Dolly Parton Stuns Fans with Pride Month Comments: “Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far”
In a move that’s shocked both admirers and critics, country music icon Dolly Parton has announced she won’t be participating in Pride Month this June — a sharp break from her longtime image as a beloved LGBTQ+ ally.
The Interview That Lit the Fuse
Speaking to The Tennessee Voice, Dolly shared:
“I love everybody, but I’m stepping back from Pride this year. ‘Woke’ culture isn’t about love and inclusion anymore — it’s become divisive and political. That’s not something I can support.”
Her words went viral almost instantly, with headlines exploding and social media reactions flooding in.
A Shocking Pivot from a Longtime LGBTQ+ Supporter
Dolly has been praised for decades for championing inclusion and equality — from hosting queer-friendly events at Dollywood to embracing fans from all walks of life. This unexpected statement has left many confused and heartbroken.
Some argue she’s calling out what they see as the commercialization of Pride, while others say it’s a betrayal of the very values she once represented.
Backlash & Applause: The Internet Reacts
The response has been explosive:
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LGBTQ+ groups have expressed concern, fearing her words could fuel anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
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Conservative voices, on the other hand, are applauding what they call “refreshing honesty.”
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Fans are torn, with posts ranging from heartbreak to cheers.
One person tweeted:
“She was my icon for loving everyone. Now I feel let down.”
While another posted:
“Finally, someone speaking up against fake inclusivity. Respect to Dolly.”
Dolly Responds Again
Amid the storm, Parton released a clarification through her team:
“I’ll always love my LGBTQ+ fans. But I believe Pride has lost its true meaning. I can’t support something that feels more like marketing than movement.”
The Bigger Picture
Dolly’s remarks have sparked a bigger conversation — not just about Pride, but about how celebrities navigate activism in a deeply divided cultural moment. Whether this affects her legacy remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: this June, Dolly’s silence is louder than ever.