What Makes Dolly Parton Likeable? She Has a Few Guesses
On Friday’s Today show (Nov. 30), Dolly Parton was on hand to promote the release of the much-anticipated Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack album for the Netflix movie Dumplin’. But while there, she took the time to reflect a bit on just why everyone can’t seem to get enough of her—the superstar who came from such humble beginnings.
“It’s very natural for me to love people, and I think [people] just sense that I like them,” she told Today co-host Hoda Kotb and guest co-host Ellie Kemper. “I’ve been around a long time, and people kind of relate to me like a family member—like a favorite aunt or cousin, or somebody that you like. And they feel like I’m approachable because they have seen me so often. So I don’t know what it is, but I’m glad its working. I’m glad you like me.”
Well, that goes without saying...but still, the icon has continual tributes that pop up—even some surprising ones. In fact, Dumplin' star Jennifer Aniston took such a liking to Parton that she ended up naming her dog after her.
“I don’t know if that’s a compliment or not,” Parton smiled, recalling that she was able to meet the "cute blonde dog" during a visit to Aniston’s home. “It was quite an honor.”
This love for Parton recently became even more evident with the announcement that the Grand Ole Opry will have a weeklong celebration in 2019 recognizing her 50th year of membership.
“It was always my dream to be on the Opry,” recalls Parton in a press release regarding the planned festivities. “For me, the Opry is like the song ‘New York, New York’ – if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. I am excited to be coming back home to celebrate 50 years of membership!”
Hello, Dolly! See Dolly Parton Through the Years