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What does Dolly Parton think about controversial artists such as Morgan Wallen and Jason Aldean topping the country charts? The legendary singer breaks her silence. Keep reading to find out what she has to say.
Morgan Wallen Escapes Cancel Culture After N-Word Scandal
Morgan Wallen’s skyrocketing career was nearly derailed in 2021 when he was caught on camera uttering the n-word. His music was pulled from radio, and Wallen was suspended by his record label, Big Loud Records. The Academy of Country Music banned him from the ACM awards for one year.
The “Heartless” singer apologized during a national interview on ABC’s Good Morning America. Billboard reports that the scandal actually boosted the country artist’s album and streaming sales.
After canceling his 2021 summer tour and laying low for a few months, Wallen returned to the public eye. His first public performance after the scandal was at Kid Rock’s Nashville honky tonk three months after the video of him saying the slur went viral.
(Interestingly, Kid Rock faced backlash in 2023 for his anti-trans comments. Click here to see what Dolly Parton had to say about that.)
In February 2022, Morgan Wallen reached the top of the charts for the first time since the scandal the previous year with his song “Sand in My Boots.” He resumed touring and his pre-scandal popularity.
ONE NIGHT AT A TIME 2024
Register for access to tickets here: https://t.co/eL6uK8svzS pic.twitter.com/zIIa7B3Xwv
— morgan wallen (@MorganWallen) September 26, 2023
Controversial Song Takes Jason Aldean To The Top
Two years after Morgan Wallen faced backlash for using a racial slur, Jason Aldean was accused of something similar. Many people took the video for his song “Try That in a Small Town” as pro-lynching and encouraging violence against minorities.
The video was released in July, and just as the controversy died down, Aldean went on the media circuit to promote a new album that features the song. During multiple TV and news magazine interviews, Aldean has faced questions about the song and video.
Unlike Morgan Wallen, Aldean refused to apologize for the song or video. He says that any perceived racism is in the eye of the beholder and was never his intention.
He did recently express one regret about the video but mostly continues to stand by – even defend – the song’s theme of small-town community action.
Dolly Parton Breaks Silence On Morgan Wallen & Jason Aldean Controversies
Dolly Parton is on a media tour herself to promote her upcoming rock album, as well as her newly released fashion book. Rockstar hits stores on November 17 and features many heavyweights in the music industry, including Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Chris Stapleton, and Kid Rock.
Wow! ‘Behind the Seam: My Life in Rhinestones’ is a New York Times Bestseller ❤️ I’m so incredibly proud of this book and all the hard work that went into it. ‘Behind the Seams’ is available now! https://t.co/NcA3zGUokx pic.twitter.com/ccsBTktf84
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) November 4, 2023
During an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, the “9 to 5” singer was asked about her thoughts on the “divisive” music of Aldean and Wallen. Parton never shies away from speaking her mind, but her response is still somewhat surprising, given her activism and philanthropy.
The country music icon said she thought it was “great” that the songs are getting airplay and topping the charts. She explained her stance further.
“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. If you can sing country music and you love it, I’m just proud that it’s become [big].” – Dolly Parton, Hollywood Reporter.
However, she also praised the diversity happening in country music. “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.”
Do you agree with Dolly Parton that the success of country music is the most important part of the scandals involving Wallen and Aldean? Share your thoughts in the comments.