Dolly Parton vs. Howard Stern

Country legend Dolly Parton isn't flattered by a recent Howard Stern parody, in which the satellite radio host mashed up Parton quotes to make it sound as if the singer were spewing offensive and racist remarks. In a post on her official website, Parton is quoted as saying she has "never been so shocked, hurt and humiliated" in her life, and even hints and at potentially suing the shock jock.

Parton was the victim of one of Stern's "audiobook" bits, in which celebrity quotes are pieced together to form chopped-up, raunchy sentences. In the past, Stern has remixed quotes from the likes of William Shatner and Oprah.

In the bit with Parton, which originally aired last week, Stern and his cohorts cut up Parton quotes in an attempt to make it sound as if the artist were saying a host of sexually explicit and racist remarks. Said Parton on her site: "In a blue million years, I would never have such vulgar things come out of my mouth. They have done editing or some sort of trickery to make this horrible, horrible thing. Please accept my apology for them and certainly know I had nothing to do with this. If there was ever going to be a lawsuit, it's going to be over this. Just wanted you to know that I am completely devastated by this."

While the explicit content of the Stern bit prevents me from linking to it, has Parton's response to the bit simply brought more publicity to Stern, or did the overtly racist content of the sketch warrant a response from the artist?

Photo courtesy AP

Comments

[Dolly Fan]

Well, Howard, you picked the wrong Girl to mess with on this one. I say lay low and get the checkbook ready.

[Me]

Get over it. Anyone and everyone that listens to the show knows it's a joke.

[a free country]

It's parody and protected free speach. By having the editted speach say such outrageous things, no reasonable person could believe it was her actually saying these things, therefore it does not hurt her reputation.

Does this make any Dolly fans appreciate her less? If Not, then no harm done.

[leighaun]

i think its absolutely disgusting what he has done to dolly, i hope she sue's the life out of him !!!

[Bornnaked]

If he was the one saying that stuff, sure that would be his first amendment right to freedom of speech. He had someone piece together audio fragments to cause humiliation and embarassment. There is nothing in our Constitution that gives him that right.

I would have to say Dolly's fan base is much larger than that of Stern's. All she would have to do is call for a boycott of all of the sponsers of his show and that would hurt him in the long run.

I mean seriously, if your going to play with fire you better be darn aware that you may get burnt.

This is going to be fun watching it all play out.

[GOATHEAD]

I honestly think that she really said those things

[Brian]

C'mon Dolly, get a life. Anybody listening to Stern knows this is his thing. He's done it to more relevant stars than you. At least someone is paying attention to you.

Anyone who doesn't have the brain power to know those aren't real, aren't the Stern demographic anyway.

Your insulting your own fans by saying they are not smart enough to know its manipulated.

With all that money, you should purchase a sense of humour.

[Beetlejuice]

This isn't even the first time that Howard and Co. have used the Dolly Parton audio book. Why is it a problem now? Because she's just now hearing it?

It's a funny bit and Dolly needs to back off into obscurity. Baba Booey!

[debbie]

Howard Stern is a jerk....I think she did the right thing. Someone needs to put him in his place. For some reason he has always thought he has a different set of rules to follow; some things are just wrong.

[JackMayhoffer]

I hope and pray she sues! She has ZERO chance of winning and it would only bring more attention and publicity to the greatest entertainment invention of the past 20 years... Sirius Radio! I feel very bad for those of you who listen to terrestrial radio as you have no clue what you're missing. Bubba Army Unite!

[debbie]

I think she did the right thing. Howard Stern enjoys making other people look bad. If he wants to say something-he should say it and leave other people out of it. I hope he gets what he deserves & learns a lesson...Don't mess with Southern Women!!

[Sternsucks]

I think Howard Stern is a total jerk. I haven't heard one thing come out of his mouth that is funny. He is disgusting to look at, disgusting to listen to, and just a total a-hole.

[Mega Dolly Fan]

I am so dissappointed that we have not been rid of this socially inept neandrathal years ago. As to the above statement, Howard's checkbook is not big enough, but Dolly's follower base certainly is. I keep asking the same question over and over, why doesn't he get a real job?

