Cancer survivor was Dolly Parton’s first Make-A-Wish child

In 1986, 11-year-old leukemia patient Melissa Tillery chose to meet Dolly Parton as her Make-A-Wish, a decision she said profoundly shaped her life.

💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.

We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.

It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!

Share this story:


✉️ Email


💬 Text

In 1986, 11-year-old leukemia patient Melissa Tillery chose to meet Dolly Parton as her Make-A-Wish, a decision she said profoundly shaped her life.

Share this story:


✉️ Email


💬 Text