Dolly Parton Refuses to Be Politically Pigeonholed
In this politically contentious time we live in, many members of the partisan media attempt to portray popular music artists in a political light even when it’s not pertinent to the situation, or even when the artist doesn’t want to be (see Kacey Musgraves). And if the performer refuses to play ball, sometimes the media will outright imprint political leanings upon them to fit their poptimist agenda, often by twisting their words (see Eric Church’s Rolling Stone cover).
But Dolly Parton continues to refuse to be played. Though she certainly has her own set of personal opinions, has spoken out in favor of gay marriage in the past and such, and as a strong woman she often gets labeled as a feminist, she continues to refuse any specific labels or party affiliations, despite the coaxing of the media.
A recent interview with The Guardian once again attempted to get Dolly Parton to commit to certain political alignments, as many interviews with the Country Music Hall of Famer and cultural icon have done before. But Parton wouldn’t budge. When asked if she doesn’t take political affiliations for personal or professional reasons, Dolly Parton responded,
“It’s for both. I’ve got as many Republican friends as I’ve got Democrat friends and I just don’t like voicing my opinion on things. I’ve seen things before, like the Dixie Chicks. You can ruin a career for speaking out. I respect my audience too much for that, I respect myself too much for that. Of course I have my own opinions, but that don’t mean I got to throw them out there because you’re going to piss off half the people.”
The premise of Dolly’s discussion with The Guardian was the opening of a new theatrical interpretation of the classic film 9 to 5 that Dolly starred in with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in 1980. The story follows three women turning the tables on their misogynistic boss, which has made the movie into a feminist institution in many people’s eyes. But Dolly stops short of assigning the title “feminist” to herself.
“I don’t think … I mean, I must be if being a feminist means I’m all for women, yes. But I don’t feel I have to march, hold up a sign or label myself. I think the way I have conducted my life and my business and myself speaks for itself. I don’t think of it as being feminist. It’s not a label I have to put on myself. I’m just all for gals.”
Dolly Parton says she’s experienced sexual harassment in her career, but may have even been on the giving end as well.
“I come from a family of six brothers, so I understand men and I’ve known more good men than bad men. It’s a man’s world, and it’s not their fault any more than it is just life and … we have allowed it to happen. I think people now see that we’re here, and women are very important, and they need us, just as we need the men. But if someone was getting real aggressive with me, I’d scream or throw something at them. But, of course, I’ve been hit on—I’ve probably hit on some people myself!”
The truth is being against sexual harassment, and for the equal treatment of women does not have to constitute a political stance, or require making a political affiliation. Though The Guardian regards Dolly Parton’s coyness on political issues as not wanting to upset her “core fanbase of southern Republicans…” most everyone believes women should receive equal rights, Southerners and Republicans included. The idea that some people don’t is just as much a machination of the media as anything.
It also glosses over just how well Dolly Parton is universally revered by folks of all political stripes, including Northern Democrats, non country fans, and a strong contingent within the gay community. Dolly Parton remains one of the few things Americans can still agree upon, despite the best efforts of the media. That’s what makes Dolly Parton such an important figure, and now more than ever. She helps to bridge a divided culture, and binds wounds through the universal language of music.
“I enjoy what I do,” Dolly Parton says in the interview. “I enjoy being loved—I love that. I always ask God to let me shine a light and uplift mankind because that is my purpose. I look fake, but my world is real to me.”
Troy
March 2, 2019 @ 9:54 am
Damn…..as if I don’t love her enough already. Well said, Dolly and said with logic, facts and common sense.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
March 2, 2019 @ 10:26 am
Dolly Parton is right up there with Willie Nelson and Louis Armstrong
She just radiates good feelings and positive thinking
You can just tell that she likes everybody and cares about all people
RD
March 2, 2019 @ 10:31 am
What a strange person.
Mel
March 2, 2019 @ 12:56 pm
Yes, you probably are strange. But Dolly sets a great example if how to be a decent human being. Can I get an AMEN!!
