What Dolly Parton Thought of Being Called the “Female Elvis”

Dolly Parton is the Queen of Country Music. Elvis Presley was the King of Rock & Roll. They both have southern roots and their music is beloved by millions. As you can see, there are many parallels to be drawn between Parton and Presley. In fact, at the onset of her career, many people compared Parton to Presley. They even went as far as calling her the “Female Elvis.” Find out what Parton thought about that comparison, below.

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What Dolly Parton Thought of Being Called the “Female Elvis”

Fans who know Parton and Presley’s back and forth over “I Will Always Love You” would be forgiven for guessing that Parton wasn’t too thrilled with her comparison to The King. They would be wrong. In a 1978 interview, Parton was extremely complimentary to the late singer.

“There was nobody that I ever related to more,” Parton said. “I always felt that we were kin…He was very loving, very emotional, very sensitive, very giving, very humble, thankful, grateful. I always felt that he was totally in awe of his own success and he didn’t quite understand why he had been so chosen and why he was such an idol.”

She went on to comment about their similarities when it came to religion.

“How he felt about God and religion was always somethin’ I related to a lot, because I know he was brought up with his mother in the Assembly of God,” she continued. “It was a real free-spirited, shoutin’ church. I watched and heard how he reacted to gospel music and how he loved that the best of all and how he almost seemed to feel he had a callin’ to do somethin’ different and maybe more spiritual than what he actually was doin’, but you know, he never got a chance to try.”

Though Parton didn’t assume the responsibility of being the “Female Elvis,” she did say one was due. In terms of recognition, timeless music, and fervent fandom, Parton hits very similar marks to Presley. We have to agree with those that primed Parton to follow in his footsteps.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images