Dolly Parton. Admit it, that’s all the introduction you need to the story. Just by saying her name, everyone reading released out a deep breath and let a much needed smile creep across their face. I don’t think Dolly is perfect – lord, who needs that? But Dolly fills me with such joy that reading an interview with her releases serotonin, I’m convinced. Anyway, there is a purpose to this post, after all. A&E’s Biography series will debut Biography: Dolly on April 12. In addition, her very successful stage version of 9 to 5 The Musical is coming to Australia so 60 Minutes Australia ran a segment on her. I swear Tom Steinfort, the interviewer, is in love with her. The full piece is below but here are some highlights.
On being worth half a billion dollars
I count my blessings more than I count my money. The lord giveth and the lord taketh away. I’m very grateful that I’ve been blessed.“Dolly for President”
Can you imagine anything worse than being head of a country? I think we’ve had enough boobs in the White House. I don’t want to be another one.On growing up poor
I was never ashamed of my upbringing. We were very poor but we were rich in the things that mattered, in kindness and love and understanding. It just depends on what you call wealth and success.On her marriage
When I first got to Nashville in 1964 I had no intentions of finding a boyfriend. Very first day [I met my husband]. We’ve been married for 53 years. We get along great. He’s independent, so I am. He likes to stay at home, I like staying gone.“You’re looking very youthful”
Good lighting, good makeup and good doctors. A good attitude don’t hurt either. I’m kinda cartoonish and cartoons don’t really age that much.On if she’s going to retire
I don’t plan to retire. I just turned 74. I plan to be on the cover of Playboy Magazine again. If they’ll go for it I think I will. If I could be on the cover again when I’m 75. I could probably [wear the same outfit]. Boobs are still the same.
[From 60 Minutes Australia via Youtube]
“I think we’ve had enough boobs in The White House,” is probably my favorite line but calling herself a cartoon is a close second. And I don’t disagree with her, there is very much a cartoonish vibe to how she presents herself, but it’s paid off because no one takes her to task for aging. Think how depressing it would be if Dolly came out in a housecoat and low ponytail. Between admitting to getting work done and getting it done often and dressing for a beauty pageant talent competition, Dolly is allowed to shine mostly free from criticisms. And she looks like she’s having a ball doing it so you go, Dolly. Live your whole life out loud.
Most outlets are using a pull quote that Dolly said towards the end that she hopes to get the cover of Playboy for her 75th birthday next January. She appeared on the cover in 1978 wearing the famous strapless bodysuit and bunny ears and Dolly said she’s open to wearing the same for her next cover. This would be a fantastic statement if Playboy’s willing to make it. The 60 Minutes segment is below. It’s worth it to hear all the snippets of her music. As I said, I don’t think Dolly is perfect. I think that Dolly has had to project a certain persona to protect herself in the industry and she’s still using that today. Overall, I do think Dolly sends the right message about living life on your own terms.
Photo credit: WENN/Avalon and YouTube
She’s really something that’s for sure. I mean that in a good way. I thoroughly enjoyed the podcast Dolly Parton’s America even tho I’m not a country western fan nor was a fan of hers in particular. I recommend it for all.
My favorite thing about Dolly- she tends to say- “I just love everybody”.
While the country music community at times uses “family values”, and “christianity” to project homophobia and racism, no one says shit to Dolly about her- i just love everybody- stance.
She loves drag queens who dress like her.
She is the epitomy of what christianity is supposed to be, as opposed to the weapon for bigotry some “devout” people grab onto.
Yeah. That lady has no hate in her. Its her true beauty.
She is all love and light. We don’t deserve her
I believe something is missing from the title.
It should read National Treasure Dolly Parton.
What really gets me is the intelligence of her love if that makes sense. It’s an all inclusive love from a good and smart interpretation of christian values and humanism (I’m not christian, but I can spot an anarchist when I see one: Jesus).
And she takes it everywhere with patience and devotion. For me the boob jokes are almost a flag for women, non-binary and queer folk: “this is a straight guy’s guy conversation, he doesn’t know much, but he is trying hard, let’s give him a break”. I mean, “you look youthful”? Why say that to a 74 year old instead of praising her sense of business?! She owns the rights to all her songs but one! If that is not a shrewd business woman, I don’t know what is.
Good comment.
Sometimes the fun side of Dolly almost makes you forget she’s an immensely gifted songwriter and really adept at pretty much everything else she sets her sights to do. Her career has spanned my 53 years of life so she’s gotten to try a lot of things and I would have to look them all up to know what they are.
She is also a very intelligent woman. She has common sense and emotional intelligence in abundance and a strong sense of self. She knows who she is and how to put herself forth in the best light. Except for her feet, which she often jokes get no light. Lol! I do love her self-deprecating sense of humor.
The first time I became aware of her, I was in kindergarten. My neighbor and fellow classmate was from South Carolina and a big country and western music fan, while I was still stuck on Itsy Bitsy Spider and Sesame Street songs. She adored Dolly Parton and would go on and on about her. That’s some star power when you can appeal to a kindergartener over Kermit the Frog!
My sister met Dolly last December. She’s still gushing over how sweet she was
The very fact she can be written about today, receive positive feedback and earn smiles is not only a testament to her longevity but her intelligence regarding maneuverability through decades fraught with political, civil, technological and environmental changes. The girl knows when to swim, tread and float.
Kim and Kylie are cartoons to me as well but not in a cute way.
Her book program for TN children is phenomenal. I feel compelled to mention that everytime she comes up.
It’s not just for children in Tennessee, it’s international!! (Countries include all of the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, and Australia.) She has given the gift of literacy and a love of reading to generations of children with her Imagination Library. I just looked, over 133 MILLION books given to children. That’s love and generosity. She is a treasure.
I can’t say enough how much I love Dolly. If everyone had her personality it would be a wonderful world. She really is a National Treasure! Just seeing a post about her makes me smile!