Dolly Parton, known for her hit singles like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” candidly shared in an interview how anti-LGBTQ+ laws in her native state directly affect those closest to her.
The Tennessee native and 11th-time Grammy recipient shared in a recent interview that while she wants to steer away from politics in her state, she also says, “I just want everybody to be treated good.”
Parton went on to note that someone in her family is a member of the community and acknowledges the struggle and that these new laws have affected them negatively.
“I’ve got transgender people; I’ve got gays; I’ve got lesbians; I’ve got drunks; I’ve got drug addicts, all within my own family. I know and love them all, and I do not judge.”
Early on in the year, Tennessee, like many other states, passed a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. They also became the first state to criminalize drag shows.
Dolly Parton is the type of person who we need in society. She has over and over again proved that everyone can love each other and be happy with one another, despite our differences. As the country music industry has a reputation for having homophobic artists who have stated hurtful statements towards the LGBTQ+ community, Parton has reinforced the idea that not all artists will be hateful.
Despite the hatred she received for collaborating with an artist who has expressed anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments in the past, she went on to brush off the criticism by stating, “I don’t condone nor do I condemn; I just accept them.”
This feeling of motherly love that Parton carries with her wonderful wisdom and warm-hearted voice makes us all feel loved because, unfortunately, some of us are missing that with our own families.
Parton has vowed to double-down on her commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Photo courtesy of social media
