Mandan’s Dolly Dakota – Loved Her City, Radio & Her Listeners

Mandan's Dolly Dakota - Loved Her City, Radio & Her Listeners

Matter of fact, there wasn't a whole lot in this world that Dolly DIDN'T love. Sunday's rolled around in the winter, and there she was wearing her Kansas City Chiefs jersey - her love for football and HER favorite team implanted some serious frowns on the faces of a few Minnesota Vikings fans' faces here in our building. When Christmas came upon us, she LOVED decorating our hallways and studios with stockings with our names on them. Without a doubt, besides her two cats and her family, the one passion in Dolly's life that never dimmed was radio.

With headphones on, the only thing brighter than her smile was the studio lights

It was here on the strip -4303 Memorial Hwy - that she felt so at home, AND made an entire city feel the same way. A typical Dolly "day on the air" would be telling us all her favorite recipes, an event that was happening in town, and how her fight against cancer was going. Keep in mind now, she was so honest in her feelings and what she was going through, she wanted to share her life with her listeners, HER FAMILY. Those who grew to love her, and live their lives inspired by her, were many - like this woman who came up to us at Cash Wise Foods during our 96 Hours Of Caring - There was no hesitation at all, for this person was concerned about someone who became part of HER family.

"...selfless - She worried about other people first"  - "She had a heart of gold"

Just a few thoughts from some of our family here at Townsquare Media in Mandan. Dolly often said she felt like she was one of "God's Messengers - He is using me to share with others the fight and will against cancer". She kept a journal documenting her battles - her thoughts, the swirling emotions of treatments, hospital visits - AND STILL performing on the air - If you knew Dolly for ten years or just ten minutes, it was impossible not to be amazed by her passion, her LOVE for radio. I had a chance to talk with her on the radio back on December 1st - "What do you want to tell people that love you, that are listening to you right now?" - She answered back "I am not giving up in a way, I can't battle it when it gets to my heart, I have a good heart, it obviously knows that..."

The ONE thing Dolly HATED was cancer

In the last 24 hours, I have had many people reach out and tell me what a role model of courage and hope Dolly Dakota was - how she kept inspiring those who have cancer. I said earlier that she LOVED most things in her life, but her hatred for such a deadly foe fueled her fire and motivated her even more to continue fighting. Here is an example of what Dolly meant to others, this is from Rebecca ( Tigger and Bec from US 1033 ):

"We lost someone dear to us yesterday, the lovely wonderful powerhouse, Dolly Dakota that you’ve heard on the radio for years, most recently on our sister station COOL 98.7 lost her long courageous battle with cancer. She is/was a cancer sister of mine, the kind of woman that when I was diagnosed - even through sickness, made it a priority to make sure that I had a “Warrior Book”, even saw to it that it was prepped, ready and gave every ounce of energy she had to make sure that I kept up the good fight. 

Taught me how to stand up for my health and do believe she is a big reason that I am now a Cancer Survivor. So if you could please, take a second and say a prayer now for Dolly Dakota that she has found peace as she is the epitome of North Dakota “Good Stuff”.    

That is just one of many people that Dolly helped, encouraged, and inspired to never give up.

"...I LOVE my listeners..."

"We love you, Dolly, we are all giving you a big hug over the radio, we are ALL thinking about you", I said to her towards the end of our 5-minute call. Her answer back to me says it all about Dolly Dakota - "I LOVE you, I LOVE my listeners"

Dolly Dakota passed away yesterday afternoon - December 27th, 2023. She will always be remembered for her huge smile and warm friendly voice.

Take a look at some of our favorite memories: