Dolly Parton's Sister Speaks Out Amid Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Look Criticism

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 23: Dolly Parton performs during halftime in the game between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Dolly Parton's sister will always love her—even amid online criticism.

After the "Jolene" singer rocked an itty-bitty Dallas Cowboys cheerleader uniform for her halftime performance during the team's game against the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving day, many criticized the 77-year-old music legend for supposedly not acting her age.

For instance, one critic wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Dolly Parton is 25 years too old to be thirst trapping on thanksgiving NFL halftime show." Another chimed in, "Dolly Parton too old for this…."

A third weighed in, "Dolly Parton is way too old to be up on that stage like that LMAOO."

Thankfully, the majority seemed to love Parton's performance and her spirited costume. In fact, even her sister Stella Parton made sure to publicly vocalize her support amid some of the hate, writing online, "I personally thought my big sister Dolly was cute as hell in her Dallas Cowboys cheerleading costume at the half time show on Thanksgiving.”

This prompted many fans to also rally around the singer. Case in point: One fan replied, "Your sister KILLED it in that Dallas Cowboy cheerleader outfit! She had fun and looked damned good! Good on her for doing what she wants to!"

Another commented, "Dolly looked fabulous in her Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader outfit! I can only hope to look half that good at 77. Dolly Parton is a National Treasure and we are lucky to have her."

Even Whoopi Goldberg defended the "9 to 5" artist on The View, stating, “Some critics told her to act her age. Bite me.”

One thing we've learned from all of this? Don't mess with Texas Dolly Parton.

Next: Dolly Parton Shares the Heartwarming Stories Behind 10 of Her Favorite Songs