Dolly Parton Addresses Black Lives Matter: ‘Of Course Black Lives Matter’
Country music megastar Dolly Parton is not turning a blind eye to the BLM movement, and neither should you.
Not much else needs to say when you hear the name, Dolly Parton. The country music sensation instantaneously fills one’s mind with classic country glam, big blonde hair, and a soul as sweet as cherry pie. In a recent interview with Billboard, Parton is fierce in her stance as an ally regarding the Black Lives Matter Movement that spiked recent protests over the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor amongst other innocent Black people.
“We certainly are not going to have a great year this year,” Parton mourns over Skype to Billboard. “Hopefully by coming back, we’ll pick up some stuff that we’ve lost. All of the things that I’m involved in are on hold, even my production companies and the movies — everything [took] a big hit. But I still believe, still trust God, and I’m still hoping for the best.”
Her fiery passion burns ferociously: “I understand people having to make themselves known and felt and seen,” Parton says. “And of course black lives matter. Do we think our little white asses are the only ones that matter? No!”
“I honestly feel like I’m just getting started” 💗 So honored to be on the cover of @billboard for the very first time. Read the full story now! https://t.co/yEa77Jelcb
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 13, 2020
Parton’s decision to rename her Dixie Stampede dinner attraction to Dolly Parton’s Stampede, due to the racist connotations of the word “Dixie” is also referenced, as well as its link to the Confederacy. Additionally, Dollywood Co.’s plans to grow into an international market.
“There’s such a thing as innocent ignorance, and so many of us are guilty of that,” she commands. “When they said ‘Dixie’ was an offensive word, I thought, ‘Well, I don’t want to offend anybody. This is a business. We’ll just call it the Stampede.’ As soon as you realize that [something] is a problem, you should fix it. Don’t be a dumbass. That’s where my heart is. I would never dream of hurting anybody on purpose.” May she get a round of applause.
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I feel glamorous on the inside, so I want to look like it on the outside ✨
The queen of country released a video for the song When Life Is Good Again back in May. The song instructed fans to “be safe, be respectful, wear your mask, lead with love.” Parton will release her first album of holiday music in 30 years in October with her freshly announced LP A Holly Dolly Christmas.
It has been 56 years since Parton, 74, hopped on a bus to Nashville, TN the day after her high school graduation to chase her destined dreams. The star has 25 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. That is the most of any female artist in history.
For the full-throttle article of Dolly Parton’s fired-up heartfelt interview, you can check out Billboard here.
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