Dolly Parton fans rush to her defense after conservative magazine attacks her support for LGBTQ rights

Dolly Parton fans rush to her defense after conservative magazine attacks her support for LGBTQ rights

Dolly Parton’s fans are defending the country music icon after an essay in the Federalist conservative news site went after the 78-year-old “Jolene” singer’s faith earlier this week due to her support for the LGBTQ community.

The headline, “There’s Nothing Loving About Dolly Parton’s False Gospel,” caught many people off guard. Supporters flooded social media with messages critical of the essay, and the writer has now expressed regret for using such a beloved figure to make her point.

Here’s what to know.

🗯️What did the Federalist say about Dolly Parton?

Federalist writer Ericka Andersen criticized Parton for her nonjudgmental approach to life and her claim that she loves everyone — including members of the LGBTQ community, whom she has supported in interviews.

Andersen argued that if Parton is a Christian, as she proclaims, she should call out homosexuality as a sin. “Parton’s version of love, which includes condoning immoral sexual behavior (‘be who you are,’ she’s said), is unaligned with God’s vision for humanity,” Andersen wrote.

But Andersen told Yahoo Entertainment on Saturday that the widespread backlash made her realize she shouldn’t have used Parton to press her argument.

“I regret using Dolly as the example for the point I was making in the article,” she said. “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.”

✝️What has Dolly Parton said about her faith?

Parton tends to speak generally about her faith and love of God. In her 2020 book Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, she said, “I’m not that religious, but I’m very, very spiritual. I grew up in very religious surroundings. I grew up with a Bible background, and I’m glad I did.”

In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Parton said, “I ain’t that good a Christian to think that I am so good that I can judge people. That’s God’s job, not mine. So as far as politics, I hate politics.”

💬What Dolly Parton’s fans are saying now

Fans on X, formerly Twitter, were anything but happy to see the Federalist coming for Parton. (A different writer for the Federalist declared in 2016 that the “Islands in the Stream” crooner would make an excellent president.)

“They came for Dolly. We ride at dawn,” one fan wrote alongside a screenshot of the article.

“Folks, a land war in Asia is the SECOND biggest blunder anyone can make,” another added. “The first? Coming for Dolly Parton.”

“No. You do not come after Dolly Parton. You absolutely do not,” a third shared.

“I will go after anyone on this app … except Dolly Parton,” another shared. “Delete your whole account.”

🏳️‍🌈What Dolly Parton has said about the LGBTQ community

While Parton may detest politics, she spoke to the Hollywood Reporter in 2023 about how the recent onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation affects people she loves.

“I have some of everybody in my own immediate family and in my circle of employees,” she explained. “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. And I just see how broken-hearted they get over certain things and I know how real they are.”

She continued: “I know how important this is to them. That’s who they are. They cannot help that any more than I can help being Dolly Parton, you know, the way people know me. If there’s something to be judged, that is God’s business. But we are all God’s children and how we are is who we are.”

This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.

You can view the original article HERE.

Taylor Swift Standing on Business, Blazer and Miniskirt at Chiefs Game
Taylor Swift Standing on Business, Blazer and Miniskirt at Chiefs Game
Folie à Deux’ Actor Says Cast Knew Movie Would Bomb While Making It
Folie à Deux’ Actor Says Cast Knew Movie Would Bomb While Making It
Peanut the Squirrel Controversy Likely Contributed to Trump Win, Owner Believes
Peanut the Squirrel Controversy Likely Contributed to Trump Win, Owner Believes
George Clooney, Paul Rudd and other past ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ winners offer advice for the newest titleholder
George Clooney, Paul Rudd and other past ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ winners offer advice for the newest titleholder
Netflix’s The Diplomat Is More Real Than You Think
Netflix’s The Diplomat Is More Real Than You Think
A Quiet Place Creators Say the Franchise Should Try TV & Go International
A Quiet Place Creators Say the Franchise Should Try TV & Go International
Coming of Consciousness: Tyler Taormina on Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point | Interviews
Coming of Consciousness: Tyler Taormina on Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point | Interviews
Yellowstone Star Wes Bentley on the Show’s Final Episodes & Jamie’s Feud with Beth
Yellowstone Star Wes Bentley on the Show’s Final Episodes & Jamie’s Feud with Beth
HBO denies ‘Euphoria’ season three has been cancelled: “Nothing has changed”
HBO denies ‘Euphoria’ season three has been cancelled: “Nothing has changed”
Taylor Swift Taking Break After ‘Eras Tour’: What Are Her Plans?
Taylor Swift Taking Break After ‘Eras Tour’: What Are Her Plans?
Rosie Perez on how Madonna asked her to “hook her up” with Tupac
Rosie Perez on how Madonna asked her to “hook her up” with Tupac
Chris Brown’s Grammy Nominations Earn Swift Backlash
Chris Brown’s Grammy Nominations Earn Swift Backlash
Report: Jaguars’ Lawrence week-to-week with significant shoulder injury
Report: Jaguars’ Lawrence week-to-week with significant shoulder injury
Cavs brush aside Warriors to push winning streak to 10 games
Cavs brush aside Warriors to push winning streak to 10 games
Repory: Saints’ Olave likely headed to IR, could miss rest of season
Repory: Saints’ Olave likely headed to IR, could miss rest of season
Lamar, Burrow combine for 8 TDs as Ravens hold off Bengals in thriller
Lamar, Burrow combine for 8 TDs as Ravens hold off Bengals in thriller
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser on Beth and Rip’s Wild Ride in Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser on Beth and Rip’s Wild Ride in Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2
9 Documentaries About Child Stars That Are Tough to Watch, but Worth It
9 Documentaries About Child Stars That Are Tough to Watch, but Worth It
Blue Bloods Season 14 Episode 14 Showcased Every Reason This Show Will Be Sorely Missed
Blue Bloods Season 14 Episode 14 Showcased Every Reason This Show Will Be Sorely Missed
Anthony Mackie’s Elevation Gets Middling 52% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Anthony Mackie’s Elevation Gets Middling 52% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Heidi Klum Loves Dinner Parties, Luxe Lingerie, & Pineapple On Pizza!
Heidi Klum Loves Dinner Parties, Luxe Lingerie, & Pineapple On Pizza!
Valentino Beauty Spike Valentino Lipstick
Valentino Beauty Spike Valentino Lipstick
Inside The Society of MSK and Prada’s Annual Fall Party
Inside The Society of MSK and Prada’s Annual Fall Party
Gammys Nominations, SKIMS’ Family Holiday Campaign, & More!
Gammys Nominations, SKIMS’ Family Holiday Campaign, & More!