While Dolly Parton is known for her generous heart, she does not want to be idolized.
And how can we not? The singer-star-icon has expanded her Imagination Library program, raised money for middle Tennessee flood victims and donated $1 million in 2020 to help fund the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. And now, she has been named one of the 2021 People of the Year by People magazine.
But in an interview with the outlet, Parton says she is cautious to accept too much recognition due to her religious beliefs.
“I don’t want to be worshipped, because there’s a scripture in my Bible that talks about idol worship,” the singer said.
“And I see that happening all the time with movie stars and these celebrities. People literally worship them more than they worship God. And I just — I cringe at it sometimes.”
“But yeah, it’s like, I am not all that,” she said. “I’m glad that I stand for enough stuff to where I’m not the worst person in the world.”
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“I try to rule with love and compassion,” she told the outlet. “But also, there’s a fine line that says, ‘She’s not a pushover.’ I’m a fair and honest person.”
“I like to be as friendly as I can and love the people that work with me and I like to have them love me,” she added.
Earlier this year, Dolly went on to share how she considers those she works with (including her staff at Dollywood) like family.
“People always brag about the staff here at Dollywood,” Parton, 75, told “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts back in May of this year.
“This is our 36th season, by the way. We’ve got all kinds of people that have been here from the very start,” Dolly shared.
“We’re partners. That’s the way I am with my band. We’re just all partners here. It takes us all to make it work.”
“I think it’s amazing how our crew has done all the things that they’ve done,” she added. “The people here are like family, so any time you have a crisis of any kind you just kind of pull together and get it done.”
“We’re not out of it yet, but I can feel a new energy,” Dolly went on, adding that it feels like coming home. “We’ve got a lot of things to be thankful for.”