Hotspots Exclusive Interview by Mike Halterman Photos courtesy of Dolly Parton/Webster PR
stayed very much the same. I have always loved to tour and I consider myself to be a work horse. My goal in touring has always been to share my music with the fans and that part stays the same no matter how much timegoesby.
Many local drag queens, such as Joey Brooks and Leigh Shannon, have idolized you for decades and have even performed your songs dressed and made-up as you. How does it feel when you notice drag queens paying homage to you? Would you welcome their attendance in drag at your shows? Absolutely! I love Dolly drag queens! I always said if I hadn't been born a girl I would have been a drag queen. Just lookatme! Seriously though, I believe that imitation is the highest form of flattery and I love seeing all their creativity. I once entered a Dolly lookalike contest and long time ago and lost to a drag queen! When I see lots of queens at my shows I always give them a special hello by singing "Jolene" with a few clever word choices. Iloveallofthem.
Tell us about your upcoming November 26 show at Amalie Arena. For people who may not have seen you in concert in a while, or for first-timers, what should Tampa audiences expect? My "Pure & Simple" Tour really is just that, pure and simple. This is an intimate show in an arena setting but it really works. I get to tell the stories behind my new songs and share some of the old ones. It's been really fun playing this type of show to so many peopleandconnectingattheheart.
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