A church in Newark is holding a special service this weekend to remember county music legend Dolly Parton.
St. John's United Church of Christ pastor Rev. Steve Swisher said he noticed the "palpable grief" people felt when beloved singer Dolly Parton died on Tuesday. She was 80 years old.
"I've noticed that people from all walks of life, regardless of affiliation, are feeling the same thing about her," Swisher said. "And I think it's because she had a non-judgmental, grace-filled expression of her music, her talent. (She) showed love to everybody and wanted to give back."
Swisher said he wants to offer people a chance to express their grief and remember Parton's remarkable life.
The special service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at the church on 285 W. National Dr. will include a time of remembrance and live performances of Parton's songs, including "I Will Always Love You."
Swisher rewrote his sermon for the week. The new message is called, "Your Coat of Many Colors and Mine." Swisher said it ties Parton's famous song, "Coat of Many Colors" to the story of Joseph's coat in the first book of the Bible.
The 1971 song about Parton's mother making her a coat out of colorful scraps of rags references the Bible story. The song goes, "As she sewed, she told a story from the Bible she had read. About a coat of many colors Joseph wore and then she said. Perhaps this coat will bring you good luck and happiness."
Swisher said he hopes the service is well attended, though bringing people to the church isn't his main reason for holding the memorial.
"I think the church should be relevant. We should be aware of what's going on around us and how we can help, how we can add blessing or grace." Swisher said.
He said the church has plenty of room and all are welcome at the free prayer service.
Swisher said he also recently recorded an episode of his "Positive Living" podcast with popular Dolly Parton tribute artist Karen Hester.
"I had just wrapped that interview literally a week ago, not knowing that Dolly would pass," Swisher said.
The podcast episode releases on Tuesday.
