08/26/2026
Dolly was known for storytelling, & I wanted to offer tribute via story. This is about the g**s, running, & why I almost missed seeing Dolly in concert.
Dolly had never performed at the Hollywood Bowl before this night, & my friends Dave & Chris had never seen her live. They are HUGE fans.
A bunch of us were vacationing in San Diego, & planned to make the drive, meet for dinner, then walk up to the Hollywood Bowl for the concert.
The excitement at dinner was flowing as much as the cocktails. By the time we finished dinner, we seemed to float our way to the Bowl.
As a matter of fact, some of us linked arms - Wizard of Oz style- skipping and singing up the hill as any g**s would and should🏳️🌈.
At some point someone thought I would be responsible enough to carry my own ticket - I had put it in my front pocket to keep it "safe".
When we reached the top of the hill, I went for my ticket - it was GONE.
Since I tend to be a prankster, the boys thought I was joking. My stomach dropped when I realized our dance routine must have dislodged the ticket.
Rather than explain, I immediately turned and bolted into a full sprint down the hill. My eyes were on the ground the entire time. My body filled with alcohol, fear, and more adrenaline than any race.
After a quarter-mile, I approached a cross-walk & red light. While waiting, I noticed this little rectangular piece of paper lying in the middle of the road.
THERE SHE IS!!!!
I snatched up the ticket, sprinted back up the hill, and found the boys exactly where I left them. They went from shock to relief as I waved the ticket like a trophy. Then they shook their heads, and gave me a well-earned "GUURRLL!!!"
I lost my credibility for any future responsibility within the group that night. However, the magic of Dolly brought us a night (& a story) we would never forget.
To this day, when I hear "Together You & I", it makes me smile. It was one of the songs she sang that night, & I think about us linked arm-in-arm on the way to the show, singing, laughing, and the joy we experienced "together" during the show.
Thank you Dolly, for keeping us "Together You & I". 🦋❤️🏳️🌈
