'Dolly Parton is my auntie - people paint her as a dumb blonde but she taught me best lesson'

Jada Star is the daughter of one of Dolly Parton's younger sisters, Frieda and she says some of her happiest childhood moments were with the legendary singer

Dolly Parton’s niece has spoken for the first time about how she has drawn inspiration from the country legend’s amazing strength of character, saying she often asks herself: “What would Dolly do?”

Jada Star, the daughter of one of Dolly’s younger sisters, Frieda, says some of her happiest childhood moments were with the singer. And she recalls how she nicknamed her “Auntie Granny” because of how she spoiled her and her cousins, even letting her into her closet to try on her iconic country queen costumes. But Jada admits that despite their closeness, she has never seen her aunt without make-up – although she has tried hard to do so.

Jada says: “The thing Dolly has taught me, and the rest of the world, is to be unapologetically yourself. She dresses the way that makes her feel good – despite people trying to paint her as a dumb blonde. I love watching her old interviews, especially from the 70s. You see interviewers try to cut her down and make fun of her for her appearance.

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“And you see the way she handles those situations with humour and love – and no bite. That’s one of the best lessons I could learn from her. I try to think, ‘What would Dolly do?’ She never wants to hurt anyone. She just wants to have a good time.”

Jada thinks of herself as a late bloomer, given her family heritage. While Dolly released her first album at 21, Jada has just recorded her own debut at more than twice that age. But while 78-year-old Dolly did not play Glastonbury until just 10 years ago, Jada is set to appear this year.

She says: “Dolly is a supernova, she never stops. She’s an anomaly. And she is such a queen. Her manner shows her ultimate strength – it’s not a sign of weakness. It shows she’s secure enough in herself not to fight every battle. I’ve never seen her tear down another female artist or throw shade at another artist, period. She always says, ‘Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. Hoe your own row.’ She says be true to yourself and think about the things you say before saying them. Oh, and always make your bed.”

Jada discovered her talents as a singer-songwriter after joining the family show at Dollywood, in Tennessee. Recalling how Dolly exploded as a global star in 1980 after appearing in the movie 9 to 5 – writing and singing the hit title song – Jada says: “I remember when she blew up as a movie star as well as a country star. Until I was four or five, she was just Auntie Granny – larger than life and so much fun. Then one day I was watching my favourite cartoon, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Dolly’s voice comes on, playing herself. That’s when I realised she wasn’t just Auntie Granny – she was everywhere.”

Jada also recalls Dolly buying her a big ET toy as a present, unaware that the youngster hated the film. She says: “To me, it was a horror movie. So I used to hide it under my bed, then put it out on my shelf when Dolly used to visit. Even as a kid, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

“She wouldn’t have cared but I remember not wanting to upset her. And I remember hours and hours of playing dress-up in her closet – trying on all her wigs, dresses, jewellery and shoes. She’s so much fun, she would probably still let us if we asked.”

Asked if she has ever seen Dolly without make-up, Jada laughs: “When we were very young she took us – all the cousins – to Hawaii with her.

“We got to spend two weeks with just her and her staff. We had slumber parties and slept with her on the floor. And I remember one night I tried my hardest to wake up earlier than everyone else so I could see her without make-up but it didn’t happen. I’ve never seen her un-glammed in my life – there’s only ever been a handful who have. But from what I’ve heard, you’d still know it’s her. She’s naturally beautiful. She jokes about all the unnatural stuff and all the nips and tucks, but if you see pictures of her as a teenager she’s a bombshell. She’s stunning – she’s always been beautiful, on the inside and out.”

Dolly is now working on a new record titled Dolly Parton: Smokey Mountain DNA, her 50th studio album. Its name comes from the range of Appalachian peaks in whose shadow she grew up. But in her musical DNA, mega-hit Jolene stands proud – given a new lease of life this year when Beyonce covered it as part of her own foray into country music.

Dolly gave it her blessing, saying: “Beyonce is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it.” Jada says the praise is genuine, expl­aining: “Beyonce updated Jolene with Dolly’s blessing. You can’t gatekeep art. Dolly is telling you the purest interpretation of that story but I love hearing Beyonce’s. It’s one thing not to like a song version but it doesn’t feel right to see so many people saying Beyonce doesn’t belong in country.

“That language doesn’t sit right with me and it’s certainly not how Dolly feels. Beyonce loves Dolly and Dolly loves her. She was so honoured Beyonce wanted to re-work Jolene. Whitney did her interpretation of I Will Always Love You and now Beyonce has done hers of Jolene. Dolly sees it as a compliment. Dolly is queen of country but they’re all queens in their own right.”

Reflecting on her own turn in the spotlight Jada, whose debut album is called Tell Me I’m Your Angel, said: “When I started performing, I was terrified. But then I thought I could be insecure and scared, then put on some amazing eyelashes and get ready and I don’t have to be scared Jada.

“I can be my own queen, or be like my aunt Dolly. She isn’t afraid of anything. Actually, she does it all in spite of being afraid. She has an unshakeable faith in God, music, people… that’s what gets her through life. I’ve seen her have the most incredible impact on the world and if I could have just a tiny impact, I’d be so happy.”

Jada’s debut album, Tell Me I’m Your Angel, is out now.

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