Sandra Partin
March 2, 2019 @ 1:50 pm
Amen amen
ShoBoat
April 27, 2022 @ 7:50 pm
Amen!
She’s the female counterpart to Mr Rogers:
Completely nice
Strait Country 81
March 2, 2019 @ 10:37 am
Well it’s pretty obvious Trig political views since i lean right and any comment i make referencing that gets deleted.
Trigger
March 2, 2019 @ 2:32 pm
The only time your comments have been deleted is when you use racist and homophobic epithets that help breed negative stereotypes about country music fans. When you lean neither way you get accused of being a puppet for both sides.
King Honky Of Crackershire
March 2, 2019 @ 5:19 pm
Trigger,
As a journalist, I’m sure linguistic accuracy is important to you. I encourage you to look up the definition of “phobia”, before it was altered for political purposes. You’ll find that there is no such thing as “homophobia”, because it’s a made up propaganda word with no applicable meaning.
No one on this earth has a fear, rational or irrational, of homosexuals.
To be linguistically accurate, you should use the term anti-homosexual. That accurately portrays what you are trying to convey.
ScottG
March 2, 2019 @ 9:23 pm
There’s linguistic accuracy and then there’s being ridiculous.
Black Boots
March 3, 2019 @ 5:49 am
ho·mo·pho·bi·aDictionary result for homophobia
/ˌhōməˈfōbēə/Submit
noun
dislike of or prejudice against homosexual people.
God, you are a moron.
King Honky Of Crackershire
March 3, 2019 @ 7:16 am
Black Boots,
Read my comment again. You apparently didn’t comprehend it all.
SameOld
March 3, 2019 @ 7:17 am
Really guys I’m not scared of gays I just hate them.
CeeCerBee
March 3, 2019 @ 10:45 am
Understandable. Just like I am not afraid of bigots, I just hate them.
No “bigotphobia” here.
CeeCerBee
March 3, 2019 @ 11:01 am
Clarification: That wasn’t directed at Same old, just making the same point.
It bothers me when country fans make blanket statements about who is welcome under our tent. Linguistics aside…if it’s about the music, who cares about the politics or the sexuality or any of the other crap?
It’s supposed to be about the music.
King Honky Of Crackershire
March 3, 2019 @ 11:30 am
You shouldn’t hate people, but I support your right to, along with your freedoms of association, speech, and expression.
King Honky Of Crackershire
March 3, 2019 @ 12:02 pm
CeecerBee,
To say you hate bigots, is to say you hate everyone, including yourself. If you’re not a bigot, it’s because you lack the mental capacity to excercise judgment. Everyone is bigoted against something, or someone.
Trigger
March 3, 2019 @ 12:06 pm
Last comment on this thread. Let’s please keep the topic on Dolly Parton.
Thanks!
karl
March 3, 2019 @ 2:46 pm
Or how ’bout we just call them a**holes?
NPC
March 2, 2019 @ 10:39 am
This article struck me the wrong way when I read it a few days ago, especially with the author’s insinuations about Dolly and Judy Ogle. It seems really inappropriate and unprofessional to editorialize about rumors after the fact while never mentioning them directly to your subject. The Guardian seems to delve into this sort of tabloid fodder on regular occasions, but props to Dolly for standing her ground and not falling into the traps being set.
Trigger
March 2, 2019 @ 2:37 pm
It’s a poptimist philosophy that drives certain members of the media to think that it’s their job to use celebrities as unwitting pawns to create a wedge between their fans and their political, religious, or moral beliefs. Perhaps Jody Ogle is Dolly Parton’s gay lover. But if that’s true, that’s up to Dolly and Judy to reveal, not for journalists to speculate on or insinuate like tabloid fodder.
Chris
March 2, 2019 @ 6:30 pm
No doubt.
People over here in East TN know that Dolly’s
elegance, magnanimity and grace are all very real.
Her contributions to our community cannot be overstated.
To hell with the Guardian and all the other piss ants in the media who insist on trying to drag out of her matters that she finds personal.
