Dolly Parton Shares Her Thoughts On Oliver Anthony’s Success

Dolly Parton recently sat down with the Hollywood Reporter to promote her new album, Rockstar, and addressed the success of controversial songs like Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town” and Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North Of Richmond.”

Dolly Parton isn’t one to mince words. The country music icon knows how to be honest, to the point, and do so with class. That’s exactly what she did when asked about the success of crossover hits like “Try That In a Small Town” and “Rich Men North Of Richmond,” both of which were considered highly controversial and divisive.

Dolly is an outspoken advocate for country music of all kinds, and her response to the question was exactly what we would expect.

“I think it’s great. I feel the same way about that as I do about people and changes and whoever. I’m just proud that country music is that popular. Everybody has a right to sing it, if they feel it, and if they love it,” Dolly said. “If you can sing country music and you love it, I’m just proud that it’s become [big].”

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She added that there will always be fans who love classic country music, and there will be those who prefer the new country music. Dolly is just glad to see the country music genre thriving and growing.

“Seeing all the Black people coming into our business — I think it’s great, ‘cause they sing this. Who besides them could sing about hard-a** times? That’s what country music is about.”

Read Dolly Parton’s full interview with the Hollywood Reporter HERE.

Dolly Parton is currently promoting her first rock album, Rockstar, scheduled to be released November 17.

Two days ahead of the album release, fans will get a chance to hear and see Dolly’s new music in theaters. A “Global First Listen Event” will bring select performances from the album to theaters and cinemas worldwide. Dolly shared the news about the premiere event in a video posted to social media. In the clip, the “Jolene” singer is shown on stage and in the studio as well as backstage and on her bus. The caption promises exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from various stages of Dolly’s career.

Watch the announcement in the video below.