[krh]

People need to get a life and learn how to take a joke.Stern rules you morons

[rh]

Don't you get it Dolly? Howard loves to poke fun at anyone who would actually take offense at his antics and anyone who takes themself too seriously-you fell into his hands beautifully Dolly-good job!

[rh]

Dolly-don't you get it at all? Howard loves to tease people who take things so seriously-you fell into his web perfectly didn't you-good job Dolly!

[rh]

Dolly-don't you get it at all? Howard loves to tease people who take things so seriously-you fell into his web perfectly didn't you-good job Dolly!

[Jen Johnson]

I suspect that Ms. Parton is seriously running out of money. Why else would she sue Howard Stern over an obvious pieced together clip? This whole thing makes her look really petty and brings attention to something that very few people heard - until she made a big deal about it.

[Yucko the clown]

Are you really that humiliated Dolly? Real humiliation would be being forced to watch you ride Howards sybian-yucko

[Yucko the clown]

Are you really that humiliated Dolly? Real humiliation would be being forced to watch you ride Howards sybian-yucko

[DFC102]

What kind of adolescent still listens to Howard Stern?

[Alex]

It's a parody. This is the same as when Jerry Falwell tried to sue Larry Flynt. Dolly hasn't got a legal leg to stand on.

[Dolly Fan]

A Dolly Parton wig has more class and more talent than Howard Stern has in his entire body! Stern realizes his lack of talent and spends his time ridiculing and demeaning others. What a sad life that must be.

[Howie]

Hoo hoo - I invented country music. Tell'em Fred!

[Me]

Go ahead and sue. I can't wait to see her lose and Howard get more attention. It's parody and protected free speach.

[stern sucks]

Howard Stern is the offensive, racist pig. Let Sirus have him.

[Randy]

I guess Dolly is hurting for money.

Stern fans know it's a joke, not to mention Stern fans wouldn't listen to her garbage songs anyway.

I think the size of her breast are offensive.

[Aaron]

No one could possibly believe Dolly Parton actually said these things. First of all, the clips' sound quality indicates clearly that it is spliced together. Second, the Stern show has done this for years with other audio books. Clearly it's a joke.

[c138]

it's funny, and it's a parody. If you are offended by this don't listen to it. If you are offended and you continue to listen, you are an idiot. By the way, anyone that refers to audio editing as "trickery" is either brain dead or from the 15th century.

[gk08]

I have a feeling Dolly never heard the bit and only read a transcript or was told about it. Anyone who heard this on the air can tell that Howard and the gang obviously love Dolly and were having fun with her new audiobook. The edit is choppy as if tape was spliced together with scotch tape! It is one of the funniest things I heard on Howard in awhile and not for a second did I think badly about Dolly or her book.

[BabaBooey]

Dolly doesn't need to worry about Howard making jokes about her. She's been doing that herself for years!

[BabaBooey]

Dolly doesn't need to worry about Howard making jokes about her. She's been doing that herself for years!

[mike g]

this is one reason why this country is pathetic sometimes. its so obviously fake and also funny. get a sense of humor. and dolly look your relavent for a second. old hag. you havent been cool since ohyeah never. this is why we get laughed at by other countries. stop being so uptite. if you dont like it dont listen

[SternfanDave]

Free Speach, nothing can be done about it. Maybe Dolly should lean how to take a joke, what ca she really sue Howard for?

[Michael]

Sue him for every dime he has. Let him take the bus or bum a ride from friends from now on.

Free Country has it wrong: there is no parody here. Stern didn't spoof the book, he ridiculed her. He can't hide behind the "public figure" claim. Remember when Carol Burnett won her libel suit against the Enquirer (IIRC--one of those tabloids)? They made up lies about Burnett. Stern made up false quotations by Parton. It's calumny.

Being on satellite radio, Stern is outside the reach of the FCC, so he can broadcast all the dirty words he wants to and won't suffer the fate of Carlin, or the nearly universal condemnation of Imus.

