Dolly Parton Shares Thoughts on 2016 Presidential Election
Dolly Parton doesn't involve herself in politics in public, but she recently shared her thoughts on what she hopes happens in America in the months to come.
Parton has been traveling all over the U.S. on her Pure & Simple Tour, and she is seeing first-hand how the endless bickering about the 2016 presidential election is impacting the country.
"Everything is so crazy and chaotic out there right now. I do see the divide," the country legend tells People. "I just try to make people feel a little better. Let them know that it's going to be OK."
Parton inadvertently wound up in the crosshairs of political debate herself this year, when promoting her tour in an interview with the New York Times. The interviewer asked what she thought of a female presidential nominee.
“Well, I think that that would be wonderful,” Parton replied. “Hillary might make as good a president as anybody ever has. I think no matter if it’s Hillary or Donald Trump, we’re gonna be plagued with PMS either way — presidential mood swings! But I personally think a woman would do a great job. I think Hillary’s very qualified. So if she gets it, I’ll certainly be behind her.”
That was widely reported as Parton having "endorsed" Clinton, and she endured a firestorm of criticism from conservative fans online before issuing a statement a few days later, clarifying her position.
“This morning while I was watching the news I saw many reports that I had endorsed Hillary Clinton. My comment about supporting a woman in the White House was taken out of context,” she said, adding, “I have not endorsed Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump."
Parton is hopeful that the kind of nasty attacks she herself faced will begin to subside once the election is over.
"I'm hoping that as soon as this is over that we can all settle down, no matter who is the president and try to act a little better and stop all this fighting and bickering amongst ourselves and try to mend our country," she tells People. "So when I go out there to perform, I hope to uplift mankind, glorify God and just have a big time myself."
Country stars have mostly been staying out of the intensely-debated 2016 elections, but a few have indicated their interest in or support for Donald Trump, including Loretta Lynn, Justin Moore and Kid Rock. The late Merle Haggard and the Dixie Chicks are among those who have expressed opposition to the Republican nominee.
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