Dolly Parton’s Busy Life: Touring, Feminism, & Miley Cyrus
Queen of country Dolly Parton is having one busy summer. Dolly, a 46-time Grammy nominee whose list of feats include blockbuster films 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, as well as classic country tunes such as “Jolene” and the original “I Will Always Love You,” boasts an impressive tour date list, even at age 68.
The everlastingly blonde Parton appeared at this year’s Glastonbury Festival on Sunday, giving what she tells NME was her “biggest show ever,” and is slated to perform at seven more European venues, ending her tour on July 14 at the Moon & Stars Festival in Switzerland.
Beyond touring, Dolly has been making several other headlines this year. Beyond being a household name – who doesn’t know who Dolly Parton is? – Parton has been interviewed about several hot topics lately. Dolly was recently interviewed by fellow Glastonbury performer Lily Allen. On gender equality today, Parton, a feminist icon herself, said:
“I think women have been accepted a lot over the years. It has more to do with your attitude, your personality and your talent…
“Women have got a long way to go, but I really think we’ve made a lot of great strides since Jane Fonda starred in 9 to 5.”
Furthermore, Dolly defends her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, who has been under a lot of people’s radars since her split with former fiancé Liam Hemsworth in 2013.
Parton tells TIME 100:
“If I didn’t know how smart and talented Miley is, I might worry about her. But I’ve watched her grow up. So I don’t. She knows what she’s doing. She was very proud of the work she did as Hannah Montana, but people were gonna leave her there forever. And she was just smotherin’ and chokin’ in it. So she felt she had to do something completely drastic. And she did. She made her point, she made her mark, and more power to her. “Wrecking Ball” is a great song… [Miley] can write. The girl can sing. The girl is smart. And she doesn’t have to be so drastic. But I will respect her choices. I did it my way, so why can’t she do it her way?”
This has certainly been a big year for Dolly Parton, and it will continue to only get bigger and bigger. But just how right is Dolly about where we stand with feminism today? And are her views of her goddaughter Miley’s life too relaxed or even too strict? If you are seeing any of her concerts on the European tour (or really, really want to), let us know.
[Image via Metro]
