Dolly Parton is not only known for her incredible talent, resilience, and philanthropy but also for her hilarious and sometimes downright bizarre experiences. Her sense of humor and quick wit have made her even more endearing to fans worldwide.
Here are some of the funniest moments from Dolly’s life that showcase her playful spirit and ability to find humor in any situation…
The “Grandpa” Restaurant Scam
Once, Dolly was dining in a restaurant when an older man approached her table and struck up a conversation. Dolly and her friends didn’t know him, but they all enjoyed his company and shared a few laughs. After the man left, Dolly went to pay the bill and was told, “Your grandpa left his bill here, too.” Confused, Dolly responded, “My grandpa?” She quickly realized that the old man had scammed them by making the restaurant believe he was part of her group. Dolly laughed it off and, of course, paid the bill. Later, when she saw him on the street, she humorously confronted him about it.
Kicked Out of a NYC Hotel for Looking “Cheap”
When Dolly first visited New York City in the late 1960s, she didn’t have much money but was thrilled to experience the Big Apple. She and her best friend, Judy Ogle, checked into a hotel, sharing a room to save costs. However, they didn’t anticipate what would happen next: the hotel management thought they were prostitutes and kicked them out, putting their luggage in the hallway! Dolly found herself wandering the streets of New York with her belongings, trying to figure out what to do next. Always ready with a laugh, she later recalled the absurdity of the situation with great humor, explaining that she “looked even cheaper back then than she does now!” .
Pigeon Poop and Humility
Dolly’s success hasn’t gone to her head, and she attributes much of her grounded nature to her family. One of her favorite stories involves the time a statue of her was erected in her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee. Proudly showing it off, Dolly asked her father if he was impressed. He replied, “I’m very proud of you. To your fans, you might be some kind of idol, but to the pigeons, you’re just another outhouse.”
Dolly has recounted this story many times, always laughing at the hilarious way her father helped keep her grounded.
These hilarious stories remind us that behind the glitz and glamour, Dolly Parton is as down-to-earth as ever, always ready to laugh at herself and the absurdities of life. With her quick wit and infectious sense of humor, she continues to win over fans, making her not just an icon but also one of the most relatable stars in the world.