Celebrity

Dolly Parton fans furious as Elon Musk named Person of the Year over country icon and living angel

Dolly Parton arrives for the 9 to 5 the Musical Gala Night

Country icon Dolly Parton (Getty/David M. Benett)

Elon Musk might have been named Time’s Person of the Year for 2021 but fans believe living angel Dolly Parton was been robbed of the coveted title.

In a year that saw the iconic country star donate $1 million to COVID-19 vaccine research, Time somehow failed to give Parton the top spot on its annual list.

Though Parton was among the list of 100 people named by the magazine for their influence over the past 12 months, fans were disappointed that the legendary musician lost out to billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk.

One fan wrote: “Of course Dolly Parton should have been Time’s Person of the Year. This year, she funded research that led to the Covid vaccine. But every year, she gives millions of free books to kids around the world. Over 100 MILLION books so far. She should be Person of the Year every year.”

Another added: “Hey @Time Elon? Electric car manufacturer, government subsides king, complainer. Dolly Parton is a creator, giver, and gifted. #DollyParton #ElonMusk”

“In my universe, Dolly Parton is Time’s person of the year,” a fan tweeted.

One fan argued: “Dolly Parton, not Elon Musk deserved to be Time’s Person of the Year.”

Back when Time’s 100 most influential people of 2021 list was released in November, Parton was honoured by her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, who wrote how Dolly has “diligently celebrated the queer community” and impacted millions through her philanthropy work.

Cyrus added: “Dolly is not only my idol because of her incomparable career – she’s also my role model because of her steadfast morals and values. At her core, she is the definition of a humanitarian.”

Saint Dolly Parton made headlines in November 2020 when it emerged she had donated a hefty sum to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville, Tennessee, to aid the development of Moderna’s highly-effective COVID-19 vaccine.

Speaking to Absolute Country Radio, the “Jolene” singer said she knew she had to do something when the COVID-19 pandemic started – but she doesn’t want to take any credit for the work of trailblazing scientists.

“When the pandemic came out, I just felt led to do something because I knew something bad was on the rise and I just kind of wanted to help with that, so I donated to help with that,” Parton explained.

“So, mine was a small part, of course, but I probably get a mot more credit than I deserve, but I was happy to be part of that, and to be able to try stop something in its tracks that’s really just become such a monster for all of us.”

In March 2021, the 9 to 5 star shared a video of herself on social media receiving her first dose of the Moderna vaccine at the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre.

She even rewrote her hit song “Jolene” for the occasion, adding the lyrics: “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you please don’t hesitate. Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, because once you’re dead, then that’s a bit too late.”

Register to save articles and more. It'll only take a minute and it's free.
JOIN US TODAY!