Our November cover star Dolly Parton is never one to do things halfway. In conversation with Hayley Williams of Paramore ahead of the November 17th release of her first-ever rock album, appropriately titled Rockstar, Parton explains, “I had never said blatantly, ‘I’ve got to do it and be true to it – really do a true rock and roll album.’ That was the thing that was important to me: not to half-ass do a record that’s a country girl singing some rock.”
So, in addition to her own intrinsic lyrical gifts and decades of musical expertise, Dolly decided to enlist a few trustworthy collaborators to round out the sound of the record. It features appearances from everyone from her goddaughter Miley Cyrus to Sting to the actual surviving members of The Beatles. “Just getting to sing with all these classic people on these classic songs – if nothing else, whether it’s a hit or not, it’s a big hit with me to do it,” says Parton.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a hit with her guests as well. Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon, Steve Perry, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Warren Haynes, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, Warren Haynes, and Ringo Starr all shared their thoughts on getting to work with the legendary Queen of Country exclusively with Consequence.
Read what these rock titans had to say below, and see some of their quotes included in the full cover story, Dolly Parton: Rockstar Forever. You can also hear from Williams about her conversation with Parton in a personal letter, and read our letter from the editors for insight into what it was like witnessing the interview.
Steve Perry
“When I first heard Dolly singing ‘Open Arms’ her voice floored me. Singing a duet with Dolly was a huge thrill for me. I will never forget the first time we spoke on the phone about our duet, she said, ‘We really harmonized great together don’t ya think?’ I love Dolly!”
Debbie Harry
“Dolly Parton has always been an idol of mine. To be a part of anything she does is an absolute honor! Dolly is a smart, beautiful woman with talent enough for a dozen people.”
