Tennesse lawmakers proposed a bill to build a statue of Dolly Parton on the capitol grounds in Nashville – a gesture to honor her contribution to the state.
However, the iconic country singer rejected the plan to erect a statue in her likeness, citing that it does not feel appropriate.
“I am honored and humbled by their intention but I have asked the leaders of the state legislature to remove the bill from any and all consideration,” Parton tweeted.
“Given all that is going on in the world, I don’t think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time.”
Democratic state representative John Mark Windle introduced the bill last month, which proposed the statue be built facing Ryman Auditorium, a venue that has become “something of a second home” for Parton throughout her career.
The bill aimed to honor Parton “for all that she has contributed to this state”.
“At this point in history, is there a better example, not just in America but in the world, of a leader that is [a] kind, decent, passionate human being? [She’s] a passionate person who loves everyone, and everyone loves her,” Windle said as he advocates for the statue.
It stated that the statue’s design would have been informed by the public’s opinion, and funded by the “Dolly Parton fund,” which includes grants and donations.
Known as a lifelong philanthropist, Parton founded the Imagination Library, which mails books to children under the age of five across the world to improve child literacy.
She also made a million-dollar donation to Vanderbilt University, which helped develop the highly effective Moderna coronavirus vaccine.
Parton expressed her gratitude to the legislature for their consideration of the bill and as well as her being honored and humbled by their intentions.
“I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I’m gone if you still feel I deserve it, then I’m certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol as a grateful Tennessean,” she said.