Kudos to her for not participating in their craven schemes.
I suspect that Dolly is more liberal than me, but most people are.
I admire her very much, even more so now .
Why would she want to piss off half of her fans?
King Honky Of Crackershire
March 2, 2019 @ 11:05 am
I think most are ok with celebrities who hold kooky, leftist views.
It’s when they act emotionally insane about it that bothers people (i.e. Sturgill Simpson, Hollywood, the media, etc).
Anna Marie
March 3, 2019 @ 4:17 pm
“It’s when they act emotionally insane about it that bothers people” So like you whenever you comment on this website?
scarlettide
March 5, 2019 @ 7:20 am
I agree. I’m independent. Liberals cant even take criticism even thought they give plenty. They are way too sensitive.
Edna Thoreson
March 2, 2019 @ 11:10 am
I think all entertainers should follow Dolly’s example.
SameOld
March 2, 2019 @ 11:59 am
Having learned a bit more recently about Dolly and the large amount of tattoos she has but she won’t discus them because of the negative view some conservative people have on them, I firmly believe that Dolly has views and strong ones but she is smart enough to know to keep her private life and the business end meant for the fans and consumers separate.
Mike W.
March 2, 2019 @ 1:30 pm
“Fans” should be able to do the same. If a conservative “fan” cannot reconcile Dolly potentially having tattoo’s or left-leaning views, to the point that that individual can no longer enjoy Dolly’s music…well, that person is a moron who should be ignored. Of course, before social media it was a lot easier to ignore those idiots.
It’s one thing to disavow Michael Jackson’s music because he (probably) diddled kids….it’s another thing to disavow an artist because you vote R and they vote D.
SameOld
March 2, 2019 @ 2:26 pm
I agree 100% but I can see why Dolly wants to travel the path of least resistance. Artist should be allowed to speak out and keep their silence if they wish just like us normal folk.
Trigger
March 2, 2019 @ 2:39 pm
Agreed. Respecting people for their political beliefs is a two-way street when it comes to entertainment. Just because an entertainer’s beliefs are different from yours, it shouldn’t cloud your judgement on the music, especially if the music is not overtly political. Let the music speak for itself.
Blackh4t
March 2, 2019 @ 5:32 pm
Nope, I think that as a fan i want to trust an artist. I want to trust that the artist i let into my life will be ‘respectable’ to everyone, no matter what they truly believe.
Like inviting someone to a private party, you hope they cover up their conflicting opinions, be an impressive person, and only later when you find out they’re gay or redneck or muslim you think ‘wow, ok, so there are really nice gays/muslims/rednecks”. Respect Dolly for being a great person, and if maybe she i gay, then by proxy I respect gay people more than if i didnt respect her.
Hope that makes sense
scarlettide
March 5, 2019 @ 7:23 am
I don’t think conservatives care about tattoos. Everyone has them these days. Id say conservatives listen to people they disagree with more then democrats where music is concerned.
ScottG
March 2, 2019 @ 12:20 pm
If only there were more like her. Thanks for sharing this Trigger, and for also not giving in to the bullshit.
Carl Ramsey
March 2, 2019 @ 1:55 pm
Which 1 of you morons stereotype conservatives as not approving of tattoos?? Narrow simple mindedness @ its best/worst! OH…& PATHETIC
DJ
March 2, 2019 @ 3:45 pm
So you’re saying somebody has to see things your way- and have the audacity to call someone else simple and narrow minded? Can you say “oh the irony”- did someone die and leave you in charge of what someone besides yourself should approve? Maybe Trigger missed that- I read a lot from a lot of sources and I haven’t seen it. Can you provide a link?
You ever watch Pit Bulls and Parolees? I love what they do- but the daughters are VERY distracting because they’re covered in tattoos-
SameOld
March 2, 2019 @ 7:41 pm
That moron is Dolly. You know the woman who doesn’t want to talk about her tattoos because she doesn’t want to deal with people’s prejudice. As for simple mindedness look no further hat your own post.
