Julianne Hough is remembering the advice Dolly Parton gave her that’s stayed with her ever since.
The dancer and television host, who played Jolene in Parton’s Netflix anthology series Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, reflected during an interview with Extra on the country legend following her death at 80.
Hough recalled Parton as vibrant and energetic, someone who never took herself too seriously, but took her work very seriously.
‘Stay the artist that you are’
Parton told Hough between scenes that she reminded her of herself, full of dreams and ambitions, and advised her to always stay the artist she is. BY: MEGA
Hough said one on-set conversation left a lasting mark. The two were talking between scenes, she recalled, when Parton told her she reminded her of herself, always wanting to pursue many different things and full of dreams and ambitions. Parton’s advice, Hough said, was to always stay the artist that she is.
That guidance, Hough said, hit her hard. She explained that she’s always trying new things and loves business and other pursuits, but that her true nature is that of an artist. It was a lesson she said she returns to often, using it to check whether she’s actually staying true to herself.
A bond that began on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Their bond began when Parton appeared as a guest on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ BY: MEGA
Hough said her relationship with Parton started with a memorable first meeting. The two initially crossed paths when Parton appeared as a guest on Dancing With the Stars, and Hough recalled being moved when Parton later called her personally about the Heartstrings role.
She was in her office when the call came, she said, and Parton told her she would love for her to play Jolene. Hough said she remembered being in tears. Playing the title character of one of Parton’s most famous songs became one of the more meaningful experiences of her career.
A keepsake and a missed opportunity
Hough was in her office and in tears when Parton later called personally to offer her the role of Jolene. BY: MEGA
Hough shared a fond memory from a premiere, when Parton lent her a pair of earrings. When Hough tried to return them at the end of the night, she said Parton insisted she keep them, leaving her with a lasting piece of the star. She said she’ll always have that memory of Dolly with her.
She also spoke about one invitation she wishes she had accepted. Parton had offered to write music with her, Hough said, but she never took her up on it because she was experiencing imposter syndrome. She said she’s kicking herself for missing the chance to be in the studio with the songwriter.
Hough reflects on Parton’s universal appeal
Hough said what struck her most was how beloved Parton was by people from every walk of life. BY: MEGA
Hough said she’s felt overwhelmed by the response to Parton’s death. What struck her most, she said, was how beloved Parton was by people from every walk of life, and how a figure so widely adored could make others feel safe simply by being authentically herself.
Hough called Parton “iconic and legendary, “saying she was a true embodiment of those words. She was among many performers who paid tribute after Parton’s death, writing on Instagram that the world “would always love her.”
Her brother, Derek Hough, who works with the program Extra, also honored Dolly, recalling that he was lucky to have shared a stage with her.