Country music icon Dolly Parton reflected on her 1977 appearance before Queen Elizabeth II during the monarch’s Silver Jubilee in Glasgow, Scotland. In an interview with Business Insider following the Queen’s recent passing, Parton described how, as a child, she had been fascinated by royalty and their regal attire.
Feeling the pressure of protocol
Parton admitted she was “scared to death” that she might not curtsy properly, fearing she would bend the wrong way. She said the Queen was “very sweet” and “very warm,” putting the singer at ease despite the formal setting.
Mutual admiration
British broadcaster Helena Chard noted that both women respected each other’s discipline and heart. Chard called the encounter “the most magical moment” for Parton, who had dreamed of meeting a queen since childhood. The royal family reportedly enjoyed Parton’s music, and the Band of the Coldstream Guards later honored her by playing “9 to 5” during the Changing of the Guard.
Legacy of a shared spirit
Parton’s performance, billed as “the Queen of country meeting the Queen of England,” highlighted a rare cultural exchange between American country music and British royalty. The singer’s story underscores how faith, perseverance, and family values can bridge even the most unlikely of worlds.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
