Dolly Parton Rejected Joining ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Voice’—and She’d Do It Again in a Heartbeat

With its debut in 2002, American Idol ushered in a new wave of reality singing competition TV shows. Nine years later, The Voice came along. Surviving the streaming era, both shows are still going strong today.

Everyone from Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler to season 4 winner Carrie Underwood has served as a judge on Idol, whereas The Voice has seen the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton sitting in the big red coaches’ chairs. With decades of experience in the music industry and a unique effervescent charm, Dolly Parton seems like a perfect candidate for either The Voice or American Idol. Unfortunately, it seems that dream collab will remain just that.

Dolly Parton Has Rejected Offers From Both ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Voice’

Certainly, Dolly Parton is no stranger to either The Voice or American Idol. The “Coat of Many Colors” singer appeared as a guest mentor on the latter’s seventh season in 2008. She has twice stepped into the same role on The Voice, once during season 9 in 2015 and again during season 11 in 2016.

However, the “Queen of Country” is not at all interested in filling those roles permanently, despite multiple offers. Her reasoning is plain: She would simply rather lift up aspiring artists than tear them down (even if the criticism is constructive.)

“It’s too hard for me. That’s why I don’t accept it, because I know how sincere everybody is,” Dolly told E! News in an interview published Thursday (May 8.) Even if they’re not that good, they believe they are. And I just can’t hurt people.”

How Does Dolly Handle Criticism?

When performing is your life’s work, criticism stings, and Dolly Parton knows this all too well. The Country Music Hall of Famer has spoken frankly about pushback she’s received throughout her six-decade career. During a 2022 appearance on the podcast Work Life with Adam Grant, Dolly said she prefers to transform that criticism into something positive.

“If you make a mistake it’s best that you pick it up and it turn into something positive,” she said. “Sometimes the best part of my show is when I mess up and people know I’m human. They see how you’re gonna get out of it, and you’re right there in the spotlight. You have to deal with it. Same with life, I don’t punish myself for [making mistakes].”

Featured image by Jon Morgan/CBS via Getty Images