How Dolly Parton Handles Men And Put Them In Line
via DollyParton1946 / YouTube
Dolly Parton, a name synonymous with unparalleled success in the music industry, began her journey to stardom at a very young age. With her uncle by her side, taking her to performance venues and recording studios while she was still in school, Parton made regular appearances on a local radio show. This early exposure not only showcased her exceptional talent but also schooled her in navigating the complexities of a male-dominated industry. A realm where not everyone welcomed a young girl with open arms, yet, Parton, armed with her wit, talent, and a formidable resolve, never let anyone push her around.
Standing Strong in the Male-Dominated Music Scene
In 1956, Parton’s career took a significant leap when she began making appearances on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour, a radio show that broadcasted her talents across the Knoxville area. Despite being a child, her interactions with older, professional musicians revealed a fearless side of her. “We had twelve or fifteen men and boys on the show and you know there’s always somebody smartin’ off,” recalled banjo player Bud Brewster in Dolly by Alanna Nash. Yet, Parton wasn’t the one to be intimidated. “But she’d always take it good. You could tease her and she’d always laugh about it. And she knew how to handle ’em. She asked one of the boys to play something with her one time, and he said somethin’ smart to her, and she turned right around and throwed it back at him real heavy.”
This encounter not only displayed Parton’s ability to stand her ground but also her knack for employing language that ensured she was taken seriously. Recognizing her potential, Cas Walker, the man who gave Parton her break into the industry, reflected on how her tenacity played a pivotal role in her ascent to fame. “She stood her ground and didn’t let nobody push her around,” he observed, noting her harmonious way of dealing with people while maintaining her boundaries. “She’s actually got no bad enemies. She don’t want to hurt nobody, but yet she don’t want nobody to hurt her. She’ll stand up — I mean, she’ll stand up like a bantam, if she has to.”
Walker admired Parton’s mix of independence, drive, and unique voice as key factors to her success. Even his hesitance to comment on minor issues like her attire spoke volumes about Parton’s presence. “Couple of times I wanted to say somethin’ to her about those short dresses, but she’s the kind of person that you’re a little hesitant to say anything to, you know, ’cause she’s got a temper,” he admitted. Yet, it was this very temper, coupled with her independence, that fortified her position in the industry.
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Confronting Challenges Beyond the Stage
Parton’s resolve extended beyond the recording studios and performance venues. In an incident years later, while in New York City, Parton showcased her unwavering spirit when faced with harassment. Recalling the event, Parton told Yahoo, “So anyway, this guy would not stop… I said, ‘If you touch me’ — and I was really angry and scared — I said, ‘If you touch me one more time, I’m gonna shoot your, you know, crotch off!’” This moment reinforces the essence of Parton’s character – a woman who refuses to be victimized or taken lightly, commanding respect both on and off the stage.
Throughout her career, Dolly Parton has demonstrated how talent can break through barriers in even the most difficult fields when paired with a strong drive and self-respect. Parton is revered by her colleagues and adored by people all around the world. Her rise from Knoxville’s little venues to the major arenas of the music industry is proof of her unwavering spirit. Her life story is one of a woman who, by her talent, determination, and poise, has consistently held men accountable and fought for an environment that would allow her voice and the voices of countless other women in the industry to be heard without hindrance.
