Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on May 9, 2025, 10:24 AM

Dolly Parton has turned down multiple offers to join American Idol and The Voice as a judge or coach, and her reason is quite heartfelt. She explained that she finds it too difficult to critique aspiring singers because she knows how sincere they are in their dreams. Even if a contestant isn't particularly talented, they truly believe in themselves, and Dolly simply can't bring herself to hurt anyone.

Although she has declined a permanent role, she has made guest appearances as a mentor on Both Shows— helping contestants refine their performances without having to judge them.

American Idol in 2008 during its seventh season, during which the top nine contestants—including winner David Cook who performed her songs, and The Voice twice, once in season nine in 2015 and again in season 11 in 2016.

Dolly is focusing on other endeavors these days. Based on the singer's life and career, Dolly: An Original Musical is scheduled to debut on Broadway in 2026. Additionally, Dollywood, her theme park in Tennessee, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

And when the establishment initially opened, Dolly, who recently made a special appearance during its recent celebration, recalls being concerned that no one would come around on its first opening.

"I thought, well, what if they don't? What am I going to do?" she recalled. "Then, I started seeing cars coming in, and I remember how exciting that feeling was when the parking lot filled up. Now it's filling up all the time. And 40 years later, we've got them still coming."

Dolly went on, "I have watched it grow, and I am simply really proud of everything. It is similar to having children living in your home. It is like, "Oh, we got a new baby, we got a new kid in the family," whenever something new is introduced. However, it is a fantastic park that caters to families. We take pride in that. The fact that people desire to return is something I am probably most proud of.