During Thursday’s (Jul. 29, 2021) episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Dolly Parton was asked for her take on the #FreeBritney movement.
“Well, I try to not get involved in other people’s business. I think she is a wonderful artist and I think she’s a wonderful girl,” Parton, 75, said. “I only wish her the best.”
“I understand all those crazy things,” the “Jolene” singer continued. “I went through a lot of that myself – through a big lawsuit in my early days with Porter Wagoner trying to get out on my own.”
The country legend said she understands “where [Britney Spears is] coming from and how she feels.”
“I hope that all turns out the way that it should,” Parton concluded.
In the 1970s, Parton was part of a musical duo with Porter Wagoner and eventually set her sights on a successful solo career. The two had a falling out and eventually, Wagoner filed a $3 million lawsuit against Parton in 1979 alleging breach of contract.
In the suit, Wagoner sough a hefty chunk of Parton’s income over the course of several years.
The suit was later settled out of court. It’s unclear just how much money was exchanged, but Parton has spoken about the ordeal, suggesting she paid him at least $1 million.
