Dolly Parton is a music icon who also has a big heart. In fact, she is so well liked that some people want Confederate monuments in Tennessee to be replaced by statues of Parton.

She is rich, famous and very talented, but she is also willing to change with the times and use her voice whenever possible. For example, as she became more aware of how hurtful some words are (like “dixie”), she proactively made changes. The dinner attraction she owns used to be called Dixie Stampede, but in 2018, she changed the name to Dolly Parton’s Stampede.

Parton told Billboard, “There’s such a thing as innocent ignorance, and so many of us are guilty of that.” As soon as she was told that “dixie” was an offensive word, she decided to change the name. She added, “I would never dream of hurting anybody on purpose.”

Now, 2 years after the name change, Parton is voicing her support for Black Lives Matter. She told Billboard, “And of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white asses are the only ones that matter? No!”

Parton doesn’t want to judge anyone or offend anyone, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have her own opinions or that she doesn’t stand up for anything. Her basic outlook on life is, “God is the judge, not us. I just try to be myself. I try to let everybody else be themselves.”

Sounds like a good plan. It’s hard to argue with someone as successful and as well-liked as Parton. For more about Parton’s stance on Black Lives Matter, watch the video below.

 

 

At 74 years young, Parton is hardly slowing down. In fact, there are ideas for books, music, touring, and even a musical in the works. Parton told Billboard, “I honestly feel like I’m just getting started. I know that sounds crazy but I really feel like I might have a big music career, record career. Who knows?”

Are you a fan of Parton’s music? Does it surprise you that she is speaking out in support of Black Lives Matter?