In a recent interview with Billboard, 74-year-old Dolly Parton demonstrated just how simple adjusting to a changing America can be.
Aside from explaining her reflections and pragmatic responses to the pandemic, Parton voiced her full support for the Black Lives Matter mission and the more general, impassioned push for racial justice across the United States over the last few months:
"I think that everybody needs to express themselves however they feel they have to. I'm not out here to tell you what to do, I don't want you to tell me what to do. I just do what my heart tells me to."
"I understand people having to make themselves known and felt and seen."
"And of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white a**es are the only ones that matter? No!"
To further illustrate those listening abilities, Parton recalled her decision two years ago to change the name of her civil war themed, pyrotechnics-meets-rodeo entertainment venue formerly called the "Dixie Stampede."
After the country star faced public criticism stemming from the association with the term "Dixie" and the slavery era of the United States, Parton dropped it. The attraction was simply renamed "The Stampede."
"When they said 'Dixie' as an offensive word I thought well I don't want to offend anyone, let's just call it 'The Stampede.'"
Parton called the decision to adapt a no-brainer.
People on Twitter were thrilled about Parton's matter-of-fact support.
Others on Twitter took note of the rarity of such a political comment from Parton.
Aside from keeping her ears open to changing political tides in the country, Parton also discussed her $1 million donation to virus research, how she's steered her employees through the dire economic situation they've faced, and put in the tedious work of getting her will and estate in order.
Clearly, the Queen of Country is staying focused and making the most of the pandemic pause.
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