A high-spirited and deeply rewarding conversation with the one and only Stella Parton (find her on Twitter and Instagram, too!). This woman is a true American original, so wise and generous, talented and humble, with some of the best perspectives I have heard on the human condition and the politics of the moment. What an honor to share a little time with the beautiful soul.

Country Music maverick Stella Parton has been entertaining audiences around the world for over five decades. The singer, songwriter, actress & author emerged as an unfiltered Twitter hero in 2020 following a string of mega-viral tweets that struck a chord with millions of people around the world.

Stella Parton was branded a maverick in 1975 when she launched her very own record label – (Soul, Country and Blues) S.C.A.B Records before going on to write, produce and release her chart-topping debut album I Want to Hold You (In My Dreams Tonight). Since that time, Stella has gone on to release 40 albums, 32 chart singles and become an accomplished actress and author with three cookbooks, an inspirational memoir Tell it Sister, Tell it and four starring roles in Broadway touring musicals; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Pump Boys and Dinettes and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. In 2015, at the request of her older sister Dolly, Stella served as an associate producer on the NBC Television movie Coat of Many Colors in addition to being portrayed in the film as a child and appearing in a character role as Corla Bass. She reprised her role in the Emmy-Nominated follow up Christmas of Many Colors (2016).

In 2018, Stella became an audience favorite on BBC’s Celebrity Masterchef TV series and partnered with British Airways as a spokesperson for their first direct flight between London and Nashville. Her 40th studio album Survivor was released in 2019.

The ten track album featured eight self-penned songs addressing an array of issues from the #metoo movement (“Dirty Rotten Dog”) and opioid crisis (“It Can Be An Illusion”) to Alzheimer’s disease (“Forget Me Not”). The album also saw Parton take on the Avicii pop hit “Wake Me Up” & Bob Seeger classic “Like A Rock” – stripping them back and delivering them with her own unique style. In 2020 Stella emerged as an unfiltered Twitter hero following a string of mega-viral tweets that struck a chord with millions of Americans. Her straight forward commentary on an array of political and human-rights issues has garnered global praise as she continues to Tweet truth to power.

Your Honest Review of What Matters Most Is a Great Way To Support the Show!

If you enjoyed this — or any! — episode of the What Matters Most podcast, please leave a review of the show! Reviews help boost the show in rankings, which makes it more visible… and that means more listeners! It’s a great way to spread the word about What Matters Most!

Create your review – click here!

Read The Book That Inspires The Show

Paul Samuel Dolman, author, podcaster, and speaker, presents What Matters Most (the book!) a series of interview transcriptions from more than twenty inspirational Nashville and Tennessee residents, including special guest the journalist and author Bill Moyers.

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, former Governor Don Sundquist, Academy Award-winning actress Patricia Neal, Grammy Award-winning entertainer Wynonna Judd, and many more share intimate and inspirational aspects of themselves.

This twentieth anniversary edition also features bonus material from thirty more notables from Tennessee, including local business owners, spiritual leaders, coaches, radio personalities, authors, and educators.

Help Advance Our Worldwide Mission

What Matters Most is 100% listener supported by generous pledges from people just like you.

Did this episode speak to you? Please consider pledging your support for as little as $5.00 per month… or pledge at higher levels and enjoy perks like a guided meditation audiobook, a library of Paul Samuel Dolman e-books… and more!