Fans of legendary country music icon Dolly Parton are standing up in support of the 78-year-old singer after she faced criticism for her unwavering support for the LGBTQ community. The backlash came in response to an essay published in the Federalist conservative news site, entitled "There's Nothing Loving About Dolly Parton's False Gospel," which took aim at Parton's faith.

The writer of the essay, Ericka Andersen, questioned Parton's Christianity, arguing that if she truly followed the religion, she should denounce homosexuality as a sin. Andersen criticized Parton's nonjudgmental approach and her message of love and acceptance for all individuals, including members of the LGBTQ community.

However, the essay received widespread condemnation on social media, as Parton's loyal fan base quickly came to her defense. Supporters flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with messages critical of the essay's argument. The writer herself, Andersen, expressed regret for using Parton as an example in her article, acknowledging that Parton's status as a beloved figure made it an inappropriate choice.

"I regret using Dolly as the example for the point I was making in the article," Andersen stated. "As I wrote in the piece, I love her and think she does some incredible things for the world. We all make poor choices in how to frame things sometimes. This was one of those moments for me! Dolly is one of the few people who is beloved by all and who loves all. The world is lucky to have her."

Parton's devoted fans ardently defended the singer, proclaiming their unwavering support. One fan humorously wrote, "They came for Dolly. We ride at dawn," accompanied by a screenshot of the controversial article. Another fan emphasized, "No. You do not come after Dolly Parton. You absolutely do not." The overwhelming sentiment among fans was summed up by a tweet stating, "I will go after anyone on this app... except Dolly Parton. Delete your whole account."

While Parton often speaks generically about her faith and love for God, she expressed in her 2020 book, Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, that she considers herself more spiritual than religious. She highlighted her upbringing in a religious background but stated she does not possess the authority to judge others and believes that is God's domain.

Despite her aversion to politics, Parton shared her concerns about recent anti-LGBTQ legislation in a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, revealing how it affects people she loves. She spoke of having diverse individuals within her immediate family and her circle of employees, including transgender people, gays, lesbians, drunks, and drug addicts. Parton emphasized her non-judgmental stance, understanding the importance of acceptance and compassion for others' experiences.

Fans continue to show unwavering support for Dolly Parton, appreciating her commitment to love and acceptance. As the iconic singer remains beloved by millions worldwide, her message of inclusivity and understanding resonates strongly within her fan base.

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