By Debbie Hall
“If you’re gay, you’re gay. If you’re straight, you’re straight. And you should be allowed to be, you know, how you are, and who you are. I don’t believe we should criticize and judge other people. I think we should be accepting and loving. We are all God’s children. We are who we are, and we should be allowed to be who we are.”
Dolly Parton explicitly expressed her support for acceptance and love, reinforcing her role as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community during her 2003 interview with “Larry King” on CNN.
As the world mourns her, her LGBTQ+ fans remember an artist whose unwavering message of love, acceptance and individuality inspires hope and comfort for all.
Parton knew how to make an entrance.
The towering blonde hair. The rhinestones. The sparkling dresses. The impossibly high heels. The larger-than-life personality.
The contest was held at a West Hollywood gay bar, where Parton joined friends and decided to compete incognito. This story highlights her playful, supportive relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, showing her willingness to join their world with humor and humility.
The contest was held at a West Hollywood gay bar, where Parton joined a group of friends and decided to compete without revealing who she really was. She later recalled seeing the drag queens competing and realizing she was up against people who had perfected the Dolly look.
Parton lost.
Judging was done based on the number of times the audience applauded, and Dolly couldn’t compete with the drag queens when it came to out-Dollying.
She didn’t feel insulted at all; she found it hilarious. Her humor and personality, which made her so relatable, shone through in stories like this, endearing her to fans and the LGBTQ+ community alike.
For an artist whose looks became just as popular as her musical performances, it seemed absolutely appropriate.
Dolly and the LGBTQ+ Community
Parton’s connection to the LGBTQ+ community wasn’t just about the lookalike contest.
LGBTQ+ individuals have always considered Parton an idol based on the qualities she exhibited throughout her life. These include uniqueness, glamour, humor, strength and freedom.
In response, Parton has always shown gratitude to her LGBTQ+ fans.
This was especially unique, considering that Parton built her career in country music, which has a rich tradition in the US South and among conservative audiences.
However, Parton has gained immense popularity despite sending a message of tolerance all along.
A Drag Queen’s Dolly Is a Compliment
Her rendition of “Jolene” as a “drag queen” during her 2019 appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers shows the love between Parton and the LGBTQ+ community.
Perhaps that is why the bond continues.
Parton was not trying to become a drag queen.
She was simply comfortable enough with herself to laugh when drag queens did a better Dolly than Dolly.
More Than an Image
Her support for the LGBTQ+ community, including her rejection of discriminatory laws and her consistent statements promoting tolerance and equality, leaves a legacy that inspires pride and a call to continue her work for justice.
Her philosophy was simple.
Love people.
Don’t judge them.
Let people be who they are.
A Legacy Las Vegas Will Remember
In Las Vegas, Parton’s legacy feels especially relevant.
Her aesthetic could have been created for the Strip.
Countless artists have performed her songs.
Drag performers have re-created her image.
Her ability to blend entertainment with an enormous personality helped create the kind of cultural phenomenon Las Vegas understands better than almost anywhere.
Parton’s death at 80 on Aug. 25, following a brief battle with cancer, brings an extraordinary seven-decade career to a close. Her family announced her death, and her representatives confirmed the cancer diagnosis.
But for LGBTQ+ fans, the memories extend beyond the awards, hit records, movie and television appearances and iconic songs.
It celebrates her legacy of love for all people and her commitment to stand up for everyone’s rights.
