‘She was down to earth;’ Wilmington artist honors Dolly Parton with special portrait
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — A Wilmington artist is honoring the late country music superstar Dolly Parton with a portrait.
Rachard McIntyre has created dozens of portraits featuring celebrities, athletes and historical figures, ranging from Kobe Bryant and Frederick Douglass to John McCain and NASCAR driver Kyle Busch.
But McIntyre said his portrait of Parton holds a special place among his work.
“I really liked ‘9 to 5,’” McIntyre said.
McIntyre, who has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism and his mother, Carrie McIntyre, said Parton’s generosity and kindness made her especially meaningful to the family.
“I want to honor her because she gave a lot to people,” Rachard said.
Parton died Wednesday at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Carrie McIntyre said the news came as a shock.
“She was a down to earth person, and she gave a lot, but she didn’t have to,” she said.
Rachard McIntyre completed his portrait of Parton more than a decade ago, spending several weeks on the piece. His mother said one of its most detailed features is Parton’s signature hairstyle.
“Dolly had big hair, I noticed he put all the curls in the hair and that’s a job within itself and he managed to bring all of that out,” Carrie McIntyre said.
Although Rachard McIntyre has honored many well-known people through his artwork, his mother said Parton’s compassion is what continues to stand out.
“Sometimes people they just think of themselves, but she always thought of everyone,” she said.
