Country Music Star Dolly Parton Speaks Out on LGBT Fans, 'Sin of Judgment'
Well-known country music star Dolly Parton has spoken out on her support for the LGBT community, saying that "the sin of judging is just as bad as any other sin."
This year marks Parton's 50th anniversary in the country music business, and the 68-year-old artist sat down with Billboard to discuss her career, her personal life and her business ventures.
One subject that came up during the interview was Dollywood, a Dolly Parton-themed adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The park is owned by Parton and boasts almost 2.5 million visitors per year.
According to Billboard, the theme park attracts several church groups, but is also a popular site for members of the LGBT community. When asked about the different audiences that attend her park, Parton replied: "It's a place for entertainment, a place for all families, period. It's for all that."
"But as far as the Christians, if people want to pass judgment, they're already sinning. The sin of judging is just as bad as any other sin they might say somebody else is committing. I try to love everybody."
When asked what she attributes to her large gay following, Parton continued: "They know that I completely love and accept them, as I do all people. I've struggled enough in my life to be appreciated and understood."
"I've had to go against all kinds of people through the years just to be myself. I think everybody should be allowed to be who they are, and to love who they love. I don't think we should be judgmental. Lord, I've got enough problems of my own to pass judgment on somebody else."
