Dolly Parton performs during a concert to benefit Dolly's Imagination Library & Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation at The University of Tennessee's Thompson-boling Arena on May 28, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Comparing the criticisms that Miley gets over her behavior, choices and wardrobe to what she herself dealt with when she first hit that stage, Parton shared that she never let the "tsk-tsks" stop her. "I knew my songs were good, even if I had been ugly as sin. I felt like I could sing, even if I had been ugly as sin. So I thought, ‘Well, I would have probably chose to look this way even if I had been a waitress.’ I mean, this is my look. I mean, I like a lot of makeup. I like a lot of hair. I like flashy clothes. I like to show it off. But that’s just who I am.”
It wasn't long before Dolly's talent and business sense stepped way in front of her makeup and clothing choices.
As for Miley's more personal choices, Parton is like family and she loves Cyrus like one of her own, so sticking up for family is a natural response. "I’ll never say anything bad about Miley ’cause I know she’s smart," Parton added. "And I know she’s talented. And I know she’s had to go to drastic measures to try to make her point: 'Leave me alone. I am not Hannah Montana anymore. I want to grow up.'"
