The iconic country singer Dolly Parton passed away last Tuesday at the age of 80. Parton’s media team announced that she had been suffering from cancer shortly before her death. “After bravely fighting a short battle with cancer, Dolly passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.” Over the years, she developed a special bond with the LGBTQIA+ community. From her support for drag queens and transgender people to music that grew into queer anthems, these are some of the moments when Parton spoke out in support of the community. 

Parton spoke out against the division that emerged in the United States over transgender people’s use of public toilets. To her, the debate was largely unnecessary. “I hope everybody gets the chance to be who they are. All I know is, if I gotta pee, I’m gonna pee, wherever I have to.” With this statement, Parton made it clear that she did not want to exclude transgender people from public facilities. 

Dolly also spoke out in support of drag and drag queens. She once said: “If I hadn’t been a girl, I would have been a drag queen.” This was also evident when she gave drag queen Bridgit Bandit a rhinestone-covered guitar. The gesture was a concrete example of Parton’s support for the drag community, particularly at a time when drag queens in several US states were facing increasing political pressure. 

Dolly also wrote several queer anthems, including her song Travelin’ Thru for the film Transamerica. In the film, Felicity Huffman played a trans woman who embarks on a road trip to reunite with her long-lost son. Dolly’s song grew into a queer anthem that celebrates the courage and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

In 2014, Dolly Parton spoke about her wish to release a dance album with her LGBTQIA+ fans in mind. I’m Just a Wee Bit Gay was one of the songs. Unfortunately, the album was never released, as the singer said that something always came up to get in the way. 

What’s more, true Dolly fans know that a secret song is locked away in a chest at her Dollywood theme park. The chest will not be opened until 2046, in honour of what would have been her 100th birthday. 

Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond her music. For many people within the LGBTQIA+ community, she was not only a world-famous singer, but also an artist who continued to emphasise that people should have the freedom to be themselves.