Dolly Parton and politics have always had an interesting relationship. On the one hand, she wrote 9 to 5, the anthem for working women and the theme song for a movie inspired by a new labor union. On the other hand, she refuses to answer questions about President Trump, or any question on politics period. Her nephew calls this “Dollitics”: Dolly doesn’t take a position because she knows half her fans are on the right, half are on the left. In this moment in history, how should we think of this kind of fiercely apolitical stance? Is it desirable, or even possible?
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It's verbal judo.
She's the best interviewee on the planet.
Nobody does interviews like Dolly.
I'm very outspoken politically, but I try not to talk Dolly ticks at all.
Anyway, so we're getting ready to go.
We're just waiting here in the wings.
Gotcha.
Then we're gonna go get in the car.
I'm excited about that.
Ask me whatever you ask me and I'm gonna tell you what I want you to hear.
I'm Chad Abumrad.
This is Dolly Barnes, America.
Episode 5 Dollatics Hat Tip to Brian Sievert, Dolly's nephew and bodyguard, for coining the term.
We begin this episode in London in room 327 at the Savoy Hotel.
Yeah, well, they actually changed it.
Oh, they did.
Just a few minutes before Dolly is supposed to walk the red carpet for the premiere of Nine to Five, the Musical.
Nine to Five, if you don't know.
Massive film from 1980 about three women who rise up against their sexist, egotistical boss.