Dolly Parton doesn’t make headlines often enough, which is sort of a good thing. Although she favors the theatrical in the makeup and performance aspects of her career, Parton doesn’t covet media drama. She mainly keeps to herself while touring and spreading her special brand of bewigged joy to the world. She stays pretty low key on social media and chooses to infrequently adorn her Instagram page with a delightful mix of candid snaps and classic Dolly goodness. The world could use a little of that special magic not only onstage, but on the big screen, so it’s no wonder why her name appeared on the Uproxx list of Straight Outta Compton-esque dream picks. Make it happen, Hollywood.
Parton recently sat down with CNN Money ahead of her wave of cross-country crisscrossing to perform her country hits. She’s kicking off her tour in North Carolina where many musical acts — including Ringo Starr, Pearl Jam, and more — pulled out of performances to protest the state’s continued anti-LGBT bathroom bill crusade. The state stands as the most vocal (with Texas being a close second) in the epidemic of rebellious states on this issue. Parton isn’t nixing her show, but she wants her thoughts to be heard:
“I think everybody should be treated with respect. I don’t judge people and I try not to get too caught up in the controversy of things. I hope that everybody gets a chance to be who and what they are. I just know if I have to pee, I’m going to pee — I don’t care where it’s going to be.”
Simple and effective. No one tells Dolly Parton to go to the bathroom, and she’d like the same courtesy extended to all. And by not cancelling her show and still making her opinion known, she’s protesting in her own way while raking in ticket sales. That’s a win-win situation, and here’s Parton’s statement in all its video glory.