Jane Fonda reveals why Dolly Parton once scolded her and Lily Tomlin during photoshoot

Jane Fonda said the incident demonstrated just how deeply Dolly Parton cared about other people
Jane Fonda has opened up about her decades-long friendship with Dolly Parton, recalling a memorable moment when the country music icon scolded her and Lily Tomlin (Getty Images)
Jane Fonda has opened up about her decades-long friendship with Dolly Parton, recalling a memorable moment when the country music icon scolded her and Lily Tomlin (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Actress Jane Fonda recalled being scolded by none other than legendary singer Dolly Parton during an interview. The veteran actress reflected on her decades-long friendship with Parton and recalled why she got scolded during a photoshoot.

It wasn’t just Fonda; Parton also scolded Lily Tomlin. But the question remains: why did they get scolded? Well, Fonda revealed the reason while also recalling her longtime friendship with the late country star.

LOS ANGELES - MARCH 30:  Actors Jane Fonda (L) and Dolly Parton talk at the
Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton talked at the '9 to 5' 25th Anniversary DVD Launch and Cast Reunion party on March 30, 2006, in Los Angeles, California (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Jane Fonda reveals why she and Lilly Tomlin got scolded by Dolly Parton 

While speaking with Democracy Now, the 88-year-old actress shared that once Parton and Tomlin were doing a photoshoot together and, just “for fun,” Fonda and Tomlin crossed their eyes in one of the snaps.

But this didn’t sit well with Parton, who later made sure to explain to them why that move was wrong. “She got very upset. She said, ‘We never can show this to anybody.’ Fonda recalled, ‘It was like we’re making fun- I have a relative who’s cross-eyed; I don’t ever want to see this picture.’”

According to Fonda, the moment showed how much Parton cared about others. She made it clear that their actions were not acceptable and explained why. Other than this incident, Fonda also recalled how Parton interacted with fans when they traveled together to Tennessee and Arkansas. Fonda recalled that fans loved the 'Barbarella' star.

American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton wearing a denim jacket, 1979. (Photo by UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)
American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton wearing a denim jacket, 1979 (UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

“They loved her so much (that) they accepted my presence. And it was so clear that she absolutely respected them. That was why there was so much love,” Fonda said. “She never played down. She always was pulled together. She was always who she was, out of respect for her fans.” 

Without fail, the 'Monster-in-Law' actress admired how Parton was “always in charge of her life” and had a clear understanding of life, refusing to compromise on anything.

Fonda added, “If she had gotten to the end of the day without her and her friends laughing so hard they had to cross their legs, then she would create a cause for laughter,” Fonda said. “She laughed all the time and made sure that everybody around her guffawed all the time.”

Dolly Parton dies at 80 after brief battle with cancer



Parton’s death has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with several celebrities sharing emotional tributes to the legendary singer. Among them was Miley Cyrus, Parton’s goddaughter, who shared a heartfelt post and said that the country icon would always be with her.

The ‘Jolene’ singer, 80, died following a “brief battle with cancer,” according to her representative. A statement from her family read, “Dolly Parton's legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.”

“Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact,” they added.

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