But he should pay a painfully large price for his intentional attack on the character and reputation of Parton.

[Chris F.]

The only morons who think Dolly would actually win a claim for this are the same humorless dimwits who have disliked him all along. No one with half a brain would listen to the splices and believe that it came verbatim from her mouth. Besides, the only people who are hearing it are Stern fans who realize that it is a joke, so there is no harm to her.

[Nervous Mark]

This is a paid service. If you don't like it Dolly (o)(o) cancel your subscription. And spend your savings on some new implants, you phony baloney.

[Lee d]

"""""""""'Free Country has it wrong: there is no parody here. Stern didn't spoof the book, he ridiculed her. He can't hide behind the "public figure" claim. Remember when Carol Burnett won her libel suit against the Enquirer (IIRC--one of those tabloids)? They made up lies about Burnett. Stern made up false quotations by Parton. It's calumny.""""""""""

stern's been doin it forever, and how many times has he lost a lawsuit over cut up voiceovers? lmao at the morons who think dolly has a shot here. she just wants to be in the headlines

[Andrew]

Sue him for what?

Stern has done this exact bit for over 10 years now with pretty much anyone that has an audiobook. BIll Clinton, Oprah, Geroge Takei, Robin Quivers, Dolly Parton, and many, many others.

It's a bit people. You are going to sue him for making a joke at your expense?

This is exactly why Stern does this. He just generated a TON of buzz for Sirius with a bit he does regularly.

If you are going to due him are you going to sue MadTV, SNL, etc that have made fun of Dolly as well? Just cause Sirius is uncensored made it a bit more vulgur. This is Stern's dream for publicity.

[Vanessa]

My parents live very near her in TN. Dolly is a beautiful person, especially of the heart. Until you know the things she has done for her fellow Tennesseeans, and countless others around the country, you wont understand the pain in her reaction. She could never, ever hurt anyone, and cant fathom why someone would. This is not free speech, far from it. Its infuriating to me when uneducated morons scream free speech and have never even read a sentence of the constitution. I hope she does sue. Maybe he will think twice about mentioning Dolly's name again. I would.

[Xkalibur]

You know he used to be ok, but as I get older I realize that he hasn't and the things have gotten worse, and there is both no class and lack of respect for other people and it's sad how some people can get so rich off such low class actions!

[blake]

HOWARD RULES..
THOSE THAT DON'T LIKE HIM ARE THE SAME IDIOTS THAT LIKE RYAN SECREST AND DANE COOK...
BORING,LAME,
VELVEETA AND WHITE
BREAD REPRESSED
FOOLS

[Sal Governale]

Hi, this is Sal Governale. I might have made some comments that may have sounded racist. If anyone was offended by this I sincerely apologize, and had made it as a joke. Thank you.

[CUNT_RY_FAN]

HA HA HA! Sounds like a hilarious BIT! Wish I heard it! Could it be Dolly is looking to CASH in on work that she didn't create?

[CUNT_RY_FAN]

Uh...folks. For the record, Dolly didn't actually *say* those words.

[Ivan]

This is so freaking stupid. This would mean that anytime SNL, Mad TV, Any late night talk show "Leno, Letterman, O'Brian" could all be sued for their skits. Could you imagine Leno getting sued over having the fake Arnold on his show or SNL getting sued for every skit they did involving a celebrity impersonation? People can be so dumb sometimes it boggles my mind!

[J]

It's doubtful she'd get anywhere w/ a lawsuit, judging by what he's been able to get away with in the past. Why anyone listens to his drivel is beyond me anyway. He's great at appealing to the lowest common denominator for humor. Most of his listeners are either in the pubescent to early twenty-something range, or they haven't grown up enough mentally to let go of his kind of childish--albeit vulgar--banter. One thing's for certain...she can be proud of her tiereless efforts to improve a lot of lives. Stern? Now that's a joke.

