Country music legend Dolly Parton caught the attention of many when the New York Times published an article that seemed to imply she was endorsing Hillary Clinton.
And, taken out of context, that’s more or less what she said:
“Well, I think that that would be wonderful. Hillary might make as good a president as anybody ever has. I think no matter if it’s Hillary or Donald Trump, we’re gonna be plagued with PMS either way — presidential mood swings! But I personally think a woman would do a great job. I think Hillary’s very qualified. So if she gets it, I’ll certainly be behind her.”
However, the Times report acknowledges it was publishing excerpts from a lengthy interview. In the published context, Parton was asked about women in the music business, and then she was asked, “How do you feel about a female presidential nominee?”
Tuesday, Parton—whose fan base is as diverse as it is loyal—released a statement to clarify her remarks, which said, in part:
This morning while I was watching the news I saw many reports that I had endorsed Hillary Clinton. My comment about supporting a woman in the White House was taken out of context. I have not endorsed Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump.
Parton, in her typically self-deprecating manner, said that if she was going to “become political,” she would run for office herself. Then, she reiterated she still has not yet decided who she will vote for in November.
