Dolly Parton on how to deal with negativity: ‘I take pride’
Since her emergence in the 1960s, country music icon Dolly Parton has thrived with her distinctive mix of folksy charm, wit, and self-effacing humour. Through her music and personal ventures, the star has repeatedly demonstrated that she transcends the media’s portrayal of her as a mere ‘dumb blonde’. Nonetheless, some circles still refuse to take her work seriously.
In the 1970s, interviews with Parton often revolved around her appearance. She adeptly addressed such inquiries with grace, redirecting the conversation to her origins or, more significantly, her musical contributions. Even in 1977, when Barbara Walters audaciously suggested that Parton didn’t need to adopt such a striking appearance, she responded, “I don’t like to be like everybody else,” adding, “I would never stoop so low as to be fashionable.”
While Parton is beloved by many, there exists a subset of music fans and media reporters who either dismiss her or actively seek to curate negative stories about her personality or lifestyle. During one particular interview, Parton said, “There are a lot of people that don’t like me.”
She continued: “I’ve seen several reviews, and every now and then, you’ll just see somebody that’s out to get you. There’s just certain things about certain people that you don’t like. I have been very fortunate except for the tabloids, which that’s OK with me, too. I just kind of take some pride in that I’m the tabloid queen because I’ve always wanted to be a queen or a fairy princess at least.”
Parton has consistently confronted challenges in both her personal and professional life—there are instances where even her husband appears hesitant to offer his support. However, she has maintained patience and acceptance in every situation. Always ready to lend support to people from diverse backgrounds, Parton leads by example, with her music serving as a fitting accompaniment to her graceful demeanour.
She even established a haven in Dollywood, welcoming people of all kinds to find safety and solace. In her own words: “[Dollywood is] a place for entertainment, a place for all families, period,” she told Billboard in 2014. “It’s for all that. But as far as the Christians, if people want to pass judgment, they’re already sinning. The sin of judging is just as bad as any other sin they might say somebody else is committing. I try to love everybody.”
In addition to her interviews, Parton’s music inherently radiates a sense of sentimentality, partly due to its themes and poetic lyricism. In 2005, she composed a song for a film centred around a transgender woman who learns about having a son at the last moment. This delightful tune evolved into an anthem of courage and transformation, further solidifying Parton’s status as a country legend with a heart as expansive as the legacy she has crafted.
