Surprisingly, the first blog post about a metal hero is not on a traditionally thought “metalhead” herself, but Dolly Parton embraced a true rock and roll spirit. It’s in her attitude about life, self-expression, and her community building efforts.
The world sadly lost Dolly just this Tuesday, August 25th, 2026. Dolly Parton was sunshine personified. She never changed to make herself palatable for others who didn’t understand. She was proud to be and look different from others. This feels so true to the metal and rock spirit. Being yourself against what is considered mainstream. Expressing yourself outwardly in a way that is most authentic to who you want to be and how you want to be perceived.
In an interview with Barbara Walters in 1978 (a painful watch), Dolly shows no cracks in her formidable confidence. She’s asked invasive questions about her body, if she feels she is a ‘joke,” and about the fidelity of her marriage. She met every dagger thrown at her with a response that had the perfect balance of a kind smile and an assertive answer. When asked about her appearance, Dolly said, “I decided that I would do something that would at least get the attention. Once they got past the shock of the ridiculous way I looked and all that, they would see there was parts of me to be appreciated. I’m very real where it counts” (ABC News, 2025).
What really mattered to her was what was on the inside. Another truth for the metal and rock community members: you may see an all black outfit and a “tough” exterior, yet you may meet the biggest sweetheart underneath. Beyond the looks we choose on the outside, it is about who we are and the values we live that should be embraced most.
And we cannot forget her album “Rockstar” released in 2023. She featured over 40 musicians on this album (DiVita, 2023). Not all of those musicians would be considered rock and metal icons themselves even. Upon the release of her album she shared some thoughts on the genre, “Rock is not just a sound,” she said. “It’s an attitude. Doing things your way, being a rebel. That’s why I think I’ve always had some rock’n’roll in my soul” (Hughes, 2026).
It feels cheap to shorten her incredible philanthropic and social efforts into one paragraph. For the sake of time, I’lll say this: Dolly’s larger than life persona and songs gained the attention of the world, and she used her platform and privilege with such consideration for humankind. She never forgot who she was and the people who supported her. You can find countless efforts she supported in wellness, the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community, readers, disaster relief, and so on. That will live on through the Dollywood Foundation and The Imagination Library, just to name a few.
Lastly, Dolly had many incredible quotes in her lifetime. She was a true artist after all. However, one favorite stands out as mental health is considered in this piece:
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
Thank you for your generosity beyond measure, your timeless music, and infectious giggles, Dolly. You embraced a certain spirit that spans all music types and most certainly is welcome in this one.
I’ll be looking forward to the next time I listen to hundreds of metalheads sing “Jolene” as it plays between sets at a show (true story and not a unique one; she is loved across genres!).
References
ABC News. (2025, August 11). Barbara Walters” memorable interview with Dolly Parton (1978). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdgsKfFvM8I
DiVita, J. (2023, May 9). Dolly Parton Announces Over 40 Special Guests on 30-Track Album “Rockstar.” Loudwire. https://loudwire.com/dolly-parton-rockstar-album-track-listing-guest-musicians/
Hughes, R. (2026, August 25). How Dolly Parton corralled a Who’s Who of rock royalty to record her landmark Rockstar album: “There’s more aggression in rock’n’roll – you’ve got to treat it with respect.” Louder. https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/interviews/how-dolly-parton-made-rock-star
Richards, B. (2026, August 25). Dolly Parton, ‘Addicted to the Feeling of Giving,’ Leaves Behind a Remarkable Legacy of Charity. People.Com; PEOPLE. https://people.com/dolly-parton-legacy-charity-12065985