By now you've probably read countless celebrity tributes and culture critics mourning Dolly Parton, who died Aug. 25 at 80 years old. The flag outside the White House has flown at half-staff. The King's Guard serenaded Buckingham Palace with a rendition of "9 to 5." And millions have gathered in their cities to grieve in a seemingly impossible moment of unity, here and across the globe.

So we asked you, our readers, to share your memories and your hopes for this legend's singular legacy. Unsurprisingly, your responses were sad, sweet and moving, and filled with humor and grace befitting the Queen of Country Music and so many American hearts.

Read a collection of your responses below. For more opportunities to weigh in, visit usatoday.com/forum, leave us a voicemail at (202) 655-3923 or drop us a note at forum@usatoday.com.

Dolly left us a template for a better world

The word that springs to mind thinking about Dolly Parton is "pure." She seemed totally incapable of offending another human, or speaking negatively about anyone, or even having a hateful thought. She seemed to see only the good in people, and to feel an obligation to do her part to make the world better, not just complain about its problems.

Who among us can claim to have never made an enemy or at least angered someone? But I'm convinced she never did. A huge loss for our world, but maybe one of her parting gifts, as the news coverage and remembrances continue in the coming days, might be an awakening of how we all might shift our thoughts and actions toward a more loving and giving existence. She sure did lay out the template for us.  

— Barb Blake, North Carolina

Forever our Backwoods Barbie

Growing up in the hills of Appalachia, Dolly was an ever-present fixture in our lives. For as long as I can remember, we would head to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, every other........

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