[Wendy]

If she is hurt, it's hardly a joke. People think that if you are a celebrity you have no feelings. Stern should just apologize to her. The laugh is over anyhow. Yes if she ignored it then no attention would be brought to it - people will overlook it. I don't think a lawsuit will accomplish anything. Nonetheless Dolly Parton is a well-liked star and fans know what kind of person she is; a good-hearted person.

[Nathan]

People that get mad at this kind of stuff is what is wrong with this country. We've become a bunch of soft, easily offended, humorless jackasses.

Baba Booey!

[Derek]

Dolly needs to learn to take a joke. Howard cuts up clips from audio books from many celebrities, it's not like he went out and "attacked" her only. When you are a celebrity expect yourself to be open for jokes. It's called freedom of speach. That being said all Dolly did was give Howard free publicity, she doesn't have a case.

[Dolly Sucks]

This stupid "southern lady" just needs the attention to promote her new book and failed music carrer. Give it up Dolly and find another way for your self promotion. Just go back to where you were last week...obscurity.

[paul]

Dolly needs to borrow William Shatner's humor. He was on Stern this week plugging his new book and they played his altered audio-book. Shatner thought it was hilarious and started playing along with the bit. Good show on Shatners part.

[Pete]

If it wasn't for Stern's bit, I wouldn't have known she had an audio book out. Stern is known for this kind of humor, and everybody knows Dolly Parton would never say things like this... it should be viewed as the joke it is.

[James]

Yesterday he played The Shatner "quotes" right to Shatner's face in the studio and Bill thought it was hilarious. The fact that it's so obviously cut up is part of what makes it so funny.

[Riley]

Get over it people. Dolly can';t take a joke. His crew does this with everyone. Howard Stern. He's the king. Oh and people who say Howard isn't funny, I guess you have never listened. Go Howard!!!

[tJ]

I guess I am still old fashion I find nothing remotely funny about this. If people can't hear the vulgarities and the part about child rape and they think that is funny it's no wonder this world is going down the drain.

[LoneWolf]

A couple of thoughts: Stern's show is completely scripted, right down to Artie supposedly walking out. He's a bigger phony than Dolly. He's also a bully who can't take it when other people bust his balls, for example he bitched to upper management about any d.j.'s who made fun of him when he got divorced, and now he's mad at Suttering John and Adam Carolla b/c SJ was on AC's show and told him some show poop. Dolly probably has a case but she shouldn't pursue it because she'll just be giving the big baby the attention he craves.

That is all.

[Gmoney]

Howard is one of the geniuses of radio and most of what he says is hilarious. And TJ go give a BJ.

[annelouise]

is he still on?? Hey if he used her words without her permission and distorted what she said, then yea, she should go after him.

[musicfan]

Anyone who think Dolly has had a failed music Career knows nothing about it. Her career has spanned 41 years.

[Time4Stern2Go]

Anyone who supports Stern on something like this is just as wrong as he is. This isn't parody. Parody would be if Stern pretended to be someone.

It's time for Stern to go bye bye and I hope this will start that process. He's a vile useless piece of trash who has no business with a voice on broadcast airwaves.

By the way yes I've listened to him he is not even remotely funny. He pretty much plays to to the intellegence level of his listerners I suppose. A very low level.

[musicfan]

Anyone who think Dolly has had a failed music Career knows nothing about it. Her career has spanned 41 years.

[Billy Simmons]

Dolly and her fans need to get a life. It was a joke (a parody)!! If you don't know that then you are just plain STUPID!!!! You are letting your bias views of Howard Stern get in the way!!! You don't have to hear it if you don't want!! So shut up!! I think her oversized breasts are horrible and vulgar!!

[Tony]

Anybody with one eye and half sense knows Stern is a sick man anyway.

[donna]

I love both Dolly and Howard. Dolly's reputation can not be hurt by this, it's called a joke. Anyone listening to Howard's show knows that.

[CleveRocks]

For those of you who are not Stern listeners ...

When his staff create these so-called "mash ups" by cutting apart sounds from an individual's audio book, the result does NOT make it sound like the person actually said it.

