Is Dolly Queer? Why Her Music Speaks to Our Hearts (and Our Drag Queen Souls)
We all know Dolly’s megahits—songs like “I Will Always Love You”, “9 to 5”, and “Jolene”—the staples that made her a household name. But for those of us who see the world through a queer lens, there’s so much more to Dolly Parton than the glittery surface. Dolly is a walking, talking embodiment of queer ethos — she’s unapologetically herself, larger than life, and deeply rooted in a community that loves and celebrates her for who she is. Like a drag queen in the fullest sense, Dolly’s exaggerated femininity, her play with identity, and her bold rejection of norms all scream queer in the most glorious way.
And while people may not associate Dolly with queerness directly, her music, her life, and her persona are undeniably intertwined with queer culture. After all, is there anything more queer than being true to who you are? So let’s dive into some of my favorite Dolly songs and why I think they resonate with queers.
The Love Songs: Glitter, Joy, and Tenderness
Dolly has written countless beautiful love songs, many of which reflect the deep sensitivity and tenderness that queer people often experience when finding love in a world that doesn’t always celebrate us. Here are a few of my favorite love songs:
“Baby I’m Burnin’” – A joyful, energetic anthem of desire and love that feels like the glitter on a drag queen’s eyelid: dazzling and full of life. And it has the “pew pew” sound effect! Win, win!!!
“Love is Like a Butterfly” – This sweet, delicate love song evokes the idea that love, like queerness, is fragile and beautiful, fleeting but powerful.
“How Does It Feel” and “All I Can Do” – Both soft, romantic, and tender, these songs tap into the vulnerability of queer love, where tenderness is both revolutionary and healing.
Queer Defiance and Choosing Family
The LGBTQ+ community is built on the idea of chosen family, of building bonds outside of the traditional structures that often reject or fail us. Dolly’s songs about creating and choosing one’s family resonate deeply:
“Gypsy, Joe and Me” – A tragic tale that highlights the resilience and bond of a chosen family, much like how many queer people find solace and connection through the families we create ourselves.
“These Old Bones” – This mystical track feels almost like a queer spiritual. It speaks to calling on something bigger—much like the queer community relies on its deep spiritual and communal roots to navigate a world that often marginalizes us.
“Here I Am” (with Sia) – This powerful duet speaks to resilience and support, themes that deeply resonate with the queer community. The lyrics offer a message of standing by someone no matter what, which mirrors the way queer people often form tight-knit, chosen families, offering unwavering love and support in the face of adversity. With Sia’s haunting vocals blending with Dolly’s, this song becomes a beautiful anthem of togetherness and strength.
Queer Rebellion: Don’t Fit Me in Your Box
Much of Dolly’s music celebrates a fierce sense of self, a refusal to conform to what society expects—and isn’t that what being queer is all about?
“When Possession Gets Too Strong” – This song is a clear rejection of control and expectations, much like how the queer community fights to resist the boxes we’re put into.
“Just the Way I Am” – This one hits home for so many of us. It’s about embracing who you are without apology, without changing for anyone—quintessential queer freedom.
“Traveling Man” – A lighthearted tale of romantic rivalry that reminds us of the fun and complexities of chosen families. The same man? We’ve been there!
Queer Longing and Pain
Dolly’s more melancholic tracks often reflect the deep emotional experiences that queer people face, particularly in love, isolation, and the struggle for acceptance:
“Down From Dover” – A haunting song about a pregnant woman sent away to fend for herself—a story that parallels the isolation many queer people experience when rejected by family or community.
“Little Sparrow” and “Crippled Bird” – Two of Dolly’s saddest songs, these speak to the vulnerability and pain that queer people so often feel, especially in a world that can be cruel to those who don’t conform.
Queer Optimism and Joy
Even with all the hardship, Dolly’s music radiates with optimism and joy—qualities that are central to the queer experience of resilience and survival:
“Light of a Clear Blue Morning” – This hopeful anthem is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always light ahead. For the queer community, it’s a song of hope and survival.
“Peace Train / Isitimela Sokuthula” (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) – A song about unity and hope, speaking directly to the queer community’s ongoing fight for peace and acceptance.
Dolly’s Layered Activism and Philanthropy
Dolly is more than just her music—she’s an activist and philanthropist who has continually fought for the underdog, much like the LGBTQ+ community fights for its own. Dolly’s Imagination Library has donated over 100 million books to children, and she’s consistently used her platform to lift others up. From funding vaccine research to being a vocal advocate for kindness and love, Dolly has shown that being true to yourself and giving back to the world are not mutually exclusive.
While she may not identify as queer, Dolly has always stood in opposition to what the world expects of her. Whether it’s modeling her look after the “town tramp” or refusing to fit into the mold of what a woman in country music should be, Dolly is queer in spirit, just like bell hooks—unafraid to question, challenge, and rewrite the rules.
Honorable Mentions
Dolly’s repertoire is vast and layered, so narrowing down a list is tough! Here are a few more tracks that speak to her depth as an artist and the way her music resonates with queer themes:
“False Eyelashes” – A song that reminds me of the struggle many drag queens face, working hard to craft their personas while pushing against societal norms.
“Paradise Road” – This track feels like the ultimate dream of every queer person who’s ever wanted to leave their hometown to find a place where they can be themselves.
“Romeo” – A cheeky, flirty anthem that exudes sexual freedom and positivity, themes often celebrated within queer communities.
“Bubbling Over” – A sweet, joyful tune, radiating the same light and playfulness that queer joy embodies.
“Early Morning Breeze” – This vibe is like the freedom of a mushroom trip, capturing the beauty and tranquility that comes from embracing your true self.
“What Ain’t to Be, Just Might Happen” – A lesson in the art of letting go, a concept that speaks to many of us in the queer community who’ve had to release societal expectations and create our own paths.
In Conclusion
We love Dolly Parton because she embodies so much of what it means to be queer—resilience, joy, defiance, and love. She shows us that you can be unapologetically yourself while lifting up others. And that, my friends, is the most powerful kind of queerness there is.
Oh, and here are my favorite Dolly songs from across her entire discography.
(PS: I’m always in the top .05% of Dolly listeners, so this is coming from a real fan!)
“‘Queer’ not as being about who you’re having sex with (that can be a dimension of it); but ‘queer’ as being about the self that is at odds with everything around it and that has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live.”