Dolly Parton on Letterman, April 1, 1987

Dolly's second of six Late Night appearances. Note the band's music choice at the end.

[@jadalynnunger5819]

I’ve noticed that people always interrupt Dolly in her interviews, it upsets me because she’s so clever and fun.

[@allencraig02]

Well, Letterman does because he has no class. And you don't notice it until he's interacting with someone who's all class, Like Dolly Parton.

[@shellzmoe8966]

Dave’s famous for his ridiculous interruptions 🙄

[@LegallyBoopy]

@@shellzmoe8966 Probably also because men love interrupting women.

[@mfr336]

She's above them all!

[@InimicalWit]

I’m glad someone else thought so, because I didn’t want to think I was just imagining it. Her interview with Barbara Walters gives me the same kind of “you don’t actually have any respect for this woman” vibe.

[@JesseWright68]

I never fail to be amazed by her graciousness, nothing ever seems to rattle her. What a lovely woman.

[@bryanmathew2079]

Ya DOLLYS GRAND Lol.

[@stephaniesellers4381]

LET HER SPEAK omg so many interruptions

[@wolfchrt]

Nah she's just a rambler. I watch a lot of interview shows -- and guests who tend to ramble on, the host will interrupt.

[@sandykirkendall3211]

Letterman interrupts everyone. Watch his interview with Joan Jett in 1987. She would give a 2 word answer and he was interrupting her. I'm not sure how he was able to stay on air as long as he did. He sucks. Another mediocre white man who was given way more credit than he ever deserved. Typical.

[@Patrick3183]

@@sandykirkendall3211 you’re probably a white woman married to a white man

[@sandykirkendall3211]

@@Patrick3183 Wrong.

[@organisationxiv2927]

@@sandykirkendall3211 You know, no one I know goes around saying or writing 'mediocre black men'. So stop it. You're not oppressed.

[@jamesr1703]

I love her laugh. Such a cute giggle. Sweet, wonderful beautiful LADY!

[@pronemanoldbutyoung5548]

The world is a darker place without people like Dolly. She is still going strong, but I get sad that we live in times where people in general have their guard up and wont open up or have a laugh at their own expense.

[@eargasm1072]

oh you mean all the miserable douches that surround us all everywhere? Yes them

[@HeyitsBri_]

She’s still alive. Like right now. What do you mean “without people like Dolly”

[@GTKJNow]

Yes she adds to the darkness, don't be deceived. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 1Ti 2:9

[@manofiske3318]

@@HeyitsBri_ This was the statement you took exception to: ''The world is a darker place without people *like* Dolly. She is still going strong,...'' '...without people _like_ Dolly...' *NOT* ' _without_ ' Dolly, _herself_ Besides, what part of 'She is still going strong' didn't you understand either?

[@impitt28]

If she was not beautiful, I’d still be in love with her, if she wasn’t famous, I’d still be in love with her, if she wasn’t immensely talented as an artist, I’d still be in love with her. She is one of the most genuine and sincere persons, and that genuine-ness shines through in every interview. Lastly, I’m fro Los Angeles, and most folks, MOST, that I’ve met from Tennessee and places like Nebraska or Louisiana are very sweet and genuine. Any way, marry me Dolly!!

[@Rh0ndaH0NDA]

She’ll consider it, 😆

[@macleadg]

Dolly’s husband is the luckiest man in human history.

[@godbluffvdgg]

He really is...:)...She's the woman we dream of...Smart, sexy and built...

[@lloydkline1518]

Why she rich;; just joking very pretty woman;; country singer legend

[@JaneDoe-ij4ls]

She is very strong willed.... wouldn't be able to control her!

[@lloydkline1518]

Dolly Parton rich & great looking; loyal to her husband

[@princessofnada87j25]

You never know

[@fannieallen6005]

Love that Dolly defends her friends. Love that lady.

