Dolly Parton's husband, who is rarely seen in the public eye, reacted to the cheerleading outfit his wife wore recently. Parton "kind of did it for" Carl Dean since he loves the famous squad of cheerleaders.
Dolly Parton performing at the halftime show during the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders game in Arlington, Texas on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Last year in November, country music icon Dolly Parton set the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, ablaze with her jaw-dropping cheerleader-inspired ensemble. Parton's husband, Carl Dean, conveyed how he felt about her outfit, which has since gone viral.
For The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show, where Parton performed during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game, she adorned a blue crop top, a white vest with blue stars, and white shorts. Referencing the Dallas Cowgirls' look and performing, Parton said she did it for fun.
Dolly Parton performing at the halftime show during the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders game in Arlington, Texas on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Regarding Dean's reaction to her outfit, the "Coat of Many Colors" singer divulged: "He did say something like, 'What? Is it, a little short, don't you think?" Dean also expressed his opinion that his wife's shorts should not have been as exposing at her age. She then responded by disagreeing and referencing the much shorter length of the Dallas cheerleaders' uniforms.
Dolly Parton performing at the halftime show during the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders game in Arlington, Texas on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
However, in another instance when she talked about the look, Parton mentioned, "It turned out pretty cool and my husband liked it," although she did reiterate, "He said, 'Those shorts were a little too short.' I said, 'Jealous?' [...] He was just being funny [...] he got a kick out of it too."
Dolly Parton performing at the halftime show during the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders game in Arlington, Texas on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
While speaking about how popular the Dallas Cowgirls are amongst the public and her husband, Parton also highlighted, "All the guys love them, my husband included, and I kind of did it for him. I thought, well, if I can pull this off, it'll be cute, and if not, then they'll just think if some older woman did a stupid thing!" Interestingly, Danny Nozell, Parton's manager, revealed that the legendary artist only showed or told people about her outfit once it was time for her to perform on stage.
Dolly Parton performs at halftime during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders in Arlington, Texas on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Legendary country singer and songwriter Dolly Parton recently found herself under the scrutinizing gaze of online critics, as previously reported. The storm brewed after her dazzling halftime performance at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, during The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Kickoff on Thanksgiving Day.
Dolly Parton performs at halftime during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders in Arlington, Texas on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Parton, the queen of country music, never fails to surprise, and her performance at the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game was no exception. Dressed in a modified cheerleader uniform, the iconic singer sported a white vest adorned with blue stars, a daring blue crop top, and white shorts that stirred both applause and skepticism.
Dolly Parton performs at halftime during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders in Arlington, Texas on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The outfit, reminiscent of Dolly Parton's famous "9 to 5" era, showcased her radiant personality and timeless energy. However, what was intended to be a festive celebration quickly became a stage for controversy.
It wasn't long before the cyberspace fashion police were on high alert, questioning whether a person in their seventies should be donning such youthful attire.
Dolly Parton performs at halftime during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders in Arlington, Texas on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Dolly Parton's Sister Defends Her from Critics
As the criticism raged on, Parton's younger outspoken sister, Stella, took to social media to defend her sibling. In a post that clearly showed how worked up she was because of the hate her sister had received, Stella declared:
"I personally thought my big sister Dolly was cute as hell. Shame on you not her."
Whoopi Goldberg, no stranger to online criticism herself, also stepped into the ring to defend Parton. On her broadcast, Goldberg, 68, addressed the critics with characteristic humor, saying, "Apparently, my turkey wasn't the only subject online that people were hating.'
She continued, "77-year-old superstar Dolly Parton stole the show on Thanksgiving at the Cowboys/Commanders game dressed as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, but some critics told her to act her age. Bite me!"
Goldberg's co-host, Sunny Hostin, revealed that she was envious of Parton's appearance, expressing a desire for her seemingly ageless allure. "If I looked like that in one of them Cowboy things, I might have everything out," she joked while pointing at a picture from Parton's performance and added, "I want what she has."
Goldberg ended the segment with a message to the haters, saying, "Don't be shady, man, life is too short."
Parton's Purposeful Partnership with The Salvation Army
Parton was announced as the halftime performer for this year's Thanksgiving Day game just last month. In a press statement, she conveyed the honor of collaborating with The Salvation Army. Stressing her objective to motivate donations and support for those in need, she mentioned the importance of every small act of generosity.
Parton has not directly responded to the criticism or the defense that she received for her outfit. However, she has always been known for her positive attitude and her sense of humor, and she has never let the haters get to her. She has also been vocal about her love for fashion and her freedom to express herself through her clothes.
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