Dolly Parton Reveals Why She Turned Down ‘American Idol’ and ‘The Voice’ Judging Roles

Although she’s a music legend and known for her kind heart, Dolly Parton reveals the real reason she turned down offers to judge both major music competition shows like “American Idol” and “The Voice”—her sensitivity to the contestants’ emotions.

Dolly Parton, the queen of country music, surprised fans by revealing that although she had been offered multiple times, she has no interest in joining “American Idol” or “The Voice” as a full-time judge. While she has appeared on both shows as a guest and mentor, she says that taking on the role of a permanent judge simply isn’t a fit for her.

In a recent interview with E! News in May 2025, Dolly explained that the reason she turns down these opportunities is due to how difficult it is for her to give criticism that could hurt the contestants:
“I’ve been asked a lot of times. It’s just too hard for me. That’s why I don’t accept it, because I know how sincere everyone is. Even if they’re not that good, they believe they are. And I just can’t hurt people,” Dolly said.

Furthermore, Parton expressed how moved she feels by the passion and dedication of the contestants on these shows. She emphasized that giving critiques, no matter how constructive, is something she simply cannot bring herself to do.

Why She Turned It Down: A Busy Schedule and Her Love for Dollywood

Aside from her emotional sensitivity, Parton also revealed that her schedule is simply too busy to commit to “American Idol” or “The Voice” full-time. In addition to performing, she is currently celebrating the 40th anniversary of her Dollywood theme park, a place close to her heart and beloved by her fans.

Reflecting on Dollywood’s early days, Dolly recalled her initial fears that the park wouldn’t attract enough visitors. But those concerns quickly faded as cars started filling up the parking lot:
“I thought, ‘What if they don’t come? What am I going to do?’ Then I started seeing cars come in, and I remember how exciting that feeling was when the parking lot filled up. Now it’s filling up all the time. And 40 years later, we’ve got them still coming.”

For Dolly, Dollywood isn’t just an amusement park; it’s a passion project that’s grown and evolved over the years, much like a child that she’s watched flourish. She proudly added:
“I’m just very proud of all of it because I’ve seen it grow. Every time something new is added, it’s like, ‘Oh, we’ve got a new baby, a new kid in the family.’”

Dollywood: Proud to Bring Families Joy

Dolly emphasized that Dollywood is all about families, aiming to create joyful experiences for visitors of all ages.
“It’s a park designed for families, and we’re very proud of that. I think I’m as proud of that as anything else—because people want to come back.”

Dolly Parton is not just a music icon, but a woman with a kind heart, deeply committed to the work she does. With all that she has contributed and continues to give, it’s no wonder that Dollywood remains a thriving destination, drawing millions of visitors each year.

This article focuses not only on Dolly Parton’s reasons for turning down television judging roles but also paints a picture of her as a kind-hearted woman who deeply values family, community, and the growth of her Dollywood theme park.