In a display of sisterly support, Dolly Parton’s younger sibling stepped up to defend the singer against online criticism surrounding her recent show-stopping outfit.
Stella Parton expressed admiration for her sister’s style and told the critics, “Shame on you, not her.”
Talk show host Whoopi Goldberg also added her voice, challenging critics and declaring, “Bite me!”
Legendary country singer and songwriter Dolly Parton recently found herself under the scrutinizing gaze of online critics. The storm brewed after her dazzling halftime performance at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, during The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff on Thanksgiving Day.
Parton, the queen of country music, never fails to surprise, and her performance at the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game was no exception. Dressed in a modified cheerleader uniform, the iconic singer sported a white vest adorned with blue stars, a daring blue crop top, and white shorts that stirred both applause and skepticism.
The outfit, reminiscent of Parton’s famous “9 to 5” era, showcased her radiant personality and timeless energy. However, what was intended to be a festive celebration quickly became a stage for controversy.
It wasn’t long before the cyberspace fashion police were on high alert, questioning whether a person in their seventies should be donning such youthful attire.
Dolly Parton’s Sister Defends Her from Critics
As the criticism raged on, Parton’s younger outspoken sister, Stella, took to social media to defend her sibling. In a post that clearly showed how worked up she was because of the hate her sister had received, Stella declared:
“I personally thought my big sister Dolly was cute as hell. Shame on you, not her.”
Whoopi Goldberg, no stranger to online criticism herself, also stepped into the ring to defend Parton. On her broadcast, Goldberg, 68, addressed the critics with characteristic humor, saying, “Apparently, my turkey wasn’t the only subject online that people were hating.’
Are you ok with 77 year old Dolly Parton dressing like a 20 year old Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.
Yes? or No? 👇 pic.twitter.com/AVhCQ8PHUK— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) November 23, 2023
She continued, “77-year-old superstar Dolly Parton stole the show on Thanksgiving at the Cowboys/Commanders game dressed as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, but some critics told her to act her age. Bite me!”
Whoopi Goldberg slams critics of Dolly Parton’s risqué Dallas Cowboys cheerleader outfit: ‘Bite me’ https://t.co/yw7JPtDJRa pic.twitter.com/nKXjhbOP7f
— New York Post (@nypost) November 27, 2023
Goldberg’s co-host, Sunny Hostin, revealed that she was envious of Parton’s appearance, expressing a desire for her seemingly ageless allure. “If I looked like that in one of them Cowboy things, I might have everything out,” she joked while pointing at a picture from Parton’s performance and added, “I want what she has.”
Goldberg ended the segment with a message to the haters, saying, “Don’t be shady, man, life is too short.”
Dolly Parton, 77, rocking as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader pic.twitter.com/B6kI9SECBD
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) November 24, 2023
Parton’s Purposeful Partnership with The Salvation Army
Parton was announced as the halftime performer for this year’s Thanksgiving Day game just last month. In a press statement, she conveyed the honor of collaborating with The Salvation Army. Stressing her objective to motivate donations and support for those in need, she mentioned the importance of every small act of generosity.
Parton has not directly responded to the criticism or the defense that she received for her outfit. However, she has always been known for her positive attitude and her sense of humor, and she has never let the haters get to her. She has also been vocal about her love for fashion and her freedom to express herself through her clothes.
