An actress, musician, entrepreneur, and beloved icon in the LGBTQ+ community, Dolly Rebecca Parton has passed away at age 80.
In a video posted on Aug. 25, Parton’s nephew Brian Seaver announced his aunt’s passing: “My name is Brian Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, sister, sis, and granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”
Although the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, Parton said in May she had canceled her residency in Las Vegas due to kidney stones and other digestive health complications.
LGBTQIA+ allyship
Since her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, was released in 1967, she inspired generations with her music, witty personality, acceptance of others, and of course East Tennessean charm for almost six decades.
Parton has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout her career. On an Australian talk show in 2009, she advocated for marriage equality, which was then being fought over there.
"Hey, I think love is love, and we have no control over that... I think people should be allowed to [marry]. I'm not God, you know. I believe in God. I think God is the judge. I don't judge or criticize, and I don't think we're supposed to,” she said.
Then in 2014, Parton shared her support for marriage equality with a UK outlet.
“I think Gay couples should be allowed to marry. They should suffer just like us heterosexuals,” she said in jest. “I don’t want to be controversial or stir up a bunch of trouble, but people are going to love who they are going to love.”
Parton has also been an avid supporter of Transgender rights. In 2015, she told CNN Money she was against North Carolina’s bathroom ban bill, because "I think everybody should be treated with respect. I don't judge people and I try not to get too caught up in the controversy of things. I hope that everybody gets a chance to be who and what they are. I just know, if I have to pee, I'm gon' pee, wherever it's got to be.”
She also wrote the song "Travelin' Thru" for the 2005 film Transamerica, which was nominated for an Oscar that year for best song.
At a time when anti-Queer sentiments throughout the US are on the rise, particularly against Transgender Americans, the loss of Parton is no doubt a large blow to the community.
Support the Seattle Gay News: Celebrate 52 Years with Us!
As the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ newspaper in the United States, the Seattle Gay News (SGN) has been a vital independent source of news and entertainment for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest since 1974.
As we celebrate our 52nd year, we need your support to continue our mission.
A monthly contribution will ensure that SGN remains a beacon of truth and a virtual gathering place for community dialogue.
Help us keep printing and providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ voices.
How you can donate!
Using this link: givebutter.com/6lZnDB
Text “SGN” to 53-555
Or Scan the QR code below!