[@rainespells1273]

9:20 “I have to live there” 😂

[@jeannineburchett8096]

At one point in this interview she said “ I’m stupid “ . There’s NOTHING STUPID about Dolly . She’s a beautiful soul , a brilliant business woman , and an immense talent as a writer , singer , musician, and actress .

[@Autumn_Forest_]

I think she told Dave that he could go to her park and "act stupid."

[@greg_216]

No, no, no. She said, "You've asked me a question I don't really know, and I feel stupid." Feeling stupid and being stupid are VERY different things.

[@ThisIsWideAngle]

"You've asked me a question I don't really know, and I feel stupid." It´s a subtle humble note to Dave not to bombard her with so many questions.

[@olliefoxx7165]

Dolly is such a smart classy woman. She's got a great personality and business sense. Good for her and all the folks she touched in her life.

[@amandalively1]

Best famous person ever... They Don't make them classy like her anymore.

[@Reapwhatsown]

Totally agree. She handled Dave well. I like the Carson interviews.

[@letgodbetrueandeverymanali3656]

That's because she's a REAL Christian, she never sold out for the money, she's true blue through & through, a Tennessee girl, I lived very close to her when I was a young boy.

[@redeyestones3738]

@@letgodbetrueandeverymanali3656 has nothing to do with being christian. Good folk are just good folk. They come from all creeds, nationalities, and religions. Period.

[@letgodbetrueandeverymanali3656]

@@redeyestones3738 IT has everything to do with Jesus Christ...you sir, are very wrong indeed.

[@redeyestones3738]

@@letgodbetrueandeverymanali3656 😆 so funny. So, you're saying that without Jesus Christ, people are unable to be sweet, and genuine? Have you not ever been to the south? 😆

[@angelaetress632]

She’s a smart beautiful woman. It saddens me how people take advantage of her kindness and purposely try to belittle or embarrass her but she still only shines. Beautiful!

[@bellat3280]

10:58 "well I can't find the trash, I guess she dropped outta school." Dolly is literally the best.🤣

[@JohnvanGurp]

A 1000 watt smile and the gift of making everyone feel valued… what an amazing person.

[@voicetube]

This is great! I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Dolly twice! One time was actually working with her (seriously) on a movie she did (with Sylvester Stallone… yeah, I know, kind of LOL :-) in 1984 called "Rhinestone." Although I was just an "extra," I was in a scene that actually DIDN'T end up on the cutting room floor, where I am sitting next to her at the bar (where Dolly says to the bartender, "I'd like a coooooooold glass of water!" in that inimitable Dolly Parton vibe). Kind of wild how I am fairly prominent there (for an extra) In the finished film and definitely did have a chance to meet and talk with her for a little while, in between scenes and the multiple takes the director shot. The next time I met her was I think a couple years later on Malibu beach on the Fourth of July -- gosh… It's very well may have been right about 1987 (!) so maybe three months after this interview. I think we were walking in opposite directions along the beach and so I, not wanting to bother her, quickly mentioned how I worked with her (in the bar, etc.) and that it was good seeing her again. She seemed to recognize me & said something like "okay, say hi to all our friends…!" or something like that with that (yessir) inimitable Dolly Parton smile! I really did get that through all the Hollywood BS she must have had to deal with, she was still retaining that down-home country attitude which, I myself being from LA can tell you, is real rarity. The only other star I've ever met that I think truly had that vibe was Sissy Spacek. In any event, Dolly is truly one-of-a-kind; truly is a national treasure.

[@dongiller]

A terrific memory.

[@davidadams2395]

voicetube I really enjoyed your tale of having met, and worked with, Dolly. You write with an eye towards storytelling, and the meeting being a point of interest rather than a humblebrag made it even better.

[@voicetube]

@@davidadams2395 Thanks David, I really appreciate that. It seems that most comments I receive (in reply to my comments) on KZbin videos tend to normally be quite negative; yours was a refreshing difference :-)

[@BrianCormackCarr]

How wonderful! I can just imagine how she'd have been - she does seem very genuine.

