That is a woman who is confident in who she is.
Dolly Parton is a national treasure. Fans love the Tennessee native for her performances on stage and her actions off stage. From belting out her hits like “Jolene” and “Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That” to advocating for childhood literacy by creating Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, she has a voice and a heart of gold.
But, given Parton’s “extreme” looks, people sometimes are quick to judge her.
Parton has spoken numerous times about her appearance and how it’s very intentional. The big blonde hair, accentuated assets, and flashy clothes get folks’ attention, but her talent speaks for itself. Back in 1977, Parton left Barbra Walters speechless, dishing it back after Walters implied (in a rude way) that Parton looked like a joke.
“Once they got passed the shock of the ridiculous way I looked and all that, then they would see there was parts of me to be appreciated. I’m very real where it counts, and that’s inside. And as far as my outlook on life, and the way I care about people, and the way I care about myself, and he things I care about.
I just chose to do this… show business is a money making joke, and I’ve just always liked telling jokes.”
Unfortunately, this would not be the last time that Parton had to establish the law that her “Backwoods Barbie” appearance does not necessarily match her tender soul on the inside.
In an interview with a Swedish media channel in the ’80s, Parton told the interviewer, Stina Dabrowski, that if people are quick to judge her due to her appearance, that is the least of her concerns. She knows those who know her heart would never be quick to come to an extreme conclusion.
“When I said, ‘I don’t care what you think about it,’ I do care what you think about it as long as you care to know who I really am. But if you’re going to look at me and pass judgment without knowing anything about me, I don’t care about that. That’s your problem more than mine.
But if you take the time to know me, if you care to, then I think you can see through most of that.”
Parton speaks with class and from the heart on this matter. But what else would you expect from the Queen of Country Music? Her point that she values opinions from those who genuinely know her is beyond valid. You want to make sure those who see your heart think you are a good human, friend, wife, etc.
Dolly Parton has stayed true to herself throughout her entire career, which is why she is one of the most loved names in the genre. We truly don’t deserve this kind-hearted and well-spoken gem.