Dolly Parton’s Rockstar Album Combines Music and Politics: “I’m Not an Activist, But I Want the World to Change,” Says the Legendary Singer

London – Dolly Parton, the iconic singer-songwriter, launched her highly anticipated album, Rockstar, in London this week, surprising fans with her most politically charged songwriting to date. The album, featuring nine original rock songs and 21 covers, boasts an impressive lineup of guest appearances, including music legends like Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Miley Cyrus, Debbie Harry, and Joan Jett, among others. With her musical versatility on full display, Parton, at the age of 77, proves that she can rock just as hard as she can conquer country, bluegrass, and pop genres.

One track from the album, titled “World On Fire,” highlights Parton’s newfound political voice. While the singer has typically shied away from politics throughout her career, she acknowledges that the state of the world compelled her to address the issues through her music. In an interview during the album launch, Parton explained her motivation behind the song, stating, “Songs like World On Fire are about the shape the world is in. And this is the only world we’ve got. I just want to see us doing a little more learning and trying a bit harder to make lives a little bit better.”

Despite her reluctance to be labeled as an activist or feminist, Parton’s lyrics in “World On Fire” express her concerns about the state of society. She sings, “Liar, liar, the world’s on fire… Greedy politicians, present and past / They wouldn’t know the truth if it bit ‘em in the ass.” The song questions the erosion of common decency and the need for healing the societal divisions that plague us.

When asked why she chose to engage with politics now, Parton shared, “I just have feelings about things. And the way I express my feelings is that I’m able to write songs. And I write them to make people think. Not to make major statements. More to make people just look and feel and think about what we can do to do better.” Expressing her frustration with the current state of affairs, she emphasized the lack of care, greed, and hate that permeate society, urging people to believe in something greater than themselves and work towards positive change.

While Parton acknowledges that she is not an activist, she remains committed to making a difference through her philanthropic efforts. One cause that holds a special place in her heart is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program she started with her father to provide books to children from low-income families. Over the years, the program has gifted over 200 million books worldwide, ensuring that children have equal access to the joys of reading. Reflecting on this legacy, Parton shared, “We all have our causes. And I’ve always believed that once you get in a position to do something, you should do something.”

Dolly Parton’s Rockstar album, blending her signature musical prowess with thought-provoking lyrics, is set to be released in November. As fans eagerly await its arrival, Parton’s powerful voice continues to resonate not only through her songs but also through her dedication to making a positive impact on the world.