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Acceptance ran through Dolly Parton's lyrics, Newcastle PhD writer says
A man who spent five years studying Dolly Parton's lyrics for his PhD says acceptance ran through her music.
TL;DR
- A PhD study by James Barker at Newcastle University analyzed Dolly Parton's lyrics for LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
- Barker found that Parton's music created a space for LGBTQIA+ listeners to feel accepted.
- The title of his PhD was a line from Parton's song 'Family': 'Some are are preachers, some are gay, some are addicts, drunks and strays and not a one is turned away.'
- Superfan Joe Skelly is creating a music room for his extensive Dolly Parton memorabilia collection.
- Former BBC Radio Tees presenter Stan Laundon described Parton as 'a bundle of fun' and recalled her genuine thoughtfulness when sending him signed photographs.
- Barker noted that 'Country is an identity that's very, kind of, gatekept,' but Parton broke down these barriers.
- Skelly met Parton several times and was struck by her attentiveness and genuine nature.