You have to hear it to understand what I mean. When you hear it, it is OBVIOUS that it's bits of tape cut up and put back together totally out of context.

It's not even close. If you read a transcript of it, it looks horribly damning to Stern. But if you hear the actual audio, it's is laughably obvious that Dolly (or Oprah, or Shatner) didn't say it. It's laughably obvious that it is cut up tape. It sounds like stuff I did with a cassette tape recorder in 7th grade.

[Bobbyboy]

Get over it. At least SOMEONE is paying attention to you! It's a JOKE! Be gracious, go on Stern's show, and reap the BENEFITS. Just like the great George Takei did!

[justtravelinthru]

Dolly has children's charities in all 50 states. She employs hundreds of people in Tennessee and California. She protects her reputation because if it is damaged, a lot of people will suffer. Stern is like the class bully--he evidently doesn't care about the consequences, as long as he isn't effected.

[Ciara]

Dolly is so sweet. What Howard Stern did was wrong.

[ranman]

Dolly employs hundreds of people. If so many people can be fooled by thinking this was actually Dolly only two things would happen.
1. Dolly could sell her estate to keep the Dolly corp. alive.
2. Dolly could lay off her employees and live very happy in her mansions.

I would vote #2.

The true kicker is that if you were a fan, you would know Dolly never said those things because it is done so poorly.

Dolly is not gaining fans in this century and the ones she has would not be fooled so I think she should get over it.

[cap]

Dolly said those words right? Just not on that order.

[Eli]

"Howard's checkbook isn't big enough"? "Get a real job"? Give me a break! He makes over $100 million a year - everyone in your whole family put together would not make that much in 10 lifetimes!

I have no problem with Dolly being upset - it was offensive to an old southern gal like her - but it was hilarious to a lot of us, too, and the first amendment is on our side. Parody is protected speech, and if she sues she will only be wasting her time and money and bringing free publicity to Howard Stern and Sirius Satellite Radio.

[jscs]

It's a joke... Howard does this to EVERYONE! Even people he loves... even his own co-hosts. Even himself! Let it go.

[BigNose]

Dolly is just trying to get some attention... trying to cash in from the King of all Media

[sallydee13]

Stern is disgusting!

[virgoboy]

People need to lighten-up BIG TIME! This is Howard Stern we are talking about here. He does this to everyone and any idiot can tell that this is raw parody at its finest and just move on. It's hysterical anyway!

[Kurt Miller]

Did anyone actually think that Dolly was saying this stuff? No. She should have another plastic surgery to make her look even more inhuman and shut her pie hole.

[Kurt Miller]

Did anyone actually think that Dolly was saying this stuff? No. She should have another plastic surgery to make her look even more inhuman and shut her pie hole.

[Kurt Miller]

Did anyone actually think that Dolly was saying this stuff? No. She should have another plastic surgery to make her look even more inhuman and shut her pie hole.

[Heather]

jeez Dolly I love you and this is just hilarious.. have your pr put out a statement saying that you didn't say those things and let be. It is just a funny bit on the radio. What makes it even more funny is that you can tell that its been cut and spliced together. Anyone who thinks that you actually said those things is a moron anyways.

[amazzajr]

Dolly is dried up and washed up. get over it grandma, it aint the end of the world

[DJ HELMERCI]

Howard Stern's audience is not the "lowest common denominator" If you look at his rating's & demographics over the 30 + years he has been on the radio you should understand he is & always will be the greatest broadcaster of all time. Who is Dolly Parton to fight this bit? The stern show has so many audiobooks that have been cut up & played on both Sirius & Krock, yet this is the first person to complain. William Shatner was on the show wednesday & he was played alot of clips from his audiobook. They are very dirty yet Mr Shatner laughed them off! Not only that he played along with it by stating phrases in a choppy mannor just like the audio book he played of Dolly Parton. Also he is on a pay service & no one is forced to listen to him. & for ewveryone who hates him, I believe you to be the lowest common denominator. You have no sense of humor & live very sheltered lives! Fa Fa Flo Fly!!

