Dolly Parton: The Good and Questionable of an Icon

Dolly Parton is one of the most influential and beloved country music artists in history. With more than 6 decades devoted to her craft, she has achieved many successes throughout an impressive career. It's no surprise that she's won countless accolades including eight Grammy awards, ten Country Music Association Awards and even a Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement in 2019. Despite Dolly’s remarkable success, some point out her questionable songwriting choices in newer music while also highlighting how she consistently finds new ways to speak out on timely topics when it counts. To examine both appraisals better, let’s take a closer look at something critical and something good about this incredible artist!

When it comes to country music, the name Dolly Parton is often the first to come to mind. Her six-decade-long career has paved the way for countless artists in the industry. Dolly's influence goes beyond just music; she's been a role model for women across the globe and has also been a philanthropist with her Imagination Library that sends free books to children in need. However, while Dolly is an undoubtedly iconic artist, some fans have started to question her songwriting choices in more recent releases. So, let's dive into both the good and questionable of Dolly Parton.

Firstly, let's talk about the good that Dolly Parton brings to the table. Throughout her career, she's been a trailblazer for women in country music. Dolly broke barriers in a male-dominated industry and paved the way for female country artists, like Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves, who have cited her as an influence. Her music is timeless, and her charisma on stage is undeniable. Dolly Parton has also shown that she cares about people beyond her music. In 2016, she donated to wildfire relief efforts in her home state of Tennessee. The following year, she created the My People Fund to help those affected by the same wildfires and raised over $13 million. It's safe to say that Dolly Parton is much more than an incredible artist; she's a humanitarian.

On the other hand, some fans have raised concerns about the quality of her songwriting in recent years. Some feel that her more recent music is not up to the standard that we've come to expect from her. While this is subjective, fans of the early Dolly Parton may feel that her new music is too commercial or that it lacks the authenticity of her earlier work. However, that's not to say that Dolly doesn't speak out on current issues in her songwriting. She addressed the #MeToo movement in her 2019 song When a Girl Can't Get Ahead and spoke out in favor of Black Lives Matter during the 2020 protests.

It's essential to note that Dolly Parton has more than just a music career. Her Imagination Library has sent out over 100 million free books to children all over the world. With this program, Dolly shows time and time again that she's just as passionate about education as she is about music. Dolly has also been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, even before it was widely accepted. Her support has been unwavering, and she has stated that she believes that all people are equal regardless of sexuality. She has also been praised for her work with the LGBTQ+ youth, such as donating $1,000,000 to Vanderbilt's Children's Hospital that allowed the opening of a new wing of the hospital.

Dolly Parton is an icon that has left an indelible mark on the world of music, philanthropy, and human rights advocacy. While some may question her more recent music, there is no denying her impact on popular culture. From 9 to 5 to Jolene to the Imagination Library, Dolly Parton has given us countless gifts through her music, writing, and philanthropy. In short, there's a good reason why Dolly Parton is so beloved by fans far and wide.