Greg Green
March 11, 2019 @ 5:04 am
Well she must be one of the luckiest morons out there then with a thousand songs written, dozens of albums, hundred million sold, dozens of companies, or as wiki describes her: American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist. All dumb luck, or as you would put it Moron luck.
Why is it leftists have to call people they disagree with morons? Just so divisive and inflammatory.
albert
March 2, 2019 @ 3:50 pm
” You can’t handle the truth ” may be one of the best movie lines ever.
It’s also a terrific way to sum up the lives of REAL artists .
They say a REAL artist creates her/his own moral universe . She may LIVE in everyone else’s but only because often ‘most of us can’t handle the truth ‘ but she creates and works in her own universe defined by her own truth. It almost has to be thus to BE an artist with some integrity and relevance worth paying attention to …particularly a writer / songwriter . You can’t write from an ‘honest’ perspective if you aren’t exploring the truth and living that perspective at least in your private life . Most people adopt the popular moral compass of the day as their own . We all do , in fact , to a greater or lesser extent . Its a survival strategy …and a good one….mostly . But it doesn’t mean its the right one . We know how social mores change and that what may once have been considered acceptable and ‘ normal ‘ is now viewed as sexist or racist or whatever .
A REAL artist knows it borders on folly and could possibly end a career by committing to the shifting sands of popular political , social or even moral stance . AND a REAL artist knows that the truth they seek to inspire and inform their chosen means of expression is often found in places most folks wouldn’t tread ….emotionally , spiritually or physically so its pointless talking about it because at any give time most folks ” can’t handle the truth ”
I don’t give a damn about what Dolly thinks , believes or does . I love what she tells me in her lyrics and how she leaves it to me to make my mind up about it . Just like Musgraves , Isbell and countless other songwriters and countless more artists in other areas of art. I can’t condemn or condone what they choose NOT to share with me . All I’m concerned with is that as REAL artists I need to hear REAL truth in their art .
Melissa
March 3, 2019 @ 8:59 am
Everything seems highly politicized these days. I love that I don’t know about Dolly’s politics. I love when I don’t know about famous peoples politics in general. I just want to enjoy the music or tv show and often these celebrities just ruin their image for me & I just don’t care to listen or watch anymore. I just don’t care for their opinion and want to enjoy the entertainment/ music they are providing.
CeeCerBee
March 3, 2019 @ 10:57 am
For me, it doesn’t matter what any musicians personal politics are. They are just like any other person; they have the right to their opinion and the right to speak out of keep it to themselves. Feel the same way about their personal lives. They can keep it private or sell it all to In Touch magazine. It doesn’t affect how I relate or judge their music.
Is Dolly a closet lesbian with tattoos? Don’t know and don’t care. She is one of the most important female country artists in history. That’s all that matters to me.
Atomic Zombie Redneck
March 3, 2019 @ 12:15 pm
I’m an atheist democrat, but that doesn’t stop me from being a fan of country music, which is dominated by artists who are typically republican and Christian.
I love the music, and a band/artist’s political and/or religious views only become issue for me when they say, do, or endorse something that is extremist or suppressive in nature.
boyoldercowboybrady65
March 3, 2019 @ 12:57 pm
As a Country music fan,I’m a giant Dolly Parton fan ;she represents everything GREAT about the genre . (Plus,she was a darn good actress .)