[@Muzzy68]

I envy you! Rhinestone is actually my favourite album , though it was slated and is now out of print. Give it a listen if yiu can find it

[@cibertron22]

Why is she so adorable?

[@cosmomiss2663]

Sonny Van Den Holstein because she’s real and loves everyone and is honest.

[@silverkitty2503]

she is sweet and funny.

[@teriw56]

She’s anointed

[@jimmyfreeman5235]

Straight forward genuine, kind, honest person and many more attractive qualities.

[@jimmyfreeman5235]

She walks with the Word, it is the Truth. She is very aware of the goodness that fills her centered heart... her Momma shone her in the Light so to be steadfastly apparent of will. The real, goodness will. that carries you during troubled waters until you get back to where it is you come from. Remember. It's who you know.✌️🎆

[@jm7804]

That wig is so over the top. Love it and Dolly. You can search this entire world over twice and you will not find a finer human being than Dolly. One of a kind person and talent.

[@ddehggial9932]

haha, that wig was pretty normal for 1987. But I agree, Dolly is the the best type of (famous) person.

[@sergiolobato1798]

I love Dollys laugh! So adorable!

[@tauresattauresa7137]

Dolly for President. self made clever woman.

[@watchman1178]

tauresa ttauresa Initially, I read your comment as "self-made cleavage."

[@billrandolph5375]

I'd vote for her in a second.

[@dementednun1175]

Donald Trump's I take lessons off dolly

[@thedarci1368]

It is so clear that David is so smitten with her:)

[@gbologna2466]

The Darci 13 who wasn't/isn't

[@sherrybirchall8677]

He may be smitten, but I wish he'd quit cutting her off.

[@waynej2608]

Can't blame him, one iota.

[@jaykay1053]

Perfect interview! Dolly exudes charm, grace and just the right flavour of humour to bring everyone along in the fun. 💃🏽 A true gem of American cultural history and a top-notch, natural singer.

[@DanK123]

She's so amazing. There will never be another Dolly Parton.

[@echoshadowmimi]

Love Dolly Parton and Dollywood is a fun place for families to hang. I just love how she talks, her voice is so adorable and she always handles every question with grace and intelligence

[@shaunpcanavan]

This woman is the opitome of talent, intelligence, grace, humility, generosity, happiness and inner beauty. Never heard anyone speak a bad word about her and never heard her speak a bad word anout anyone

[@20EUR20]

💚 Made me smile. She was 41 here.

[@jeremyely9587]

Really ?! Holy shit she looks like she’s in her 20s here !!!

[@ryanborder189]

I just love this woman-such class!

[@lightonstillwaters6789]

Dolly inviting Dave to come to her theme park to shoot a segment of him acting stupid is so sly and sexy and wholesome, all at the same time!

[@jimmyfreeman5235]

Lol. Yep. Graceful, poiniant , brilliantly executed example of communication executed with shear precision. It accomplished several things, too. Dolly has true wisdoms while never displaying it in arrogance or hatefulness. Mr. Letterman is witty, sharp etc. Yet, had he not heeded the warning shot this woman would've showed him how it can be. Bet. She was saying, 'We can play and poke fun. Just don't be upset when you can't play where I can no more." He was flirting with disaster with the yearbook game.

[@lightonstillwaters6789]

@@jimmyfreeman5235 Astute analysis of the dynamics beteeen Dolly and Dave. She speaks softly but holds a big stick of wit, grace and grit!

[@jojobaba754]

Dolly has got to be the smartest woman that ever lived!!!! And a beautiful human being too!!!

[@wheelmanstan]

best laugh there is

[@deantoniothurmond5320]

Yes!

[@opaloakley]

This aired the night I was born!

