Country music icon Dolly Parton, known for her timeless melodies and unapologetic charm, has found herself at the center of controversy with her latest single, “World on Fire.” In a recent interview, Parton candidly addressed the polarizing nature of the song, defending her decision to venture into the realm of socio-political commentary.
“World leaders are all full of it,” Parton asserts, offering a blunt assessment of those in positions of power. However, she clarifies, “[world leaders are] not really concerned about us – they’re concerned about position.”
The song, which Parton premiered at the ACM Awards earlier this year, serves as a poignant wake-up call, urging people to recognize the shared responsibility of caring for the planet.
“I wasn’t getting into that world of politics any more than to say, ‘Hey people, wake up!’ This is the only world we got. We’ve gotta take care of it,” Parton passionately declares.
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Accompanying the powerful message of “World on Fire” is a star-studded album featuring collaborations with rock legends such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sting, Steve Perry, and Nikki Sixx.
The live performance at the ACM Awards, adorned with Parton donning a dress depicting various continents, showcased the singer’s commitment to delivering a compelling visual and auditory experience.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Independent, Parton also reflected on the legacy she aspires to leave behind. Expressing a desire to be remembered as someone who took her work seriously but not herself, she envisions her legacy as [QUOTE] “someone who brought books to children all over the world. For the fact that I managed to make a living doing something I love to do. And as a caring, giving, working girl.”
Navigating the tumultuous landscape of societal and identity politics, Parton longs for simplicity and harmony.
“I worry about human beings,” she shares. “I have a lot of fans on both sides – Republican, Democrat and straight down the middle. They can’t have Christmas dinner together because they’re having a fight at the table!”
In a world often divided by opinions and ideologies, Dolly Parton remains a voice advocating for unity.