[tony714oc]

Come on Dolly, your done, you want publicity thats why you are reacting to this!! Bababooey to you all, Howard Rules!!!

[John B]

* I think it's important to remember that, due to the necessity of a Sirius radio membership, 90% of the people who listened to this bit are Stern fans who are more than familiar with the show's penchant for celebrity parody. I don't imagine the other 10% are as gullible as to mistake an unnatural, choppy sounding, vulgarity-spewing Dolly Parton on the Howard Stern channel (as evident from radio display) as being all that legitimate.

*Howard is not picking on Dolly.

This parody was conceptualized/put together by Stern show staff, and probably presented as much for Howard/the studio's amusement as the audiences'. Anyone who listens to the show can tell you Howard seems to have very little to do with this kind of material beyond playing what is presented to him - he almost certainly played no role in its creation. Bottom line, this is not a matter of Howard making a personal attack on Dolly.

*As has been posted, over the years many celebrities have been victim to these parodies, including ex-leaders, Howard's co-hosts, and other celebrities who match or surpass Dolly's global appeal. I imagine most either aren't aware, don't care, or, like Bill Shatner, find the whole thing pretty amusing. I expect Dolly was chosen for this round as her audiobook probably makes for easy computer editing, and also - and this is an important point: the intended humor comes from making famous people say things everybody knows they would never naturally say. Dolly is famously nice.

I've always liked Dolly, and without being provided some context, I can imagine her concern that the public will take these edits as legitimate statements made by her, but anyone who's willing to use a bit of objectivity can see this isn't likely.

[tubes420]

Seriously people take a joke. He has been doing this ever since I have been listening to the show which is almost 15 years & I am a degreed Mechanical Engineer for anyone who has stated Howards fans are dumb & unintelligent, Stern probably has one of the most intelligent audiences in any medium. Unlike Dolly fans I guess.

He was doing this same joke on normal boring terrestrial radio where he was still regulated by the FCC & nothing was different except the language, of course. Many people have already stated how he has done this with every public person who has ever put out an audiobook. In fact, all of you "Dolly" fans need to get a life & if you think she actually has a chance in court you need to learn a little about the law. If she goes on with any type of lawsuit. She will lose horrorably & Dollywood will become Howiewood. He has done this same joke to a PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, Bill Clinton & you would think if anyone had a chance it would be him. "Hilliary is a dried up hoe" looks bad written but if you listen to it you can clearly tell its a pieced up statement, they don't even try to make it sound real.

She is just looking for a quick payday & she will not get it doing it this way except for maybe a couple of book sales.

He is not only the King of all Media, He is the King of all Publicity.

[Bobbi]

I just read a whole list of comments submitted, the world is not laughing at use because Dolly doesn't have a sense of humor. They are because we are letting this garbage that some call entertainment undermine the values our country was founded on. I seriously doubt Dolly is needing $, I have followed her career and seen her humor and her generosity. Howard makes his career at others expense, freedom of speach and press are for your own words not hacking up someone elses. Unfortunately by the time many of you realize that it will be too late, the way of life you are enjoying will no longer be. I'm sure Dolly will weigh her options and make her own choice without a public pole. And when she does she will stand behind it not chop someone else's words up for entertainment. If anyone should be told to get a life, it shouldn't be Dolly she has made a her's and many others a better life and she is proud of that. I'm sure that is why it hurt her so much, perhaps if Howard has something he could be proud on chopped up he would understand that.

[Katy D]

Dolly, consider the source. No one that matters, listens to that no talent disgusting thing.
(he doesn't rate being called a man)

[whogivesacrap]

Who is Dolly Parton? She should be happy that Howard is making her famous.

[Mike]

It's obvious that most of you, if not all, are white. I like Howard Stern like most of you but come on...Sometimes he just takes things too far. There are two things here, one, the fact that Dolly didn't say that, and two, he used the "n" word. He could have said black c@#*. He didn't have to use that word.

