Dolly Parton is known for her good-natured wit and easygoing way with people, but shock jock Howard Stern managed to get her dander up with one of his many public displays of questionable taste.
The year was 2008, and Stern edited the audiobook version of Parton’s memoir, My Life and Other Unfinished Business, to make it appear as if she was making racist comments and speaking poorly of other musicians, including her friend and collaborator Linda Ronstadt. The country icon responded with an uncharacteristically strongly worded public statement.
“I have never been so shocked, hurt and humiliated in all my life,” Parton said. “I cannot believe what Howard Stern has done to me. In a blue million years, I would never have such vulgar things come out of my mouth. They have done editing or some sort of trickery to make this horrible, horrible thing.”
Tim McGraw’s battle with Curb was especially nasty. Curb sued the singer in 2011, claiming breach of contract. He counter-sued to get out of that contract, which he claimed was slanted and unfair. In 2013 McGraw prevailed when a judge threw out the last of Curb’s arguments, and he has gone on to a very successful career with Big Machine.
Rick Diamond, Getty Images
“If there was ever going to be a lawsuit, it’s going to be over this,” she added.
Stern played the whole thing off as just more of his usual brand of dark humor, saying, “It’s an absurd bit. … It’s obviously parody and it’s funny as hell.”
He later said that he was honored that Parton even knew who he was. The country legend did not end up filing suit against the radio host, but we wouldn’t hold our breath waiting for her to appear on his show any time soon.
The Real Story Behind Dolly Parton’s Hidden Tattoos
