Dolly Parton Speaks Out Against Anti-Trans Laws As “Rockstar” Climbs The Charts
Dolly Parton, the Queen Of Country, has just been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame released her latest album Rockstar.
This album is a love letter to rock’n’roll featuring Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Paul McCartney and over 30 tracks, and demonstrates an evolving side to the legendary musician. It also comes with a new sense of social justice. In an interview promoting Rockstar, Dolly broke ranks from her typical stance of neutrality to speak out against anti-trans state laws.
Dolly is a force of transformation and evolution
When Dolly was first offered induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, she turned it down saying she was a country music singer. When offered the chance to perform for the Super Bowl Half-Time Show, she turned it down, saying she didn’t have a production that large. When asked to give her opinions on politics, she has previously refrained, choosing to remain neutral. But it seems 2023 is the year that Dolly decided it’s time for something different.
Not only did she accept induction into the Hall Of Fame, she decided to earn it. The result? Her one and, likely only, rock album. She tells The Hollywood Reporter about the massive 30-track album that features icons of the industry from Sting to John Fogerty. “After I did 30 songs, [music producer] Kent [Wells] said, ‘Well, we got to stop.’ Then when we got ready to put it together, I thought, ‘Wow, I can’t leave none of these off since I’m never going to do another rock ‘n’ roll album again,'” she says.
In the same interview, The Hollywood Reporter asks Dolly about her thoughts on Tennessee’s anti-trans laws. Famously a diplomatic interviewee, Dolly is unaccustomed to providing firm stances on politics but for some reason she spoke up this time. “I have some of everybody in my own immediate family and in my circle of employees. I’ve got transgender people. I’ve got gays. I’ve got lesbians. I’ve got drunks. I’ve got drug addicts – all within my own family. I know and love them all, and I do not judge,” she says.
“And I just see how broken-hearted they get over certain things and I know how real they are. I know how important this is to them. That’s who they are. They cannot help that any more than I can help being Dolly Parton, you know, the way people know me.”
Dolly’s sister Stella Parton, a fellow singer/songwriter, made a point to call out Dolly’s reservations in the past and lauded her newfound confidence in the way only a sibling would dare.
The Queen Of Country is beloved for more than just her musical presence. Her heart and her character have always been a shining light for those she resonates with. Her support of the LGBTQIA+ community has been returned with love and adoration from her queer fans.