[bubba]

to heck with sueing the pig, just have a couple of good ol' boys dish out some southern fried hushmouth

[DollyNood]

Dolly is one of the greatest hotties of the world. At age 62 she still looks better than a lot of those so-called supermodels. I'd say it's way overdue that she showed "The Best Boobs in the Bizz" to the world, so c'mon Dolly pose nude in the near future and don't wait until y'er 100-th birthday or at least have the pictures that have been taken in the past published!!

[sternlover]

Hey Dolly, its a joke. Go on the show. William Shattner just went on and he loved what the crew had done with his audio book. In fact he told Stern that he would have done the reading so it would not have been so choppy. It takes six months to get a line. Dolly, go on the show and confront him, I know you have a sense of humor.

[Geoff]

These comments are so funny to read, like Dolly must need the money (if anyone has more money than Stern you know it's Dolly...she has a themepark for chrissakes!), or Stern has been doing this bit for years so get over it (sure- he has, and he has millions of listeners, but that's only millions...most of the world does not listen to him so how would most know his bits?), Dolly has no sense of humor (anyone who has ever seen Dolly on talk shows or in concert knows that she has quite a risque sense of humor but manipulating her to say that she screwed Minnie Pearl's dead body is just lazy comedy, though you have to admit some of it is funny in a very lowbrow way). I dunno. You think its funny or you don't. You like Stern or you don't. You like Dolly or you don't. Or, you have a life and you go on about your day. Obviously right now, I have no life cause I'm even commenting on this. It's showbiz folks- she gets press, he gets press, everyone is happy.

[KennethKeith'sGhost]

This comes form a woman who made a joke on national TV about her own bush becoming her beard due to all the plastic surgery skin pull backs. Stern has done this to Oprah, Dr. Phil, Bill Clinton, Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon and others. If they didn't sure, then there is no merit in the case.
Grow up and take a joke.

[Ultimate Toronto]

As offensive as it was, it was all in jest, which Howard did make abundantly clear once bit bit ended.

[Whatever]

SERIOUSLY?? IS SHE REALLY MAD ABOUT THIS?? I HEARD IT ON THE RADIO AND THOUGHT TO MYSELF "I think the way he puts these stunts is hilarious, nobody in their right mind could take it seriously, its so chopped up its funny" I am a fan of Stern, Not a fan of Dolly, but she needs to realize that she may be having a blonde moment, everything about Sterns show is all a joke, you can't take any of it personally. If you don't like it, turn it off!

[Rob]

Way, to Go Dolly,,put old, nasty , man Stren in his place!!!!

[Lori McKinnie]

Howard Stern is gross. I look at him and feel repulsed. The dumb stuff he does only makes him look dumber. Thank you, Dolly for holding you head up high!

[Nedly Mandingo]

$500 Million. He is doing something right!
The Most Loyal Fans in the World.

Sirius satellite radio the best radio on radio!

Commercial free and the laughs don't stop!

Sorry Dolly your outta luck

[Paul]

I have heard these "bits"
on his show and had often wondered when someone was going to sue him. I know I would. Its called defamation of character whether in a "joke" or not. Rest assured Dolly, the FCC is making sure Sirius goes BK so he soon will be off the air.

[johnny]

she has absolutely no legal grounds for a suit...this is just another uptight has-been trying to get some attention...let us not forget about the people vs larry flynt...parody is legal

[Allen]

Unfortunately for Dolly, if she sues, she will just waste money on attorneys. Famous case where Jerry Fallwell tried to sue Larry Flint over a parody, Supreme Court ruled against Fallwell, the decision clarified that public figures cannot recover damages for, "intentional infliction of emotional distress" based on parodies. I hope Dolly doesn't have any scumbag lawyers that take her money on this one, doesn't look like it is winnable

[Do Some Research]

For those of you that are claiming First Amendment Protection, and claiming that this is a parody,I think you should first do some basic research into the definitions of the words you are using.

