Rich: Dolly Parton

When I was 15, I first met Dolly Parton. By then, she was already a star with hits like “Jolene.” She was not, however, the superstar she would become.My sister, a journalist in Nashville, was friends with Dolly, which is how I met her.

Rich: The unseen power

Some will stop reading now. Some will realize they need to hear this.Some will know it works.A friend was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer about 18 months ago.“Six months, maybe,” the doctor said. “But we can try aggressive treatment.

Rich: Our beloved Diane

In addition to being one of the greatest states in the South, Mississippi has made many contributions to America.William Faulkner.Elvis Presley. Archie Manning. Morgan Freeman. Eudora Welty.Zig Ziglar. Jerry Clower.The only one I ever met was Mr. Clower.

Rich: That cold, frosty morning

The year or month has now slipped from my memory. It wasn’t many years ago that I do remember.It was winter, the kind of season when dawn creeps in with dull, gray light. Having long been frugal, I keep the temperature moderate during the day, adding extra layers of clothing.

Rich: The family’s farm

Patti has been a loyal friend of mine for 30 years. I can always count on her, and I hope she feels the same about me.We both grew up on farms about four miles apart. Patti has lived the American dream.

Rich: When a woman needs a gun

Our dear friend Maxine has known her share of heartache. Yet she has also been blessed in countless ways.

Rich: Don’t it make you wanna go home

Not long ago, I drove home the back way after running errands in town.It had been a few months since I'd traveled those roads. I was astounded.New construction was booming, with a subdivision being carved through the angry, unyielding red clay.

Rich: A piece of my past

A Texas newspaper story began with the words, “Faded country music star Johnny Rodriguez …”Faded.That hurt my heart. It sounded so brutal.From the age of 12 to the edge of 15, Johnny Rodriguez was my girlhood crush.

Rich: The surprise of Stan

There sat three of us around the kitchen island in a suburban home outside Nashville, swapping stories. As often happens, one story led to another.Something that was said reminded me of an old friend.“I have a friend of more than 35 years,” I began. “He was one of Hollywood’s top stuntmen.

Rich: Happy birthday to this great land

Across the rippling creek and over a bridge with rusty rails, I followed Mama, who was carrying a warm chocolate cake.Like any four-year-old, I stopped at the center of the bridge, watching the lazy water bubble toward the Chattahoochee.“Little ‘un, c’mon,” Mama called over her shoulder.