The Poem that Inspired Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors”
Dolly Parton is known around the world for her iconic songs, larger-than-life persona, and rags-to-riches story of rising from poverty in rural Tennessee to become a legendary country music superstar. One of her most beloved and enduring hits is “Coat of Many Colors,” a song inspired by a poem Parton wrote as a young girl growing up in the Smoky Mountains. This simple yet poignant poem captures the essence of Parton’s upbringing and the values of love, acceptance, and individuality that have shaped her career. Let’s take a closer look at the poem that started it all.
Growing up in the Smoky Mountains
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946 in Sevier County, Tennessee, the fourth of twelve children born to Robert Lee Parton and his wife Avie Lee Owens Parton. The Parton family lived in a one-room cabin near the town of Locust Ridge and struggled with extreme poverty. Dolly’s father worked as a sharecropper and her mother took in laundry to help support the family. Money was scarce and often the children had to go without proper clothes, shoes, or even food at times.
Despite their hardships, Dolly recalls her parents instilling a strong sense of pride, faith, and family values. Her mother Avie Lee, in particular, played a huge role in nurturing Dolly’s creativity and self-expression from a young age. It was in this environment of love, though lacking material wealth, that the seeds were planted for Dolly’s poetic gift and appreciation for individuality.
“My Coat” is Born
As a young girl growing up in the mountains, Dolly Parton learned from an early age to make the best of what little she had. One memory from her childhood that stood out involved a gift from her mother – a coat made from scraps of fabric pieces sewn together. Unable to afford a new coat for her daughter, Avie Lee Parton got creative and constructed this “coat of many colors” using bits and pieces of leftover material.
Rather than feeling ashamed of her patched-together coat, Dolly was filled with gratitude and pride for her mother’s handiwork. She came to see the coat as a symbol of her mother’s love and her own uniqueness. This experience inspired the poem “My Coat,” which Dolly wrote as a young girl. The simple yet poignant verses capture the warmth, individuality, and acceptance that Dolly found in her coat of many colors.
The Poem
Here is the full text of Dolly Parton’s poem “My Coat”:
> My coat is made of many colors,
> Many patches, many sizes,
> Many shapes, many textures,
> But it’s mine, and I love it.
>
> My mother made it for me,
> With her own two hands,
> And she put all her love into it,
> And I can feel it every time I wear it.
>
> It may not be the prettiest coat,
> But it’s the warmest coat I know,
> And it reminds me of my mother’s love,
> And that’s all that matters.
In just a few short lines, the poem beautifully conveys the essence of Dolly’s experience – her appreciation for the “coat of many colors” despite its patched-together appearance, and the deep love and warmth she felt from her mother’s gift. Rather than focus on what the coat lacked in traditional beauty or value, Dolly emphasizes how it made her feel – proud, unique, and loved. The coat became a symbol of her mother’s sacrifice and a reminder of the importance of acceptance.
From Poem to Song
Years later as a blossoming country singer, Dolly Parton was inspired to turn her childhood poem into a song. In 1971, she wrote and recorded “Coat of Many Colors” for her album of the same name. The song struck an immediate chord with listeners, tapping into universal themes of overcoming adversity, embracing individuality, and finding strength in family ties.
“Coat of Many Colors” shot to number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart that year. The song’s popularity opened doors for Dolly and cemented her status as a rising star in the country genre. But more than commercial success, the song allowed Dolly to share the meaningful story and lessons from her upbringing through music.
In the decades since, “Coat of Many Colors” has taken on an anthemic quality, resonating with anyone who has faced challenges in life but found comfort in loved ones. The song’s lyrics are simple yet poignant:
“My momma sewed the patches on it
With colours bright and gay
It kept me warm although it was homemade
It was made of rags, so they called me ragtags”
Dolly’s distinctive vocals imbue the story with warmth, humor and gratitude. Listeners feel her appreciation for small blessings and her pride in overcoming adversity through family bonds. The song became a signature hit that helped cement Dolly’s legacy.
From Song to Book
In 1994, Dolly Parton took the story further by publishing a children’s picture book also titled “Coat of Many Colors.” Illustrated by Patricia Rushin, the book retells the poem and song through vivid imagery and text. Released by Viking Children’s Books, the publication was a massive commercial success, spending weeks on the New York Times bestseller list for children’s books.
The book allowed Dolly to share her inspiring rags-to-riches story with a new generation of young readers. Reviews praised how it conveyed universal themes of self-esteem, individuality and the power of family in a way that was engaging for children. The book tour that followed cemented Dolly’s status as a bestselling author as well as music icon.
From Book to Television Movie
Nearly two decades after the book’s publication, Dolly Parton’s story found new life on the screen. In 2015, she partnered with NBC to produce a made-for-TV movie adaptation of “Coat of Many Colors.” Starring Alyvia Alyn Lind as the young Dolly, Jennifer Nettles as her mother Avie Lee, and Ricky Schroder as her father Robert Lee Parton, the movie sought to bring Dolly’s childhood memoir to life.
Executive produced and partly scored by Dolly herself, the film was a ratings success for NBC, drawing over 8 million viewers. Critics praised the film’s heartwarming portrayal of family, faith and following your dreams. Young actress Alyvia Lind’s performance as Dolly also drew accolades.
Most importantly, the TV movie allowed Dolly’s inspirational story and message to reach an even wider audience. Generations of fans, both old and new, were able to experience the roots of her iconic song and gain insight into what shaped her values of faith, family and believing in yourself. The film’s success cemented “Coat of Many Colors” as not just a song, but a timeless story that continues to resonate.
The Legacy of “My Coat”
Nearly 50 years after she wrote the poem, Dolly Parton’s “My Coat” continues to inspire people around the world. What started as a simple expression of gratitude for her mother’s gift of a patchwork coat has since blossomed into a multi-platform franchise spanning music, books, film and more.
Through “Coat of Many Colors,” Dolly shared the intimate story of her childhood in a way that taps into universal themes of finding beauty in adversity, embracing your identity, and taking pride in your roots – lessons she has carried with her throughout her illustrious career. The poem’s message of acceptance especially resonates in an age where individuality is often celebrated but true inclusion remains a work in progress.
Most importantly, “My Coat” serves as a timeless reminder of the power of family bonds, particularly the relationship between Dolly and her mother Avie Lee. It honors the sacrifices parents make out of love to nurture their children’s spirits and talents. Dolly’s global success stems from staying true to those mountain roots and values of faith, creativity and lifting one another up through community.
Nearly 50 years since its inception, Dolly Parton’s “My Coat” poem continues to bring warmth and inspiration to audiences. Its simple verses gave birth to one of the most beloved songs in country music history. And through continual adaptation into books and film, the story finds new generations to spread its message of embracing your uniqueness with pride. Most of all, it celebrates the universal language of love that crosses all boundaries.