[@Jordanhubbard1]

RainOnATinRoof I bet your Parents hoped you was a April fools joke

[@pronemanoldbutyoung5548]

Jordan Hubbard 1.0 That joke took u 3 years to come up with

[@redeyestones3738]

Who could forget how awesome Dolly was. With her giant... Hair. And her huge... voice. She was one of those special people, who were fortunate enough to share their awesomeness with the world. I was a huge fan as a kid, in her hay day.

[@saffsuff]

And her BIG personality lol

[@banjohombre]

that little giggle of hers just kills me!

[@clinicaleducator1237]

IF there is a QUEEN of country music...…………….DOLLY is it!! Gorgeous, sexy and got a hell of a voice!! The cutest giggle in country music.

[@FlockOfHawks]

leave out the "country" and your statement even gains validity 👍 merry christmas

[@oliverburke]

I love her voice.

[@mike-rayner-videos]

beautiful woman ♥

[@dominictitan2099]

i know Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know of a trick to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.

[@hudsonkhalid4623]

@Dominic Titan instablaster =)

[@tomgardner5006]

What a strange thing to say.

[@catnapper7509]

Smart and classy, kind and generous woman.

[@YUMA-jz9xx]

She is beautiful inside and out. Such a wholesome and sweet character, she is a rare gem especially in today's world.

[@maureen298]

omg she is always so funny and pleasantly self deprecating. Always able to laugh at herself in a fun (not mean) manner.

[@8656737s]

she's so small

[@tothelighthouse9843]

She has the lightest, airiest presence of almost anyone I can think of. She's the way the air moves in the spring. And strong & resilient, & smart, & charming, & talented & compassionate. Amazing woman.

[@MusicforMe123]

Dolly wrote and sang "I will always love you" Whitney Houston sang it as a cover and made it one of the most iconic songs ever. Not only is Dolly beautiful she is always a very intelligent and savvy businesswoman.

[@lloydsplace101]

i know this is old but im always amazed at how he used to cutoff people.

[@cazgerald9471]

And Dolly had two versions of the song which both hit #1 on the country charts before Whitney Houston's version - Dolly's original release and then an updated version for the soundtrack of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas"

[@MusicforMe123]

@@cazgerald9471 Wow... that brought back some memories, thanks!

[@beebee242]

Also Elvis Presley wanted to sing that song, but the only way he would do it is to buy the rights. Dolly said no to the king and it paid off. She’s a wholesome, beautiful genius.

[@MusicforMe123]

@@beebee242 That she is a pint-size powerhouse.

[@Saylerjesse]

my lord she is stunning. haha.

[@michelleryan4712]

You ass hole.

[@daveheel]

the wig is like a third person.

[@DaisyPusher]

Her boobs are the other 2 😂😛

[@OMG_BeCkY]

Dollywood tickets are now $79 for children and $92 for adults. Nuts!

[@XDB888]

what a beautiful soul, Dolly is not only charming as hell.. but strangely educational at the same time

[@calvinlotz]

Dolly is fabulous, and I grew up with Letterman and love him too, but can we take a moment to acknowledge the righteousness of this BAND. 6:11 Also, 11:59 the outro music is 🤘😎🤘

[@markthompson3449]

I love her. She's not only gorgeous, but also very sweet --- and it's all genuine.

[@roxanneshannon4582]

Thank you so much for sharing! If you have any more Dolly videos please share!

[@MsMadmax1]

I love any celebrity that remembers where they come from, treasures the people they grew up with enough to give them a hand up instead of a handout. I know Dolly remembers the struggles of all the mountain families where she grew up. She has provided thousands of jobs for these hard-working people so they can take care of themselves and their families. She also provides books for the children of these families and families all over the world who would otherwise not be able to provide books for their children or don't have access to a public library. Reading is fundamental. A child that loves to read, loves to learn.

[@maraschinomachine5693]

What a great interview! He didn't patronize her at all and I love the lighthearted banter and his attentiveness to what she was saying - such a contrast with the one with Barbra Walters.

