Over several decades of stardom, Dolly Parton has accrued a strong fan base that spills deep into both sides of the political spectrum. That audience includes a sizable portion of homosexuals. And this week, the country queen who brought us "Jolene" had some important words for her fellow Christians who condemn her LGBT fans.
"[Dollywood] is a place for entertainment, a place for all families, period," she told Billboard. "It's for all that. But as far as the Christians, if people want to pass judgment, they're already sinning. The sin of judging is just as bad as any other sin they might say somebody else is committing. I try to love everybody."
And as for her large LGBT fanbase?
"They know that I completely love and accept them, as I do all people," she said. "I've struggled enough in my life to be appreciated and understood. I've had to go against all kinds of people through the years just to be myself. I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are, and to love who they love. I don't think we should be judgmental. Lord, I've got enough problems of my own to pass judgment on somebody else."
Parton then gave some advice on how to be a woman with strong opinions in showbiz.
"I'm open and I'm honest," she said. "I don't dillydally. If there's something going on, I just say it. Sometimes if I get mad, I'll throw out a few cuss words just to prove my point. I've often said I don't lose my temper as much as I use it. I don't do either unless I have to because I love peace and harmony, but when you step in my territory, I will call you on it. People say, 'Oh, you just always seem so happy.' Well, that's the Botox."
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