Dolly Parton kept political neutrality throughout career, dies aged 80
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Donald Trump said Dolly Parton “really liked” him while paying tribute after the country music star’s reported death at the age of 80. His comments drew attention to Parton’s long-standing practice of avoiding public political alignment, despite repeated attempts by interviewers to elicit her views on him and US elections.
Trump ordered US flags to fly at half-mast for a week and praised Parton as an exceptional performer. The article recounts that she called Trump and Hillary Clinton “both nuts” in 2016 while endorsing neither candidate, and later declined further political questions; it also says she had cancelled a planned Las Vegas residency amid health problems and reportedly spent her final days in a Nashville cancer centre.
- Trump claimed politically neutral Parton “really liked” him.
- Parton repeatedly declined to discuss political figures publicly.
- Health problems had led to cancelled performances.
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Dolly Parton was one of the best-known figures in American country music, known for hits such as "Jolene" and "9 to 5" as well as ventures including her Dollywood theme park. Throughout a career spanning several decades, she was notable for deliberately avoiding taking sides in party politics, even as she became a cultural figure claimed by people across the political spectrum.
She repeatedly declined opportunities that might have linked her to a particular political camp, including turning down a top US civilian honour offered under different administrations, and avoided answering questions about individual politicians directly. She often described her approach with humour, noting that her parents supported different parties, and defended her willingness to work with musicians of varying political views.
Her death at the age of 80 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and performers, reflecting her wide-reaching popularity across audiences who did not always agree with one another politically. Her family has asked for privacy regarding funeral arrangements.
Coverage
- Variety Music — Taylor Swift honours Dolly Parton after her death
- Deadline — ‘9 To 5: The Musical’ Cast Pays Tribute To Dolly Parton: “Our Deepest Thanks For The Music, Laughter & Joy She Gave Us”
- Rolling Stone — Beyoncé Honors ‘Cowboy Carter’ Collaborator Dolly Parton: ‘You Were the Barometer’
- Billboard — Dolly Parton’s unreleased song scheduled for release in 2046
- Rolling Stone — Orville Peck Remembers Dolly Parton During Emotional Appearance in London
- Fox News — Dolly Parton refused to pick political sides for decades: ‘I’m not in politics, I’m an entertainer’