If for some inexplicable reason you need further proof that Dolly Parton is an absolute national treasure who must be protected at all costs, I have it for you right here.
I was casually scrolling through the internet, minding my own business, when I came across the most amazing video of Dolly I think I’ve ever seen.
It comes from a 1977 interview with Barbara Walters where Barb questions Dolly about her appearance (in the rudest way possible, might I add) and doesn’t let up.
Of course, Dolly being the diamond that she is, responds with grace and class.
Watch it for yourself:
Dolly Parton shuts down Barbara Walters in this rare 1977 interview, teaching us on the importance of self-love and how to kill with kindness. pic.twitter.com/A3iOxyyP7f
— Dazed (@Dazed) August 17, 2020
“I know they make fun of me, but actually all these years the people, you know, have thought the joke is on me but it’s actually been on the public. I know exactly what I’m doing and I can change it at any time.
I make more jokes about myself than anybody…”
She then goes on to give Barb a lesson in self-love, judgment, and confidence.
“Like I said, I am sure of myself as a person. I am sure of my talent. And I’m sure of my love for life and that sort of thing. I’m very content. I like the kind of person that I am.
So, I can afford to piddle around and do-diddle around with makeup and clothes and stuff because I am secure with myself.”
She straight up body bags Barb on national TV like the queen that she is.
First of all, Barbara opens the interview telling Dolly she “doesn’t have to look like this,” and then continues to list off things about her appearance like her blonde hair, outfit selections, and her measurements. And I’m gonna have to stop you right there Barb…
You’re gonna sit there and try to tell the Queen of country music, with one of the most beautiful, iconic and recognizable looks of ALL TIME how SHE should dress and what she should do with her hair and makeup? That’s gonna be a hell no from me. And then you have the audacity to ask Dolly if she feels like a joke? Outta my face with that noise.
And while Barb continues to be a complete bee-otch right to Dolly’s face, with her little comments about “your kind of people,” Dolly responds by telling her it’s a personal choice and she couldn’t have been any nicer about it. Not offended whatsoever… it just makes me love her even more.
Dolly has never been one to shy away from conversations about her looks. In fact, one of her most famous quotes is:
“It costs a lot of money to look this cheap!”
Like she said in the interview, she can (and does) make fun of herself, but beyond all that shallow stuff that doesn’t actually matter at all, it is what’s on the inside that counts. And on the inside, Dolly is one of the realest and most genuine people in the business.
Maybe Barbara should ask her about that…
What in the world did we do to deserve Dolly?
Here’s a little more of the conversation.
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