Free Speech: Howard Stern has the unalienable right to say what he wants to say, he did not say this however, he used HER twisted words to say something, that is not protected. Only Dolly has the right to use Dolly's words to say what she wants to say, Howard Stern has no protection to using Dolly's words to say what he wants to say.

Parody: An Imitation of a serious work of literature or writing. (This bit was not an imitation nor was it a skit as you would see on SNL ABOUT someone, this was twisting someone's own words to make it appear they said something they did not.)

Defamation: The act of defaming; false or unjustified injury of the good reputation of another, as by slander or libel; calumny. (If only one person reads the transtript of this bit, or hears it and believes that she really said this, then she has been defamed, because she did not in fact say any of these sentences, yet it is her voice and therefore much more likely that someone listening will believe that it is actually her saying them. Again, an SNL skit would obviously be someone else dressing like Dolly and imitating her voice, therefore that is a parody.)

Now, to the liable issue... even if you don't believe she has a legitimate case to plead in court (which I assure you she does), then I can tell you if I were her, I would be working in conjunction with the publisher of her audiobook, because any use of the COPYRIGHTED material included in the audiobooks is protected from unauthorized reproduction or use by federal law.

In conclusion, I am amazed that he has not been sued before this. If I were one of these audiobook companies, I would do so if only to protect the voice talents working for me.

Yes, Dolly has a sense of humor, but that only goes so far. When you twist her words to make her sound like a racist, something she abhors personally, I can see exactly why she's so hurt and angry. The last thing she needs is the very people she is trying to help believing that she's against them instead of behind them. That is not funny, that my friends, is libelous. I'll let you look that one up in the dictionary for yourselves.

[lovecraft]

Wow, this is unbelievable. I cannot believe how ignorant some people are. How many of you who claim to be "offended" by this have actually HEARD it? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Howard Stern is succesful because he's funny. And whether you like it or not, he DOES Have the freedom to create parodies of public figures. I know that some of you only like "freedom" when it suits you, but that's EXACTLY why the Constitution has to protect that freedom: because people like YOU would love to take it away from those with whom you disagree.

And as for the idiot who called for a "boycott": Stern's show is broadcast on sattelite radio, whicxh is a paid subscription service. No one's forcing you to listen, and I guarantee that YOU aren't the type of person that his advertisers are looking for. Kind of hard to boycott a company when you don't even know which companies are spnsoring his show.

So maybe save the fake outrage for something more important, like the way George Bush has managed to turn us into a second-world nation in eight short years.

[Pat]

If you listen to Howard, he does this same bit to alot of celebrities. I don't think he meant to upset Dolly and perhaps she should get more of a sense of humor. Bababooey, Bababooey, Bababooey.

[SternFan1976Scov]

Howard Stern is way too intelligent man to legally trap himself in such a way, funny as always, let us not debate the legalities of parodies shall we, lol

[jackie newman]

I think accountability is a quality that in the that was so funny americans. Where is your sense of pride. That is why are country is so in the toilet. I am ok with laughing at when someone trips ,oh my, and has fallen. When someone has deliberately put together comments that someone such as Dolly Parton, a person who promotes , as I view her with dencent values. We could use that in America. Pepole need to stop the; I'm first, I only care about myself and start thinking of what they say or do will affect others. Lets make the world a better place and enforce accountability. It is not OK for humans to be thoughtless.

[Russell Williams]

I cannot believe people actually find this funny. What is funny about the child molestation comments? I suppose these people would also laugh if their children told them they had been abused. There is funny and there is free speech, but this crosses the line. Does Howard Stern have any children, if so he probably would make some sort of joke if they fell victim to sexual abuse.

[Jeffery Haas]

This probably sounds strange but in his own way Howard is just telling the world that Dolly is cool.
When Howard picks on you it means you're a hot property.
If you aren't, you get ignored by Stern.
Maybe it's offensive and maybe it ain't but you can bet a few hundred thousand Stern fans will be out buying Dolly Parton CD's this week.
Dolly doesn't have to like what Stern did but maybe she can comfort herself with the notion that she has been "recognized" as being a VIP in Stern's own twisted worldview.