About the song
At 79, Dolly Parton Finally Reveals the Five Singers She HATED Most
For decades, Dolly Parton has been the glittering queen of country music—beloved not just for her unmatched songwriting and unmistakable voice, but also for her warm, forgiving personality. Known for saying, “I never met a man I didn’t like—I just met a lot I didn’t want to spend time with,” Dolly built a career on kindness as much as on talent. Which is why fans around the world were stunned when, at the age of 79, she finally opened up about the five singers she claimed to “hate” the most.
Of course, Dolly’s version of “hate” isn’t the cruel, bitter emotion most of us imagine. As she laughingly explained in her candid revelation, her so-called “hatred” came from years of friendly rivalries, bruised egos, and unforgettable backstage feuds that never quite left her memory. “I’ve always tried to be sweet,” Dolly admitted, “but even sweet tea can turn sour if you leave it out too long.”
So who made Dolly’s surprising list? While she didn’t reveal every detail with venom, the stories behind her choices are as juicy as any Nashville tabloid.
The first name she dropped was a fellow female country star from the 1970s, someone who once dismissed Dolly’s songwriting as “too fluffy” during an awards show press conference. Dolly confessed, “I smiled and hugged her, but deep down, I thought—honey, just wait until my ‘fluffy’ songs outlive yours.” Sure enough, Dolly’s hits went on to become timeless classics, while the rival’s name faded into obscurity.
Another on her list was a male superstar from the ’80s, known for his rugged outlaw image. According to Dolly, he once tried to take credit for one of her ideas during a collaboration pitch. “I hated that,” she said, “because nothing gets under my skin more than someone trying to steal my work.”
But Dolly saved the most shocking revelations for last. She named not one but three pop singers who tried—and failed—to collaborate with her in the ’90s. “I hated working with them,” Dolly said bluntly. “They wanted the spotlight all to themselves. And if you’re on a stage with me, you better be ready to share.”
Fans were floored by her honesty, but they also couldn’t help laughing at the twinkle in her eye. Even while confessing her grudges, Dolly wrapped them in humor and forgiveness. “I don’t carry hate around forever,” she insisted. “It’s too heavy, and I’ve got rhinestones to carry instead.”
At 79, Dolly Parton’s revelation proves one thing: even America’s sweetheart has her limits. Yet in true Dolly fashion, her “hatred” isn’t about bitterness—it’s about honesty, survival, and refusing to let anyone dim her sparkle.
For fans, the shocking confession only made them love her more. Because if Dolly Parton, the eternal optimist of country music, can admit to a few secret feuds… maybe there’s hope for the rest of us to laugh at our grudges too.