Exclusive Interview: Country Music Legend Dolly Parton On Her "Pure & Simple" Tour

Dolly Parton's impressive vocals and charming demeanor have earned her the undying love of millions upon millions of fans the world over. The most-honored female country performer of all time, she has had a record 25 singles reach #1 on the Billboard country music charts, and an equal number of gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums. The talented singer and actress has won over so many people in the LGBT community in particular, due to her carefree nature and her buxom blonde beauty.

In August she released her 43rd solo studio album, called "Pure & Simple." I had a chance to listen to the album when it was released, and the tracks envelop you in a warm hug, which, in my mind, most Dolly Parton songs do. Now she is promoting the album on her "Pure & Simple" Tour, which is her first major U.S. and Canadian tour in 25 years. Not only will she be regaling audiences with her signature grace and wit, but you'll have the chance to hear some gems that haven't been performed live in a very long time, so it's a show you shouldn't miss.

It was such a great honor to have the chance to speak to Dolly Parton in this exclusive Hotspots interview.

Welcome to Florida! What are some of the things you love the most about the Sunshine State?

Growing up in the Smoky Mountains, I always thought going to Florida was the most glamorous thing you could do. As soon as I started having some success, I would pack up anybody who would go and head down to the beaches. The wildlife is so beautiful, the landscape is some of the prettiest in the country, the people there are great, and the food is spectacular!

This will be your first major arena tour in 25 years. How have things changed in your life and how have you felt the world has changed in this timeframe?

Well, Lord, everything has changed in the last 25 years! My life has changed a lot, and also 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 time goes by.

Many local drag queens 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 look at me!

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. I love all of them.

Tell us about your upcoming November 27 show at The BB&T Center. For people who may not have seen you in concert in a while, or for first-timers, what should 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 people and connecting at the heart.

I had a chance to listen to your album "Pure & Simple," and I thought it was exquisite. What was it like to formulate and record these songs? Do you have a favorite?

Well, asking a songwriter to pick their favorite songs is like asking a parent to pick their favorite child. I can't do it. I love them all. When I started writing this album, I was exploring love in all of its different colors: Passionate love, young love, cheating love, and everything in between.

You've released 43 albums so far in your career. In that time, do you think it has been easier to work as a solo female artist in the music industry? Are difficulties still present?

There isn't anything easy about working in the entertainment industry, especially when you are a woman like me. I have been told to change my looks, the things I say, and the songs I write, from the beginning. I feel like I have held true to myself and never sacrificed who I really am. A lot of women in the industry will find that people will want to change everything about them, but you have to be true to yourself. I think I have been really lucky to do what I've done for so long and I am grateful that my fans have walked this road with me.

Can you tell us about some of the younger or up-and-coming acts that you're listening to and enjoying today?

I just finished working on a project with Pentatonix and whoa, those kids are talented! They are so mesmerizing in their harmonies. I love everything they are doing. There are so many talented new stars that it is hard to pick a few.

The film "Coat of Many Colors" was a big success for NBC last year. Were you happy with how it was received? Will you be working with NBC on any other future projects?

I was so very honored to be able to bring that movie to life with NBC. It was one of the things I am most proud of. It was such a huge success that we started working on a sequel almost immediately. We will be releasing the follow up to that story around Christmastime, called "Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love." I even got a part in this one! I get to play the painted lady. She is who I patterned my look off of when I was a kid. The whole project is very near and dear to my heart, and I can't wait for everyone to see it.

I know quite a few people are clamoring for a "9 to 5" reunion on Netflix's "Grace & Frankie." How do you feel about such an idea? Will audiences ever get to see the "9 to 5" ladies acting in the same production again?

We are talking about it and trying to figure out a way to make it work. I don't know anything yet, but I do love the show! We will just have to wait and see.

One thing people love about you is that you exude high levels of self-confidence. What is your special secret to feeling, looking and being fabulous?

Well, first of all, thank you! The answer is God. I put all my faith in God and [that faith] gives me confidence and strength every day. I know that God made me just as He wanted to and I just have to be the best me I can be. We are all God's little children. As far as looking good, I've got good makeup, good lighting and good doctors. Hahahaha!

For more information on Dolly Parton, visit dollyparton.com. Follow her on social media: twitter.com/Dolly_Parton and facebook.com/DollyParton. "Pure & Simple" is available for purchase now on the RCA Nashville label