Dolly Parton

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I think the bad about her is the plastic-that's about it.

I like some of her music-I'm not a big fan of country, but I like Dolly. And I prefer her version of "I Will Always Love You".

Whitney's version may be more well-known and successful, but whose life would you rather have-Dolly's, or Whitney's?

[Spinderella]

Even when the songs aren't written by her, and she does covers of songs like, "Heaven Let Your Light Shine" -- LOVE. THAT. VERSION.

Dolly is so my idol. Her attitude is what makes her so well loved.

[pepper67]

I like some of her music-I'm not a big fan of country, but I like Dolly. And I prefer her version of "I Will Always Love You".

Whitney's version may be more well-known and successful, but whose life would you rather have-Dolly's, or Whitney's?

Dolly's, without a doubt. Whitney's is an exercise in vocal gymnastics, but Dolly's reduces me to tears. She puts a wealth of emotion into her songs, and that's what gets me every time.

[kostgard]

I prefer Dolly's version as well. It was heart-felt and personal to her. It was an exercise in volume for Whitney - but I don't begrudge Whitney's success with it, because Dolly must have made some serious bank off of that song, and she deserves every penny of it.

Another Dolly story - Julia Roberts mentioned in an interview once about shooting Steel Magnolias with Dolly about the time they were doing a scene that was supposed to take place in winter so they were all wearing sweaters, but it wasn't actually winter and they were all freakin' hot. Julia was whining about the heat, then noticed Dolly just kinda sitting there and hanging out. So she said, "How can you stand this heat with the sweater and the wig and all that?" and Dolly just said, "I'm just grateful to be here and to do this movie." That shut Julia up.

Of course, now I think Julia needs a refresher course and should go hang with Dolly a couple times a year so she can remember how to be grateful for what you have.

[mugatu]

I don't know why, other than the fact that my emotions are running high (over Dana Reeves among other things)
but this:

So she said, "How can you stand this heat with the sweater and the wig and all that?" and Dolly just said, "I'm just grateful to be here and to do this movie." That shut Julia up.

made me start to cry...
I'm a basketcase...
but I love Dolly...she's just so amazing.

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kostgard said:

Of course, now I think Julia needs a refresher course and should go hang with Dolly a couple times a year so she can remember how to be grateful for what you have.

So agree. And Julia should bring the rest of Hollywood with her. Most of them could use that little lesson.

[Spinderella]

Exactly my point. Dolly's attitude in this fickle biz gives me hope. I think that a lot of people are aware of her and aspire to be her, but very few make the journey.

[procrastinator]

Dolly may be gaudy, but she is a class act and hilarious to boot. And what a beautiful singer, I honestly think her personality is what gives her singing an edge, she means what she is singing, or at least understands.

She is the only person I have ever known, or known of, that truly has the proverbial heart of gold, not a mean/selfish bone in her body, like she's barely human in her goodness. Growing up, I always wanted her to be my mom, and John Denver to be my dad (Guess what I heard everyday growing up). Now I think she would be the perfect best friend, what a hoot it would be to hang out with her.

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When I first came to the U.S. I lived in Missouri and watched the Porter Waggoner Show because...it was on. Dolly was a regular and pretty much unknown at the time. She did not wear clothes that emphasized her goodies but they were definitely noticeable. Also noticeable was how much old lech Porter Waggoner wanted to get his hands on 'em.

[dwanollah]

It's amazing to me that someone who deliberately looks so fake can be... so real!