It still doesn’t seem real. I drove by her Brentwood property on my way to work and saw all the flowers and the sign that read “We will always love you.”

I was only 5 years old when Elvis Presley passed away, but this has that kind of feeling to it. It’s not just another celebrity passing or even the death of an icon. This is a once in a generation kind of loss.

I’ve read a lot about Dolly’s faith lately. Ultimately, the only ones who can know for sure where she stood with God are God and Dolly Parton. In these days, anytime anyone dies who is even remotely famous, no matter what kind of life they led, they are automatically assigned to heaven in most people’s eyes.

But I believe that Dolly won’t get into heaven because of her generosity. All those millions she donated and all the programs she funded aren’t a ticket to paradise. It won’t be because she was caring or had a good heart.

And it’s also not about having the correct views about issues and doctrines. Obviously, there are some essentials that you have to believe, but it’s not about having a 100% correct theology or worldview.

If Dolly is in heaven right now, it will be because she said yes to Jesus. The Bible says that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you will be saved. That and that alone are what get you into heaven.

I’m hopefully optimistic that Dolly is in heaven. I believe that she trusted in Jesus for her salvation. Was her faith perfect? Even she would admit that she’s a sinner like any of us. But was her faith real? I think so.

I hope most of all that at her funeral someone will be bold enough to proclaim the gospel of God so loving the world that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have eternal life. That’s how you get into heaven.