Dolly Parton: The Unbreakable Queen In The Crosshairs Of Cancel Culture

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The most uncancellable person in US history—iconic American singer, songwriter, and actress Dolly Parton—has found herself caught in the crosshairs of cancel culture.

Known affectionately as "The Iron Butterfly," "The Smoky Mountain Songbird," and "The Backwoods Barbie," Dolly Parton has enjoyed a blockbuster career spanning over half a century, with more than 100 million records sold worldwide. She is, by all accounts, the top female country music singer of all time.

Parton has long been celebrated for her happy-go-lucky personality. Remarkably, she has managed to appeal to both ultra-conservative and ultra-liberal fans, speaking her mind on important issues without alienating either side. As the country has become increasingly polarized, Parton has stood out as a vibrant centrist, a rare unifier in a divided nation.

Earlier this month, conservative writer Ericka Andersen criticized Parton in the Federalist for her support of the LGBTQ community, calling it a "false gospel." Andersen specifically targeted Parton's use of her Christian faith to justify her inclusiveness, labeling LGBTQ identities as "immoral sexual behavior" and "unaligned with God’s vision for humanity."

This sparked a wave of right-wing vitriol against Parton, with many rallying behind the homophobic outcry. However, a significant contingent defended Parton. "They came for Dolly. We ride at dawn," one fan declared.

The backlash was so intense that even Andersen apologized, expressing regret for her harsh words. "As I wrote in the piece, I love her and think she does some incredible things for the world. We all make poor choices in how to frame things sometimes. This was one of those moments for me! Dolly is one of the few people who is beloved by all and who loves all. The world is lucky to have her," Andersen wrote.

But has the cancel culture train left the station? Have the haters tarnished Dolly Parton's image as the magical unifier she has long been?

Parton has never shied away from politics or advocating for causes she believes in. Her philanthropic work through her foundation, Dollywood, includes support for hospitals and healthcare (including a $1 million donation for COVID-19 vaccine research), animal rights, education, and more.

A steadfast supporter of the LGBTQ community, Parton has taken the stage at LGBTQ events, preaching love and acceptance. Her kindness and inclusivity, even in her music, stand out. Her hit song "Jolene" is so empathetic in its portrayal of another woman that some academics have analyzed it as an encoded lesbian anthem.

Parton has long been untouchable. While others like Taylor Swift and Kanye West have faced intense scrutiny and polarization, Dolly Parton has remained largely unscathed. She has been a symbol of fun, kindness, and unity, a beloved figure across political and cultural divides.

Left-wing, right-wing—everybody loves Dolly Parton. The California gays and the Alabama hillbillies alike planned getaways to Dollywood, Parton’s Pigeon Forge, Tennessee-based theme park. Nowhere else in America would those two factions walk through a giant pink butterfly entrance together and stand in line, excited about the same attractions.

Parton has long been the great equalizer. I often joked—and worried—that she was the canary in the coal mine. When they came for her, all hope would be lost. As long as Dolly Parton remained cheerful and unscathed, I believed America had a chance to overcome its challenges and move forward as a united nation. But now, with arrows aimed at Parton, I feel only existential dread (and the catchy lyrics of "Jolene" playing on a loop in my weary head).

Indeed, the attacks on Dolly Parton are a stark reminder of America's decline and the looming threat of civil war. Nothing is sacred, not even our beloved country singer.

However, there is a glimmer of hope. Dolly Parton herself once said, “A kaleidoscope of colors, you can toss her round and round. You can keep her in your vision, but you never keep her down.”

Perhaps America can dust itself off from this ugly skirmish and start anew. If we can heal from this episode, we might just uncancel Dolly Parton and, in the process, find a way to heal our divided nation.

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