From American Songwriter · Melanie Davis · · 1m 10s
Dolly Parton's Kind Response to Teen Country Music Dislike
Dolly Parton's blunt yet kind reply to a teen who didn't like country music shows her authentic connection with youth.
In brief
Dolly Parton's blunt yet kind reply to a teen who didn't like country music shows her authentic connection with youth. Dolly Parton responded to a teenager who didn't like country music by saying she didn't care, emphasizing the need for deep listening without condescension. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Dolly Parton's Authentic Connection
Dolly Parton connected authentically with everyone she met, including teenagers, as shown in a 1983 interview.
1983 Television Interview
Parton participated in a television special called Dolly Parton Meets The Kids where she answered questions from five teenagers.
Teen's Country Music Dislike
A teenager admitted to Dolly Parton that he didn't like country music, saying, 'To be honest and open with you, I don’t really like country music.'
“To be honest and open with you, I don’t really like country music.”
Parton's Blunt Response
Parton replied, 'To be honest and open with you, I don’t really care,' showing empathy without condescension.
“To be honest and open with you, I don’t really care.”
Parton on Country Music
Parton explained that country music requires deep listening and that teens often don’t have time for it, but she wasn’t a fan of 'corn-pone country music.'
“real corny, the 'twang, twang, twang.'”
What Happens Next
The teenager admitted he might not like country music because he doesn’t understand it, showing Parton’s effective communication.
What it means
Dolly Parton responded to a teenager who didn't like country music by saying she didn't care, emphasizing the need for deep listening without condescension.
