In a flurry of online controversy fueled by viral social media posts, country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton is once again at the center of a debate she never asked for. Over the weekend, several misleading headlines and fabricated quotes circulated widely, claiming that Parton had “refused to celebrate Pride Month” and allegedly denounced it as a symbol of “woke culture.” However, upon closer inspection, these claims appear to be entirely false and unsubstantiated.
The Viral Misinformation
The original story appears to have originated from a now-deleted social media post that included a fake quote attributed to Dolly Parton, suggesting she had said, “WOKE doesn’t deserve to be commemorated,” in relation to Pride Month. The quote rapidly made its way across platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, with some users expressing shock and disappointment, while others used it to stoke political debate.
However, no reputable source or verified statement from Dolly Parton or her team supports these claims.
Dolly Parton’s True Record on LGBTQ+ Support
Dolly Parton has long been known as a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community, consistently advocating for inclusivity, love, and acceptance. She has been celebrated for her unwavering support of LGBTQ+ rights over the decades, even at times when it was considered risky for a country music star to do so.
In past interviews, she has said things like:
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“I think everybody should be treated with respect. I try to love everybody.”
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“I’ve always been an advocate of just being yourself and letting others be themselves.”
Parton’s long-standing association with the queer community includes her involvement in AIDS awareness in the 1980s, public support for same-sex marriage, and appearances at Pride-related events. Her music has become anthemic in LGBTQ+ spaces, and she’s been honored numerous times by LGBTQ+ organizations.
Parton’s Team Responds
As the false quotes continued to gain traction, a spokesperson for Dolly Parton addressed the issue directly, saying:
“Dolly Parton did not make these statements. She has always been supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and continues to stand for love, kindness, and acceptance. These claims are completely fabricated and do not reflect Dolly’s values.”
This statement has been echoed by many fans and LGBTQ+ advocates online, who have pushed back hard against the misinformation campaign.
Internet Reacts
The reaction online has been swift and passionate. Many long-time fans immediately recognized the statements as false, knowing Dolly’s decades-long commitment to inclusion. Others demanded accountability from those who spread the misinformation, warning of the dangers of politically motivated hoaxes that distort public figures’ images.
One Twitter user wrote:
“Anyone who believes Dolly Parton would bash Pride clearly doesn’t know a thing about her. She’s been riding with us since before it was popular.”
Another said:
“Dolly taught us to be kind, love one another, and sparkle with authenticity. Don’t let trolls tarnish that legacy with lies.”
The Bigger Picture: Disinformation in the Digital Age
This incident highlights a growing problem of misinformation campaigns targeting celebrities, particularly those with broad appeal across political and cultural lines. Dolly Parton’s image—wholesome, apolitical, and beloved by fans across the spectrum—makes her a prime target for false narratives designed to divide or deceive.
As with other recent cases involving fabricated quotes from public figures, this episode underscores the importance of media literacy and critical evaluation of online content. Always verify with primary sources or reputable news outlets before sharing explosive claims.
