her own merits. The only way any of us can get to heaven is because Jesus paid for us. It’s a free gift. Free for us, but it cost Him everything.
Maybe you were able to hear Dolly Parton at one of her concerts. Or maybe you listened to her music, but never actually got to meet her. Well, the good news is that you can see her again. You can live forever in heaven too! God has prepared a place for you too. It’s all free for those who believe in Jesus. So, come on in. Welcome to the family of believers! And if I don’t see you before, I’ll see you in heaven!
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