How the ‘backwoods Barbie’ Dolly Parton turned self-aware artifice into authentic artistry

Dolly Parton, the country music icon known as the "Queen of Country", passed away at the age of 80. Born as Dolly Rebecca Parton, her real name stands out amidst the mixed perceptions of her authenticity. Throughout her career, Dolly was often associated with artificiality, from her physical appearance to her "Dumb Blonde" persona in the 1960s. She embraced this artificiality, using it as a trademark and a signature in her art.

Her first hit on the country charts was Dumb Blonde in 1967, a name that reflected her visually striking blonde hair. Despite her obvious artificiality, Dolly made a conscious decision to play with the contradiction of her image. In 1967, she released her first LP, Hello, I'm Dolly, which showcased her positioning herself as "Dolly" in a genre where sincerity was highly valued.

The sincerity of country music was questioned during the late 1960s, a time when experimental rock and folk-pop were gaining popularity. However, country music's claim to authenticity resonated with conservative audiences. Nashville, which was the center of the country music scene, welcomed Dolly into the fold due to her authentic roots and original hits. Unlike her contemporaries, she wrote her own songs, setting her apart from the competition.

In the 1970s, Dolly continued to work the country circuit, with her song Jolene breaking into the mainstream in 1974. However, it was in the 1980s that she began playing with the dynamic between real and fake, especially with her acting talent and wit. Critics like Roger Ebert were astonished by her "natural exuberance" in films like 9 to 5, implying that her overly feminine body was at odds with her talent and depth.

Nevertheless, Dolly's witticism as "Backwoods Barbie" in a 2013 60 Minutes interview highlighted her ability to move between real and façade, resonating with both her conservative country audience and queer communities.