[@JCNDCIII]

He adored her and it shows!

[@kaseryn]

He would have had a hard time doing so but yeah glad he wasnt a prick here as he sometimes can be (eg oprah back in the day)

[@bustermot]

I think He tried to be a prick a few times but she kept pulling him back to the good side

[@kaseryn]

@@bustermot Agreed.

[@beans6765]

I didn’t like how he kept interrupting her…it was kind of obnoxious

[@Harbinger57]

She is a living treasure. How lucky we have been. Just a wonderful human being.

[@scottmitchell1974]

Completely underrated as a beauty. Look at that perfect bone structure. Holy cow!

[@gent8940]

Dolly is such a babe 😍

[@rs3007]

STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL, inside and out

[@AussiePat79]

Only this year, I have gone on a Dolly Parton deep dive. I am 43 years old and although I have always been familiar with her and her big hits I never really truly appreciated her and thought of her as more of a gimmick. How wrong was I? Not only is Dolly an amazingly talented singer/songwriter she is also full of class and self-deprecating wit! Please don't ever leave us, Dolly! The world is a far better place for having you in it.

[@Spohcsom]

Talent personified.

[@tjnugent62]

I live near Dollywood and Dolly is a force of nature. She is one of the most influential people.. Top influential for women.

[@johnnyappleseed5029]

I'm an hour away in NC and a Dollywood season pass holder. Dollywood just mirrors and exudes Dolly's joy, charm and wholesome sense of fun and adventure. Love the lady and the park.

[@tjnugent62]

@@johnnyappleseed5029 Knoxville here.

[@CarlScripter]

It''s fun to see a guest that can keep with '80s Dave. 🤣

[@dana.j9062]

A classy Intelligent beautiful woman and a Living Legend ✨ 💜💚🧡

[@tammyrenee64]

Dolly is a beautiful soul, so kind to everyone, actually very smart in her own funny little way, she always has a smile or a kind word for everyone, she really cares about others🫶🙏🦋💚🦋🌻

[@janetkeen8280]

The world is a better place with Dolly in it.

[@jamienara]

I aim to speak half as well as Dolly. She is so fluid.

[@johnnyappleseed5029]

And that's not easy with a southern accent, which is why most of us speak slowly.

[@justinalexander4589]

this aired 12 days before i was born damn lol

[@robertholland3414]

THIS AIRED 20 YRS AFTER I WAS BORN... lol

[@fosterch11]

stumbled on this ... always great to see Dolly!

[@wr70beh]

I remember watching this live. Learned about Clingmans Dome from this show.

[@davidadams2395]

wr70beh Yeah, I moved to East TN in 2018, but my folks have been just up the road from Dollywood since 2012. I made it a point to climb Clingmans Dome and walk to the top of the observation tower, which has a 375 foot ramp at a 12%. incline. Walking the paved path to the tower is a slog: long and steep. People are seen sitting on rocks, gasping for breath at every five foot interval to the ramp. Anyway, I love it here despite my being a big city liberal in a small red southern state.

[@johnnyappleseed5029]

@@davidadams2395 Gotta admit, Eastern Tennessee is a great place to live.

[@dunkinjunkie5868]

I absolutely love her laugh 😃

[@letgodbetrueandeverymanali3656]

I love Dolly, she's a classy woman with a heart ❤ of gold.

[@jeremyely9587]

Dolly’s laugh is lovely 😍😍😍

[@michaelrantanen4312]

Cured my anxiety. Thanks dolly 😘

[@wannabe4668]

On my birthday!! I was 15 years old. Sure loved that lovely lady

[@rryan844]

God Bless You, Dolly & Dave ❤️

[@pauld205]

Dolly is an ambassador to the world. Beloved globally. Deservedly

[@timmyteaching]

she is so authentic

[@christopherramon-reid9841]

The resemblance between her and sister Rachel Dennison is really strong here.

