Dolly Parton took control of her career by making men the butt of the joke
This article explores how Dolly Parton navigated the male-dominated music industry by using humor and wit to assert control over her career. It highlights her early experiences with producer Porter Wagoner as a turning point in her professional autonomy.
Why it matters
It provides cultural insight into how female artists in the 20th century utilized subversion to challenge patriarchal power structures in entertainment.
Dolly Parton was fond of saying, ‘It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.’ Paul Natkin/Getty Images Dolly Parton took control of her career by making men the butt of the joke Published: August 28, 2026 12:54pm EDT https://theconversation.com/dolly-parton-took-control-of-her-career-by-making-men-the-butt-of-the-joke-290574 https://theconversation.com/dolly-parton-took-control-of-her-career-by-making-men-the-butt-of-the-joke-290574 Link copied Share article Share article
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Of all the moments that capture Dolly Parton’s musical talents, fierce intelligence and driving ambition, I often find myself thinking back to an awkward, ad-libbed live television duet on “ The Porter Wagoner Show .”
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