Following the 9/11 attacks, the recently deceased Dolly Parton penned a prayerful track that explored faith and God's presence in the world in light of one of America's greatest tragedies.
Not only did the track help her fans make sense of God's place in the tragedy, but it also led to Parton to a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album for her 39th studio effort "Halos & Horns." The album's singles, “Dagger Through the Heart” and “I’m Gone," also earned Grammy nominations for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2003 and 2004.
Titled "Hello God," Parton released the track as a single, and it went on to reach No. 60 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. The track did not become a major chart hit or win any awards, but those who remember
it are more likely to recall its message of faith and reflection in the face of hardship.
What did Dolly Parton say about 'Hello God?'
In the "Halos & Horns" track-by-track explanations recorded in the Dollymania archive, Parton offered a clear explanation of what the song was about, what it meant to her, and how the Sept. 11 attacks inspired her to write it.
"The day after September 11th, I was 'given' several songs," said Parton. "I realized just how fragile we really are, and how small life is, and how everything can change in the blink of an eye."
Parton went on to explain why she felt the song was "given" to her, explaining why the tragedy of 9/11 led to the song essentially writing itself. "I had really strong feelings. That song was given to me...Some songs write themselves. This one was just calling out, saying, 'write me,'" said Parton.
"I hope everything comes across as I meant it. It's like everybody believes that God is their God. But God belongs to everybody," she continued.
According to Parton's comments, "Hello God" has one central question: How could God allow something so tragic and destructive to happen?
"It's like, if You exist, how could You let this happen?" Parton said. "But then not to believe there's a God is even worse. Then you're just cold and totally alone. We're not strong. We need You. We gotta have some help," she added, answering her own question.
How Dolly Parton found comfort in writing after 9/11
A week after the attacks, the Knoxville News-Sentinel reported that Parton was back interacting with and entertaining fans at Dollywood, noting that its time like 9/11 when entertainers "really need to stay upbeat."
"It's always good to help other people that can't get up from this," said Parton in an interview with the Knox News, according to Tennessean archives.
One of the ways Parton picked herself up after 9/11 was through writing, she told the Sentinel in an interview.
"I see how everybody else deals with it, and I am able to write about their emotions. It allows me to express [sorrow] not just for myself but for the people who can't put [their emotions] into words. It's very strange and deep places where I am going," said Parton.
The patriotic Dolly Parton album that followed 'Hello God'
Roughly a year after "Hello God" was released, Parton continued to lean into themes of faith and patriotism with her 2003 album, "For God and Country."
Released amid the U.S.' involvement in the Middle East, Parton's 40th studio album is widely regarded as an additional and more substantial response to the Sept. 11 attacks. Similar to "Hello God," the album is a collection of songs that tapped into the melancholic national mood of the time. However, in typical Dolly Parton fashion, the album sought to help listeners make sense of a difficult period through a spiritual lens.
Featuring "Color Me America" and "Brave Little Soldier," the album peaked at No. 23 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart.
Peter Burditt covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact him at PBurditt@nashvill.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How 9/11 inspired Dolly Parton to write her prayerful song 'Hello God'
