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2w ago

Dolly Parton Reaffirms Decision to Decline Judging Roles on 'American Idol' and 'The Voice'

The country music icon cites empathy for contestants as her reason for turning down lucrative offers, focusing instead on her Broadway musical and Dollywood legacy.

Dolly Parton attends Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs In Symphony World Premiere at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on March 20, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Overview

  • Dolly Parton has consistently declined full-time judging roles on 'American Idol' and 'The Voice,' reiterating her unwillingness to critique aspiring artists harshly.
  • Parton revealed that her empathy for contestants, even those less talented but deeply sincere, prevents her from accepting such roles.
  • Despite turning down multi-million dollar opportunities, she has appeared as a guest mentor on both shows, including 'American Idol' in 2008 and 'The Voice' in 2015 and 2016.
  • She is currently focusing on developing her autobiographical Broadway musical, 'Dolly: An Original Musical,' slated to debut in 2026.
  • Parton also continues to oversee her Dollywood theme park, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, while navigating life after the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025.