Dolly Parton Learned To Keep Her Mouth Shut When It Comes to Politics

Since the start of her long and celebrated career, Dolly Parton has used her remarkable voice for many causes – from standing for women and other marginalized groups to childhood literacy, environmental conservation, mask-wearing, social distancing, and vaccines amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

But don’t ever ask her about politics! Over the years, many have tried to get the beloved country music star to open up about her political leanings – only to end up failing. 

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During the 2017 Emmy Awards, Parton even faced some backlash when she was reunited with her 1980 comedy film, 9 to 5, co-stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. While the iconic trio received a standing ovation the moment they took the center stage, it took a turn when Tomlin and Fonda made a dig at President Donald Trump – calling him a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.”

Parton looked visibly shocked and lightened the mood by throwing a joke at her own expense. Still, people flooded her social media with negative comments.

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“I don’t do politics. I’m an entertainer,” Parton said in an interview a month after the 2017 Emmy Awards. “When I’m out there if all else fails, I just do a boob joke.”

She Does It For Her Fans

Dolly Parton has one very practical reason why she chooses to avoid politics and is taking a neutral stance – and that has something to do with her fans, who both belong on the different ends of the political range.

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“I have as many Republican fans as I do Democrats,” the “Jolene” singer said. “I don’t want to offend anybody, I have a right to myself. Like God gave us free will, America gave us free speech, but you’ve got to be responsible for anything you say and do.”

Would the world be a much better place if more people would follow Dolly Parton’s lead?