Throwback Interview Where Dolly Parton Shutdown Barbara Walters
Dolly Parton is one of the most influential country singers of all time. She is a pillar of the music industry. And through her philanthropic efforts, many also agree that she’s a blessing to those who are the beneficiaries of her kind efforts.
People couldn’t believe what they were hearing when an old interview between her and Barbara Walters surfaced online. Throughout the conversation, Walters was being intentionally condescending to her. Viewers couldn’t believe that the interview had actually been broadcast in 1977, when they were watching.
During the interview, Barbara makes a snide remark about Dolly’s appearance during one segment. She simply tells her that she “doesn’t have to look like this,” and then proceeds to list all of the things she believes Dolly is doing incorrectly. She is basically enumerating everything that is characteristic of Dolly Parton’s personal style.
Dolly Parton is an American country music singer, guitarist, and actress best known for pioneering the interface between country and pop music styles. Dolly has always been known for her wild hair, signature makeup, out of this world outfits, and long nails.
Hearing the subtle yet direct comments of Barbara about her looks and overall personality, Dolly simply responded in a way that really makes you think about the true definition of “kill them with kindness.”
In a calm voice, she simply said: “I know they make fun of me, but actually all these years the people, you know, have thought the joke is on me but it’s actually been on the public. I know exactly what I’m doing and I can change it at any time. I make more jokes about myself than anybody…”
Dolly then goes on to tell her that it doesn’t matter what other people think of her since she is proud of who she is, what she stands for, and how she portrays herself. She’s self-assured, and she doesn’t feel like she has to prove herself to anyone, particularly to her, Barbara Walters.
She said, “Like I said, I am sure of myself as a person. I am sure of my talent. And I’m sure of my love for life and that sort of thing. I’m very content. I like the kind of person that I am. So, I can afford to piddle around and do-diddle around with makeup and clothes and stuff because I am secure with myself.”
You’d think Barbara would stop there, but she doesn’t seem to want to stop. She keeps going with her passive aggressive remarks. But Dolly’s reactions to everything that she’s saying are so amusing to watch. She is such a professional that she doesn’t even show any slightest hint of offendedness, which is probably what Barbara was hoping to achieve.
Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, to a big family as the fourth of twelve children. She was the youngest of the children. She was born and raised in Appalachia, where music played an important role in the lives of individuals who, like the Partons, battled to make a livelihood on a meager farm.
Her life experiences taught her a lot. She’s not only loved for the music that she creates, but also for the influence that she has on the younger generation. How she handled the snide comments during that interview made us love her even more. She is truly a professional.
