By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Excitement For Dolly Parton's Rock Debut Dampened By Kid Rock Collab
The 30-track album features a stunning line-up of collaborators...and Kid Rock.
Dolly Parton is making good on her promise to drop a rock and roll album — but there’s one glaring catch.
The legendary artist announced the album this week, a hefty rock debut that boasts 30 tracks and features a number of high profile collaborations.
“I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album Rockstar!” Parton said in a press release. “I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure.”
The “Jolene” singer first vowed to make a rock album after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — an honor she initially declined because she hadn’t felt like she earned it.
“I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again — if I’m ever worthy,” she said at the time. “This has, however, inspired me to put out a hopefully great rock ’n’ roll album at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do!”
Parton was ultimately inducted last November all the same, and clearly wasted no time in putting together the album she promised in return.
Rockstar will include nine original songs and 21 iconic covers, featuring a stunning line-up of collaborations that include Sting, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Lizzo, Melissa Etheridge, Brandi Carlile, Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar, Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr, and more.
\u201cDolly Parton will release Rockstar on Nov. 17. The 30-track album will include nine original songs and 21 rock covers and reunites the goddamn Beatles, people.\u201d— Eric Alper \ud83c\udfa7 (@Eric Alper \ud83c\udfa7) 1683656623
One name on the list, however, is cause for disappointment among many fans — Kid Rock.
Kid Rock pivoted hard into MAGA-ville in recent years, and recently made headlines for protesting Bud Light’s partnership with trans TikToker Dylan Mulvaney by shooting up beer cans and posting the video to the internet.
Considering Parton has been a firm LGBTQ+ ally — and yes, that includes being supportive of the trans community in particular — this particular collaboration is both surprising and upsetting.
\u201cCan someone explain to me how Dolly Parton who very famously recently funded research towards a covid vaccine is collaborating with kid rock who dedicated a whole verse of a song to how he thinks covid is bullshit\u201d— lullie (@lullie) 1683660829
\u201cJust found out Dolly Parton\u2019s upcoming rock album involves guests like Peter Frampton, Sting, Stevie Nicks, Elton John\u2026 and Kid Rock?!?\n\nDolly, you put the guy who shot Bud Light cans in the same album as Sir Elton John?\u201d— Adam Bednarczyk \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08 (@Adam Bednarczyk \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08) 1683674580
\u201cugh. dolly parton doing a song with terrifyingly violent transphobe and bigot kid rock is so wildly disappointing. with collaborators on the album, i\u2019m shocked that i haven\u2019t seen much on this or heard anyone speaking out about this. this literally feels like a gut punch.\u201d— kara. (@kara.) 1683845269
\u201cReally disappointed to hear Dolly Parton\u2019s new album features a track with Kid Rock. \nDisappointed is the wrong word. Broken hearted.\u201d— Lucy (@Lucy) 1683648220
Quite frankly, even including a washed up rocker like Kid Rock among all those bonafide legends and modern hitmakers would never have made sense, but this is doubly true in light of his outspoken cruelty in recent years.
The generous interpretation is that perhaps Parton has not been aware of his evolution, but surely someone on her team could have made her aware. Regardless, it’s a stain on an otherwise incredibly exciting album, and one that might taint Dolly’s own legacy in the process.
No, but Parton is Cyrus's godmother.
Apparently Parton wears long sleeves and gloves because she doesn't like her elbows.
No, Parton is not a billionaire, most likely due to her continued philanthropic endeavors.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
Rachel Kiley is presumably a writer and definitely not a terminator. She can usually be found crying over queerbaiting in the Pitch Perfect franchise or on Twitter, if not both.
Rachel Kiley is presumably a writer and definitely not a terminator. She can usually be found crying over queerbaiting in the Pitch Perfect franchise or on Twitter, if not both.
