Everyone loves Dolly Parton.
The icon – with whom in an extensive interview The Hollywood Reporter discusses her new rock album, all-star collaborations and more – is your favorite singer’s favorite singer. And those singers, from Ringo Starr to Sting to Carrie Underwood, tell us why they’ll always love Dolly Parton.
Ringo Starr
‘I’ve known Dolly since the ’70s; over the years we came across her. She has always been so wonderful, and I have admired how much good she does in the world. I first got the call through Mick Fleetwood that Dolly was trying to reach me and asking if I wanted to continue playing ‘Leave it alone.‘ She sent me the files and it was my pleasure to play on them for her. I love that it’s topping the charts! Well done and peace and love to you, Dolly!
Cyndi Lauper
“The first time I heard Dolly was in 1977 on a jukebox at O’Neal’s bar on Columbus Avenue. She had broken a barrier and made it to Top 40 radio with ‘Here you come again.She was already a successful country star, but this was different. She kept breaking down barriers with her music, and it seemed like Dolly was unstoppable. But then Dolly wrote ‘9 to 5‘ for the movie 9 to 5 and the conversation about how the workplace for women had been brought to the forefront on Top 40 radio? She became a rock star to me. The point is that Dolly continues to break down barriers and still uses her voice and talent to stand up for those who need to be heard. That’s what rockers do. I just love her.”
Lurch
“Dolly’s iconic voice and her spirit are transcendent and unique. Dolly records ‘Every Breath You Take’ for her new album, with Johnny Cash covering my song ‘I hung my head‘ and Toby Keith has a hit ‘I’m so happy I can’t stop crying‘ – are three of my proudest moments as a songwriter.”
Gloria Estefan
“From day one, she has lived her life the way she wanted, unapologetically, breaking the rules for women and artists, breaking new ground musically many times over, owning a style and look that is like no other and having a voice that is recognizable in two notes. And she continues to evolve and grow. If that isn’t a rock star, I don’t know what is.”
Reba McEntire
‘She is special because she came from a barren, hard life. She survived. She improvised. She persisted. She followed her dreams… and she’s still doing it. I love how she treats everyone as equals. When she got the Reba show, everyone was already in love with her, but the way she treated everyone from the actors to the crew behind the scenes, she had them as fans for the rest of their lives.
Carrie Underwood
“Dolly has always been one of my females. She is so much more than an incredible artist and brilliant entrepreneur: she is a force of nature.”
Lionel Richie
“Few artists have influenced as many generations of musicians and fans as Dolly Parton. It is not only her love for the music, but also her love for the people that defines her among the legends. She’s already a rock star; bringing her unique talents to this new genre will be a joy for all of us who are lucky enough to listen.”
Debbie Harry
“Dolly Parton has always been an idol of mine. It’s an absolute honor to be a part of everything she does! Dolly is a smart, beautiful woman with talent enough for a dozen people.”
Dionne Warwick
“She just doesn’t meet strangers; it’s like meeting someone you’ve known for a long time. She is a joy to be with and full of what I love: laughter!!”
