A resurfaced video of Dolly Parton advocating for LGBTQ+ acceptance is touching hearts across the internet, as concerns grow over the music legend’s health.
The beloved 79-year-old singer, whose husband Carl Dean passed away in March at age 82, will not attend the upcoming 16th Governor Awards in Hollywood on 16 November due to what has been described as “health challenges,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Dolly has also been forced to postpone six planned concerts in Las Vegas later this year, raising further concern among her fans.
“That’s God’s Job”
Amid the uncertainty, a powerful and heartfelt clip of Dolly speaking about love and acceptance has gone viral on TikTok. The video, originally from a past interview with talk show host Larry King, shows Dolly expressing her views on LGBTQ+ rights with her signature warmth and wisdom.
“If you’re gay, you’re gay. If you’re straight, you’re straight. We are who we are,” she says.
“I don’t believe that we should criticise and judge other people. I think we should be accepting and loving. We are all God’s children. I keep saying, ‘Well, if you’re the fine Christian you think you are, why are you judging people?’ That’s God’s job. We’re not God.”
She continued:
“We’re not judges. We’re supposed to love one another, we’re not supposed to judge, and we’re not supposed to take vengeance on other people. That’s God’s job.”
“I’ve got too much to do on my own [without] trying to do God’s work, and you should be allowed to be how you are and who you are.”
The clip has resonated widely, amassing over a million views and 159,000 likes. Comments praise Parton as a “true Christian,” a “national treasure,” and someone whose compassion has inspired generations. “We don’t deserve Dolly,” one commenter wrote. “Love her so much.”
A Lifelong LGBTQ+ Ally
Dolly Parton’s support for LGBTQ+ people is well-documented. From dedicating songs to the community in her 1991 album Eagle When She Flies, to publicly opposing discriminatory laws such as trans bathroom bans, Parton has long been an outspoken ally. She continues to be adored as an icon within the LGBTQ+ community.
Honouring Her Husband’s Memory
In March, Dolly confirmed the passing of her longtime husband Carl Dean, whom she met at 18. Reflecting on their nearly six-decade relationship, Dolly posted a heartfelt message to Instagram thanking fans for their support.
“This is a love note to family, friends, and fans. Thank you for all the messages, cards, and flowers you’ve sent to pay your respects for the loss of my beloved husband Carl,” she wrote.
“I can’t reach out personally to each of you but just know it has meant the world to me. He is in God’s arms now and I am okay with that. I will always love you.”
As Dolly steps back from public events to prioritise her health, fans continue to send her love — echoing her own message of acceptance, compassion, and strength.
