American Idol Winner David Cook Tattoos “The Dash” on Arm

Embraces The Dash Philosophy to Remember Brother

03.16.2010 – Linda Ellis’ poem "The Dash" was published and made into a short internet video by Simple Truths. Since its debut in 2006, the book has sold more than 300,000 copies, and the movie has been viewed over 30 million times. This remarkable poem has touched many lives, and most recently the life of David Cook, season seven’s American Idol champion.

Adam Cook, who is David's brother, battled cancer for over a decade before dying of brain cancer. The Dash, a poem about a eulogy given at a friend's funeral, was read at Adam Cook’s funeral. This event inspired Cook to tattoo the last stanza on his left forearm, reminding him of his brother and the importance of "living your dash", a testament to the depth and reach of the poem. Click here to see the poem.