Dolly Parton’s Unexpected List: The Six Singers She Secretly Disliked Revealed

Dolly Parton’s journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom is legendary.

Known for her kindness, resilience, and unmatched talent, Dolly has long been America’s sweetheart.

Yet, beneath the rhinestones and charm, she has faced intense personal and professional challenges, some involving people closest to her.

Starting with number six on her list is Porter Wagoner, a man who played a pivotal role in Dolly’s early career.

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Porter wasn’t just a duet partner; he was her mentor and gateway to national fame.

In 1967, millions first discovered Dolly on The Porter Wagoner Show, where their chemistry lit up the stage and captivated audiences.

However, behind the scenes, their relationship was fraught with tension.

Porter’s controlling nature clashed with Dolly’s rising star power.

As Dolly’s fame eclipsed his, Porter grew jealous and possessive.

At 79, Dolly Parton Names The Six Singers She Hated The Most

When Dolly decided to leave the show in 1974 to pursue her solo career, Porter felt betrayed.

The fallout culminated in a shocking lawsuit in 1979, with Porter demanding a share of Dolly’s solo earnings.

Despite the pain, Dolly channeled her heartbreak into one of the most iconic songs ever written: “I Will Always Love You.”

The bittersweet ballad was her farewell to Porter—a declaration of independence wrapped in love.

Though they reconciled years later, the scars remained, a reminder of how mentorship can sour into rivalry.

At 79, Dolly Parton Names The Six Singers She Hated The Most

Next on the list is Jeff Tweedy, the indie rock frontman of Wilco.

In a 2023 interview, Tweedy casually dismissed “I Will Always Love You” as a song that never moved him emotionally.

For many, this was akin to musical heresy.

The song is a cultural touchstone, beloved across generations and genres.

Fans erupted in outrage, defending Dolly’s masterpiece.

At 79, Dolly Parton Names The Six Singers She Hated The Most - YouTube

Yet Dolly herself stayed silent, embodying grace and quiet confidence.

Interestingly, Tweedy’s subsequent album failed to gain traction, sparking whispers that Dolly’s unspoken influence still held sway in the music world.

Her legacy, built on resilience and dignity, speaks louder than any retort.

Number four brings us to Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, two powerhouse women with whom Dolly planned a collaborative album.

The project, Trio, was highly anticipated and eventually released in 1987 to critical and commercial acclaim.

Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood Helping 'Heartbroken' Dolly Parton (EXCL) |  Closer Weekly

Yet behind the harmonious vocals lay creative tensions.

Linda’s perfectionism often clashed with Emmylou’s emotive style and Dolly’s expanding career demands.

Despite mutual respect and admiration, their differing approaches made sustained collaboration difficult.

Trio became a treasured but fleeting moment, a testament to the challenges even legends face when balancing artistry and ego.

The third spot on Dolly’s list is more bittersweet—Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Helping 'Heartbroken' Dolly Parton Deal  With Death of Carl Dean

Whitney’s powerhouse performance in The Bodyguard catapulted the song to global superstardom, eclipsing Dolly’s original in public consciousness.

While Dolly never publicly resented Whitney’s success, she admitted to tears upon hearing the cover—tears not of envy but of awe at its beauty.

Crucially, Dolly retained full publishing rights, ensuring she benefited financially.

This savvy move allowed her to quietly profit while the world sang her words, a masterclass in balancing humility with business acumen.

Dolly’s outspoken support for civil rights and LGBTQ+ communities also put her at odds with parts of her traditional fanbase.

Dolly Parton proposes THREESOME with Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood  at ACM Awards host gig | Daily Mail Online

Her famous statement, “If you’re not comfortable with gay people, you’re the problem,” earned both praise and backlash, including radio boycotts and social media attacks.

Still, Dolly stood firm, never compromising her values.

Behind the scenes, Dolly faced a stinging industry slight.

At a Nashville panel, a rising country star reportedly said, “Dolly Parton hasn’t mattered to country radio in 20 years.”

The comment was met with uncomfortable silence, but Dolly never publicly confronted it.

The United States of Dolly Parton | The New Yorker

Later, when invited by the same artist to join a major tour, she declined, quietly sending a powerful message about respect and self-worth.

Number two on the list is Miley Cyrus, Dolly’s goddaughter.

Miley’s rebellious transformation from Disney darling to provocative pop star raised eyebrows and sparked rumors about Dolly’s approval.

However, Dolly’s response was nuanced and loving.

She offered guidance with “love and boundaries,” choosing to support Miley’s boldness rather than criticize it publicly.

Dolly Parton, người phụ nữ được lấy tên đặt cho con cừu nhân bản đầu tiên |  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

Dolly’s quiet backing demonstrated her ability to lead without control, embracing Miley’s individuality while maintaining a godmother’s protective care.

Finally, the number one singer Dolly secretly disliked was the younger star who dismissed her relevance.

Though unnamed, this rising artist’s comment that Dolly had lost importance in country music sent ripples through the community.

Dolly’s refusal to collaborate with this person on a high-profile tour was a subtle yet unmistakable rebuke.

Dolly Parton’s response to these challenges reveals a woman who never forgets but chooses her battles wisely.

Dolly Parton: Her Greatest Albums Ranked!

She meets disrespect with poise and turns insults into platinum records.

Her silence is often louder than words, a boundary wrapped in rhinestones.

Now, at 79, Dolly continues to redefine what it means to be a star.

In 2023, she released Rockstar, her first full-blown rock album, featuring legends like Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks.

The album was a bold declaration that Dolly transcends genres and expectations.

Dolly Parton từ chối đánh giá 'American Idol' hoặc 'The Voice' vì lý do này

She declined offers to judge major talent shows, citing a desire not to crush anyone’s dreams—a testament to her humility and wisdom.

Instead, she’s focusing on personal projects, including a Broadway musical about her life, Hello, I’m Dolly, set to showcase her journey from Tennessee roots to global stardom.

Dolly Parton remains a force of nature—resilient, gracious, and unapologetically herself.

Her story is not just about music but about strength, reinvention, and unwavering self-respect.

Behind every glittering smile lies a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to protect it.

Which of these six singers surprised you the most? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.