JUST IN: Dolly Parton Shares Her Deep Admiration for Taylor Swift’s Ability to Handle Fame, Business, and Personal Life in a Variety Interview, Adding That Travis Kelce Is ‘Amazing’ Too

Dolly Parton Praises Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: “We Need Uplifting People Like Them”

In a recent heartfelt interview with Variety, country music legend Dolly Parton couldn’t hold back her admiration for pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL standout Travis Kelce. The iconic singer, known for her warmth and wisdom, shared glowing words about the duo, spotlighting Swift’s remarkable career and personal grace while wishing both her and Kelce the best in their endeavors. Parton’s comments come at a time when Swift and Kelce’s high-profile romance has captured headlines, and her endorsement adds a touch of timeless charm to their modern-day fairy tale.

“Taylor Swift is amazing and Travis is too,” Parton said with her signature sincerity. “I wish them luck and I just admire her very much and how she’s handled her business, her personal life, and what all she has meant to so many young people. She’s been a great inspiration.” The 79-year-old entertainer, whose own career spans decades of music and philanthropy, didn’t stop there. She emphasized the broader need for positivity in today’s world, adding, “And Lord knows we need some uplifting people and things this day and time.”

Parton’s praise highlights what many have come to see in Taylor Swift: a rare blend of talent, tenacity, and influence. At 35, Swift has built an empire through her chart-topping music, innovative business moves—like re-recording her early albums to reclaim ownership—and a knack for connecting with fans on a deeply personal level. From her Eras Tour, which shattered records as the highest-grossing tour of all time, to her thoughtful storytelling that resonates with millions, Swift has become a cultural force. For Parton, it’s not just the success that stands out—it’s how Swift has navigated the pressures of fame with poise.

“She’s handled her business and her personal life so well,” Parton noted, a sentiment that carries weight coming from someone who has long been a role model herself. Parton, after all, knows a thing or two about balancing stardom with authenticity. Her own journey—from humble beginnings in Tennessee to global superstardom—mirrors Swift’s in its emphasis on staying true to oneself, a quality she clearly sees reflected in the younger artist.

And then there’s Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end who has won over Swift—and now Parton—with his charisma and athletic prowess. While Parton didn’t delve into specifics about Kelce, her inclusion of him in her glowing remarks suggests she’s taken note of his charm and the joy he brings to Swift’s life. The couple, often spotted together at Chiefs games or Swift’s concerts, has become a symbol of cross-industry star power, blending music and sports in a way that captivates fans across the globe.

Parton’s comments also strike a deeper chord. In an era marked by division and uncertainty, her call for “uplifting people and things” feels particularly poignant. Swift, with her messages of empowerment and resilience, and Kelce, with his infectious energy, seem to embody the kind of light Parton believes the world needs. Whether it’s Swift inspiring a generation of young women to chase their dreams or Kelce rallying his team to Super Bowl victories, the two have a knack for lifting spirits—a quality Parton, a beacon of positivity herself, clearly cherishes.

The Variety interview isn’t the first time Parton has spoken kindly about Swift. Over the years, she’s expressed admiration for the singer’s songwriting and work ethic, drawing parallels to her own career built on storytelling and determination. But this latest shoutout, pairing Swift with Kelce, adds a fresh layer to Parton’s appreciation, acknowledging the couple’s combined influence and the happiness they seem to share.

As for Swift and Kelce, they’ve yet to publicly respond to Parton’s sweet words, but it’s hard to imagine they wouldn’t be touched. After all, praise from Dolly Parton—whose generosity, humor, and talent have made her a beloved figure for generations—is no small thing. For now, fans of all three stars can revel in this wholesome moment, a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of celebrity, there’s room for mutual respect and kindness.

With Parton cheering them on, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce seem poised to keep shining—both as individuals and as a pair. And if Dolly’s right, their light is just what we need.