Parton’s statement comes amid a growing backlash from some conservative circles over Bad Bunny’s selection as headliner, primarily due to his outspoken political activism and previous refusal to tour the US over fears of immigration enforcement.

Trading the Stadium for a Political Tribute

In a move that has stunned both fans and industry insiders, Dolly Parton confirmed that she would not be watching the Super Bowl broadcast. Instead, she plans to throw her support behind a competing event: the “All American Halftime Show” being organized by Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk.

The announcement follows Parton’s own heartfelt tribute to Kirk on what would have been his 32nd birthday, underscoring an unexpected and deepening connection between the country queen and the conservative movement.

Parton’s decision to join the counter-programming event is being framed by supporters as a powerful stand against what they perceive as the NFL’s increasing embrace of politicized entertainment. Her powerful remark, “I’d rather be part of something All-American than the NFL’s circus,” has quickly become a rallying cry across social media platforms like X, sparking an intense debate over patriotism, culture, and the role of the Super Bowl.

The Source of the Super Bowl Controversy

The Super Bowl Halftime Show has faced mounting scrutiny ever since the announcement of Bad Bunny, an artist known for his global hits and political stances, including his open criticism of US border policies and his support for the LGBTQ+ community.

For Parton, however, the boycott appears to be less about a specific political issue and more about cultural alignment. By contrasting the “NFL’s circus” with an “All-American” event honoring Charlie Kirk, she is signaling a preference for traditional values and conservative platforms over the pop-culture spectacle of the NFL’s current direction. This choice is particularly significant given Parton’s decades-long reputation for remaining non-judgmental and politically neutral.

Fan Reaction: A Divided Social Media Landscape

Dolly Parton’s fan base, long accustomed to her universal appeal, is now sharply divided. Social media is flooded with a mix of emotional reactions:

Appreciation for Patriotism: Many conservative fans have praised the move as brave and necessary, hailing Parton as a true American patriot for taking a stand against what they call the “woke NFL.”

Disbelief and Disappointment: Others have expressed shock and deep disappointment, accusing the star of abandoning her famously inclusive principles and allowing herself to be drawn into a divisive political culture war. Hashtags like #WhatWouldDollyDo are being used to challenge her stance.

The controversy has successfully turned a major sporting event’s entertainment segment into a symbol of the nation’s cultural and political divide, with Dolly Parton—of all people—standing in the eye of the storm. As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, all eyes will be watching not only the game, but the fallout from the Queen of Country’s highly publicized boycott.

Will Dolly Parton’s move encourage other major country artists to join the “