Gifts From The Heart

In 1974, Dolly Parton released what was to become one of her signature songs. “The Coat of Many Colors” told a sweet, heart-tugging tale from her childhood. Like so many in today’s economy, Dolly’s family was faced with hard times and economic challenges. Her resourceful mother sewed a coat for her daughter from colorful rags, so she would stay warm in the cold Tennessee winter.

While her mother stitched the coat together, she told young Dolly the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Dolly was so excited to wear her new coat to school, but the other children at school scoffed at the garment.

The original coat can be seen at the
Chasing Rainbows in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. 

And oh I couldn't understand it, for I felt I was rich
And I told them of the love my momma sewed in every stitch
And I told 'em all the story momma told me while she sewed
And how my coat of many colors was worth more than all their clothes

Dolly kept that coat, and it now hangs in the Chasing Rainbows Museum. It’s a symbol of a mother’s love and a daughter’s courage. As we celebrate this holiday season, let us remember Dolly and her coat. The best gifts come from the heart, create warm memories, and bring us close to the ones we love!

One is only poor, only if they choose to be

Now I know we had no money, but I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors my momma made for me