Dolly Parton took control of her career by making men the butt of the joke
Whether ad-libbing her way through a duet or joking about her glamorous image, Parton turned sexist assumptions into a source of power.
In a memorable moment on "The Porter Wagoner Show" in 1973, Dolly Parton took control of a musical performance by making her co-host, Porter Wagoner, the butt of the joke. Parton had been performing with Wagoner since 1967, but felt constrained by his dominance over her songs. During the duo's rendition of "Run That By Me One More Time," a song Parton had written, Wagoner began the performance by dismissing her creative input.
Undeterred, Parton launched into her verse, teasingly threatening to "kick him in the side" after the performance. When it was Wagoner's turn to sing his verse, Parton interrupted him, launching into an improvised explanation about a missing rent check. She conveyed her disbelief and frustration with nonchalance, keeping Wagoner off-balance and the audience in stitches.
The incident showcased Parton's quick wit and ability to turn the tables on the industry that often marginalized women artists. By making men the subject of her humor, Parton challenged expectations and shed light on gendered biases within the country music scene. This approach paved the way for her remarkable career, which culminated in 25 No. 1 country singles, 10 Grammy awards, and 44 Top 10 country albums, cementing her legacy as a pioneering force in the genre.
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