Sinner
March 3, 2019 @ 1:41 pm
As a fan of country music not originally from the US and thus not well-conversant with US politics, I’ve always enjoyed Trig’s honest and admirable efforts of separating music(ians) from politics. But in this case, I believe Trig’s has missed some important subtleties. The part of the interview where Parton mentions the (in)famous example of the Dixie Chicks suggests Parton’s reluctance to be labelled politically is mostly out of practical considerations. Though of course I believe Dolly Parton as an artist should be viewed solely in her artistic creations and accomplishments, it is a false dichotomy to think that art and politics are mutually exclusive. Therefore, her subsequent answer on the “feminist” question is making a purely verbal point. She’s saying she holds feminist beliefs, does certain feminist things (a.k.a. creating feminism-themed music) but rejects the label, which is fine. But of course when one (as Parton does) defines “feminism” purely as a political activity, not an ideology, a case can be made that Parton is not a feminist (since, quoting her, she doesn’t “march, hold up a sign, or label [herself]”. Yet at that point one can’t help but feel that her rejection of the feminist label is a bit insincere. Perhaps a helpful analogy here is Loretta Lynn’s “The Pill”. Was Lynn singing about reproductive justice, as some people would now call it? Sure she was; but not in a million years would I expect Lynn to label herself as a feminist fighter for reproductive justice. (Also worth noting here that the song was initially banned from a number of radio stations.)
Trig, I’ve really appreciated your efforts of pushing back against some of the clearly partisan themes in the mainstream media. But I hope you don’t go to the other extreme, holding that an artist is never political, or we shouldn’t ever think of their activities as political. As Aristotle correctly pointed out a *long* time ago, “man is by nature a political animal”. Woman too.
Trigger
March 3, 2019 @ 2:09 pm
I had a problem too with the way Dolly Parton phrased the part on the Dixie Chicks, not underscoring that regardless of what they believed or said, they didn’t deserved to be blackballed by a flash mob.
Mot assuredly much of music has some sort of political component. But politics has become so toxic, simply placing the word “feminist” upon an artist could significantly erode their music’s ability to speak to people universally, even if the message happens to be a pro-feminine one. It’s the media who often wants to label people. Many artists, especially older ones, just let their music speak for itself.
Sinner
March 3, 2019 @ 5:25 pm
Well said, Trig.
Arlene
March 3, 2019 @ 4:07 pm
I thought that the comments of Dolly Parton’s sister, Stella, are interesting: “This is the first time I’ve really publicly called my sister out. But it’s high time that some of these older women speak up and speak out. They’ve all gone through all kinds of abuse in this industry so: speak up!” See https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/music/2019/mar/03/dolly-parton-sister-ashamed-stars-silence-metoo-protest
On the one hand, I agree that entertainers should feel free NOT to comment about political issues if they choose not to, but it’s also true that famous and prominent people are often in the best position to call attention to problems and expedite change where it is appropriate.
SameOld
March 4, 2019 @ 1:30 pm
I think it’s kinda obvious that Dolly lives a very colorful life behind the NDAs she makes people sign. Maybe staying out of it is her way of trying to keep others out of her own business.
jt
March 4, 2019 @ 7:57 am
Smart lady.
Andrew Scott Wills
March 4, 2019 @ 9:16 am
Dolly is the wisest, classiest living artist. God help us when she goes.
Tex Hex
March 4, 2019 @ 9:40 am
The obsession and expectation the media and public have about what side of the political aisle (as if politics were absolutely binary) is insane, but there is a double standard. In most entertainment media, outside of country (maybe), celebrities are expected to lean left and sing it form the rooftops. “Left” is synonymous with absolute righteousness and justice, while “right” is the opposite.
I find that when celebrities play coy with politics, or stay neutral (for whatever reason), it’s because they probably lean right. It’s a feather in their hat to openly lean left, but it’s suicide to openly lean right. Shame. Life isn’t black or white. To me, the expectation that an entertainer must lean a certain way (and only one way, on every issue), and must pander to their audience, toe the line, and promote certain agendas is the worst kind of mob rule. It’s insidious.
Moses Mendoza
March 4, 2019 @ 1:05 pm
The referenced Dixie Chicks treatment takes some air out of this thesis. It’s probably true that the assumption is that most artists would lean left, but not necessarily so for country music, and certainly the way it’s treated publicly will be unique to the times.
Chris
March 4, 2019 @ 12:38 pm
So much hate in this world. Yet Dolly doesn’t have a hateful bone in her body.
We should all strive to be like Dolly.
scarlettide
March 5, 2019 @ 7:29 am
That’s why I like Dolly. She is an artist first.