“Dolly Parton: Embracing Style, Stardom, and Standing Strong Against Sexism”

She’s got Debbie Harry and Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, and even Elton John in the mix. Oh, and Lizzo, too, on “Stairway to Heaven.” This album, titled “Rockstar,” is Dolly’s 49th, and it all started with her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Surprisingly, Dolly felt unworthy at first because she didn’t quite see herself as a rock artist.

But guess what? At the age of 77, she became a rock star. We meet in a swanky London hotel, where Dolly has taken over the top floor. The place is buzzing with assistants, bodyguards, and publicists, but when I step into the room where Dolly, the queen herself, is waiting to chat, it’s just the two of us.

She might not be grand, but she’s warm and funny, with a knack for turning awkward questions into jokes. There’s something about her that radiates, and later I realize it’s gratitude. “I’ve been grateful for every good thing ever happened,” she says. “God has always blessed me, surrounded me with good people. I pray that every day God will bring all the right things, all the right people, into my life.”

Dolly’s Rockstar Lineup: An Unexpected Collaboration

Recording these classic rock songs for her album was a big deal for Dolly, and she felt a tremendous responsibility. She didn’t want to mess them up and tried her best to sing them well while staying true to her own unique voice.

And let me tell you, her version of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” is something else. It’s a roaring freedom, especially when you know the legend of her life story—the girl who grew up in poverty in the Tennessee backwoods, defying all odds to become the country superstar she is today.

Behind the Seams: Dolly’s Unique Fashion Journey

Besides the album, Dolly is also releasing a new book, “Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones,” which documents her life and career in clothes and costumes. And just to keep things interesting, she’s planning to launch a TV network soon. “I’ve been at this so long, I’ve worn some of the most bizarre things,” she chuckles. “At the time, you think you look good, then you look back on it, like, what was I thinking?”

Dolly’s look has always been a standout, even when she was young. She drew inspiration from the local “town tramp,” a woman who rocked high heels, tight skirts, bright red lipstick, and even little plastic goldfish in her high-heeled shoes. Dolly admired her flamboyance and never let anyone’s criticism sway her from her own unique style.

Her grandfather and father disapproved of her dressing style, but Dolly was determined to be herself, even if it meant facing punishment. She later wrote a song called “The Sacrifice,” which summed up her determination to follow her dreams no matter the cost. As a young woman in the music industry in the 1960s and 70s, Dolly faced her share of dismissals and challenges in meetings.

Dolly’s Unwavering Individuality in a Male-Dominated Industry

But she stood her ground, always emphasizing that she had something valuable to offer that could make everyone money. Growing up surrounded by brothers and uncles, she knew how to navigate a crowd of men and never resorted to compromising her principles to get ahead. She might have experienced harassment, but she had the strength to put men in their place when necessary.

Dolly has always refused to label herself a feminist, even though many aspects of her life and career align with feminist principles. She’s all about empowering women and everyone else for that matter. She believes in equal pay for equal work, and if that makes her a feminist, then so be it. But she prefers to be a role model through her actions rather than just words.

Dolly’s Stance on Politics and Feminism

When it comes to politics, Dolly has chosen to stay out of the fray. She believes that getting too political can alienate a portion of her audience, and she’s all about bringing people together. She’s dismayed by how polarized politics has become and believes it’s counterproductive to label oneself strictly as a Republican or Democrat. In her own words, she hates politics, but she’s not afraid to speak out through her music when she feels the need to make a statement about the world’s issues.

Despite her immense fame and success, Dolly remains down-to-earth and compassionate. She believes in leaving her heart open and her mouth closed when it’s not the right time to speak. With nearly 78 years of life experience, she’s seen it all, been through it all, and can offer a fresh perspective on things that may have been right for her in the past. She has no regrets and prefers to live life on her terms, no matter how outrageous her fashion choices may have been.

Dolly Parton is a legend in her own right, a true original who’s unafraid to be herself and inspire others along the way. She may not fit neatly into any one category, but that’s precisely what makes her so iconic and beloved. So, as Dolly herself might say, let’s all take a cue from her and march to the beat of our own rhinestone-studded drums.