Dolly Parton has long had to explain her signature looks and fashion choices, and despite people raising eyebrows at her, she still does so with confident grace.
Ahead of the November release of Parton’s album “Rockstar” and her book “Behind the Seams: My Life in the Rhinestones,” which will be released this month, the “Jolene” singer spoke to The Guardian interview. In a new interview published on Monday, Parton revealed that growing up, she was verbally and physically punished for her dirty talents.
The acclaimed country star has long been candid about how “town bums” inspire her looks.
“She was flamboyant. She wore bright red lipstick, long red nails,” Parton told The Guardian. “She was wearing high heels with little plastic goldfish floating in the heels, a short skirt, a low-cut top, and I just thought she was beautiful.”
Parton said people in town would describe the woman as “nothing but trash,” but Parton would stare at her with stars in his eyes.
“Well, that’s what I’m going to do when I grow up,” she quipped.
According to The Guardian, Parton’s grandfather was a preacher who punished her for her style sensibilities, but that didn’t stop her.
“I’m willing to pay the price,” Parton continued. “I’m very sensitive and I don’t like to be disciplined – being scolded or whipped or anything else hurts my feelings. But sometimes, if you want something bad enough, your heart is willing to go after it.”
In a 1977 interview with Barbara Walters (which has resurfaced in recent years as Walters shamelessly questioned Parton’s appearance), Walters told Parton, “You You don’t have to look like this; you can look like this.” You are beautiful. You don’t have to wear a blonde wig. You don’t have to wear extreme clothing. “
The 9 to 5 star replied: “Of course it’s a choice. I don’t like to be like everyone else. I’ve always said that I would never stoop to fashion because it’s the easiest thing in the world to do . . . I am very real, and the important thing is that it is in my heart.”
When Waters asked Parton if she thought she was a joke, the Grammy winner said: “Over the years, people have thought the joke was on me, but it was actually a joke on the public. . I know exactly what I’m doing. … I have confidence in myself, I have confidence in my talent.”
In 2021, Oprah asked Parton if she had ever been hurt by the jokes, referring to a 1977 interview with Waters.
“Early on, I think that used to bother me,” Parton said. “I mean, it doesn’t change me or make me do anything different. But sometimes if someone makes a joke about it, I get a little embarrassed. But then I know they don’t know who I am.”
Parton’s 49th album, “Rockstar,” will be released on November 17 and features “Let It Be,” which she co-wrote with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. . Mick Fleetwood plays drums and Peter Frampton plays guitar. She has also written songs with Elton John, Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and Judas Priest’s Rob Halford. Lizzo stars in “Stairway to Heaven” with Parton.
Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, which chronicles her life and career in gem-encrusted clothing and apparel, will hit bookstores on October 17.
