Kelly Clarkson and Dolly Parton are two of the most successful and influential singers in the music industry. They have both won multiple Grammy Awards, sold millions of albums, and inspired countless fans with their powerful voices and catchy songs. But did you know that they also share a surprising connection that goes beyond their musical talents?
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Kelly Clarkson is Dolly Parton’s Goddaughter
That’s right, Kelly Clarkson is Dolly Parton’s goddaughter. The two singers have a close bond that dates back to 2007, when Clarkson married Brandon Blackstock, the son of Parton’s longtime manager Narvel Blackstock. Parton was one of the guests at their wedding, and she later revealed that she had agreed to be Clarkson’s godmother.
“I’ve known Kelly since she was a kid,” Parton told People in 2019. “She used to come backstage when I’d be at shows like American Idol or different things. She’d come say hello to me. And then when she married Brandon, my manager’s son, they asked me if I would be her godmother.”
Parton added that she was honored to accept the role, and that she loves Clarkson “like a daughter.” She also praised Clarkson for being a talented singer, a great mother, and a strong woman.
Kelly Clarkson and Dolly Parton Have Collaborated on Music
As godmother and goddaughter, Kelly Clarkson and Dolly Parton have also collaborated on music several times. In 2013, they performed a duet of Parton’s classic song “Jolene” on The Voice, where Clarkson was a guest mentor. The performance was a tribute to Parton, who had been hospitalized for minor injuries after a car accident.
In 2016, they teamed up again for a rendition of “Coat of Many Colors” on The Voice, along with Miley Cyrus, who is also Parton’s goddaughter. The song was one of Parton’s personal favorites, and it was featured in a TV movie based on her childhood.
In 2022, they released a newly reimagined version of “9 to 5”, another iconic song by Parton. The song was recorded as part of the forthcoming documentary Still Working 9 to 5, which explores the cultural impact of the 1980 comedy film 9 to 5, in which Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
The new version of “9 to 5” was arranged and produced by Shane McAnally, Sasha Sloan and King Henry, and it transformed the upbeat country anthem into a downtempo pop ballad. Both singers expressed their admiration for each other in a press release about the song.
“Nobody sings like Kelly Clarkson. She makes any song come alive,” said Parton. “I love her voice on ‘9 to 5,’ and I am so proud I got to sing with her on it.”
“I am so honored that Dolly asked me to reimagine this iconic song, ‘9 to 5,’ with her!” said Clarkson. “She is so talented, an inspiration to all women, and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet!”
Kelly Clarkson and Dolly Parton Have Supported Each Other Through Hard Times
Kelly Clarkson and Dolly Parton have also supported each other through hard times in their personal lives. In 2020, Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock after seven years of marriage and two children together. She opened up about the painful process on her talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show, where she often covered songs that reflected her emotions.
One of the songs she sang was “I Will Always Love You”, which was written by Parton and famously covered by Whitney Houston. Clarkson revealed that she had to perform the song at the Academy of Country Music Awards in March 2021, just after her divorce was finalized.
“I’m looking at Dolly Parton and I’m like, I had just gotten my text of like, ‘Hey divorce is final,’ like literally minutes before I’m doing this,” Clarkson said on her show in September 2021. “And I’m like trying not to cry.”
Clarkson said that she later received a text from Chris Stapleton complimenting her performance, which made her feel better. She also said that she had received support from Parton throughout her divorce.
“She’s been very supportive,” Clarkson said. “She’s one of those people that’s kind of been there through everything.”
Parton has also faced some challenges in her own marriage to Carl Dean, whom she married in 1966. She has admitted that they have had ups and downs over the years, but they have always remained loyal and committed to each other.
In 2016, she told People that Dean had been diagnosed with kidney stones, and that she had been taking care of him. She also said that he had been supportive of her career, even though he preferred to stay out of the spotlight.
“He’s always been supportive. He’s like a brother and a father and a friend and a husband and a lover — all of those things to me,” she said. “I think he’s kind of proud that we’ve been in it this long!”
Despite their different backgrounds and styles, Kelly Clarkson and Dolly Parton share a love for music and family. They both started singing at a young age, and they both pursued their dreams of becoming stars. They both have also used their music to express their feelings, inspire others, and make a difference in the world.
They also value their families above everything else. They both have large extended families, and they both cherish their roles as mothers and godmothers. They both have also given back to their communities, especially to children in need.
Clarkson has supported various charities, such as Musicians on Call, Save the Children, and UNICEF. She has also launched her own foundation, The Kelly Clarkson Show Holiday Giving Campaign, which helps families facing hardships during the holidays.
Parton has founded several organizations, such as the Dollywood Foundation, the Imagination Library, and the Dollywood DreamMore Resort. She has also donated millions of dollars to various causes, such as literacy, education, health care, and COVID-19 research.
Kelly Clarkson and Dolly Parton are not only related by marriage, but also by music and heart. They have a special bond that transcends generations and genres. They are both icons in their own right, and they are both proud to call each other family.
