Was Dolly Parton a feminist? She wouldn’t say it, but fans heard it — in her life and her lyrics
Smiling on the January 1987 cover of Ms., the magazine co-founded by feminism pioneer Gloria Steinem, are its 12 Women of the Year. They include a U.S. senator, a renowned novelist, a former nun who helped Central American refugees. And, smiling brightest of…
Dolly Parton, the country music icon who passed away at the age of 80, never identified herself as a feminist. However, her actions, life choices, and lyrics suggest a strong feminist spirit. In 2014, when she made a guest appearance on NBC's "Today" show, she was featured on the cover of the magazine Ms., which had previously named her as one of its 12 Women of the Year.
Despite avoiding political labels, Parton's lyrics and public statements reveal her beliefs in gender equality and independence. Fans, like Lynn Melnick, author of "I've Had to Think Up a Way to Survive: On Trauma, Persistence, and Dolly Parton," found evidence of her feminist views in her music and personal actions. Parton's song "Just Because I’m a Woman" directly addressed the double standard women faced in relationships, making clear that her own mistakes were no worse than those of men.
This frank discussion of gender dynamics with her husband, after he questioned her fidelity, demonstrated Parton's commitment to equality in her personal life. Her ability to make these points humorously and inclusively endeared her to fans of all genders, cementing her status as a champion of female empowerment.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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