[@verbat1900]

Dollywood, totally made that whole area, talk about a smart business woman. It's like the mob when they went to Vegas and made a oasis in the middle of no where.

[@sshelton1433]

Dollywood is still awesome in 2018

[@fbueller]

What is the best ride there?

[@YUMA-jz9xx]

And still is in 2021!

[@johnnyappleseed5029]

@@fbueller If you're into thrill rides, Lightning Rod is a white knuckle blur, but all the coasters are good, and a very eclectic mix. If you like mild stuff, the train ride is awesome and Blazing Fury is and groovy, nostalgic indoor coaster. The whole place is just phenomenal

[@alaindexter2009]

He could never look and sound as smart as Carson.... But, he was OK !

[@zoozercattacrezooz4646]

She is such a sweetie. Seems genuine.

[@annainspain5176]

Let the woman talk! He asks her a question and then talks over her.

[@allergyahead8128]

Gatlinburg and the Forge everyone should visit at least once. Dolly is the full package. Brains and beautiful. Nobody can drag her down in the mire. Plenty tried.

[@bradkevenblonjeaux1844]

So timeless.

[@postmodern9208]

Dolly is my Pinnacle Fantasy. She outclasses everyone. She outshines everyone. She - is a bonafide Goddess.

[@birhan2006]

She's always been a real person, no pretense

[@DARKSIDEART2022]

I'm still in love with her, after 40+ years ;)

[@christopherramon-reid9841]

She was so tiny!

[@delennamachoo]

She’s still tiny. She’s about 5’0.

[@musicalBurr]

She’s amazing.

[@teriw56]

Dolly is anointed

[@raerae2885]

OMG Crazy to hear how cheap tickets used to be.

[@Ravenheart_]

I read her autobiography years ago, and she described how she met her husband. She said she was walking on the sidewalk (near a laundromat I think), and he actually did a u-turn in the street with his pickup, just to go back and talk to her, because she was such a babe. Jane Fonda said she was at their house visiting, after they'd been married many years, and Dolly's husband got so excited telling that story, that he actually fell of his chair. That dude seriously won the lottery, and he was very well aware of that fact. haha

[@soulaiam9196]

What’s the name of her autobiography?

[@oliviaaus1086]

Dolly Parton has the best laugh in all of history

[@8656737s]

Love her

[@mthivier]

She did a surprise walk-on a few months before, but this was her first interview with Letterman.

[@deneseweatherby7378]

I respect her so much. She's a wonderful person and sings so beautiful.

[@ZOOTSUITBEATNICK1]

I worked with guys who played in her road band in the way back and they loved her...said she was a great person.

[@rha101]

She is just great.

[@tomkeane3778]

Music is "Chest Fever" by the Band.

[@nuckle4270]

Such an angel, Dolly.

[@rebeccalafontaine8738]

she's got the funniest laugh, just love it

[@kquitberg4297]

Amazing lady.

[@Bluewater9]

Mrs. Dolly Parton you have beautiful teeth and a beautiful smile thank you for sharing your kindness @ 10 min 7 seconds...

[@dementednun1175]

Dolly1987: hopefully it's a good business deal

[@danielkinney9407]

The Dolly Parton Diet really does work i lost 24 lbs in 7 days a lot was water but still.

[@adamprice6000]

daniel kinney Dolly looked better before she lost that weight. 70s Dolly was the best.

[@FlockOfHawks]

10:00 " i looked like the real trash that a lot of the girls were " - holy moly , what a lady 💖

[@gretelhance]

Sure does

[@YUMA-jz9xx]

She handled it very well when Letterman started asking for names and giving suggestions as she thumbed through the yearbook at his insistence... "Ah can't find her, she probably dropped outta' school..." Such grace under pressure. But she wasn't flustered at all!

[@neuregel]

shes a national treasure