Iconic country singer Dolly Parton has revealed the scripture that has been comforting her during the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to TODAY host Hoda Kotb, the musician said that one verse in the gospel of Matthew has brought her a renewed sense of hope even amid such uncertain circumstances:
The words of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 19: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
"That just covers so much territory," Parton explained. "And it's like.. God is able to clear everything up, God is able to heal, open people's eyes. He's able to do anything if we allow it."
"Even when I feel weak within myself, I think that through God, I can do this.. all things are possible."
Parton said that the coronavirus crisis has meant people are "turning to their faith more."
She continued: "In recent years, people have been so caught up in so many things.. we don't have the same principles and values that we have had. It's so easy to get caught up in the other things that go on.. we don't really look to the source.. we just kinda drift along, and when something like this happens it just jolts you and you panic! Then you really realise how small we are compared to what really matters."
Speaking to the need for people to reflect at such an uncertain time, Parton said: "We need to take inventory about a lot of things."
Finally, Parton implored people "not to let fear be the ruler."
"You've gotta work on through that and ask God to strengthen you," she concluded.