Let’s pump the brakes here… There’s never going to be another Dolly Parton. The country and cultural legend first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry back in 1959 at the age of 13 years old, and since then has become the most successful woman in country music history and one of the last few universally beloved figures in the world. From her music to her Dollywood theme park and her many other business ventures to her charitable causes and philanthropy, Dolly is a true cultural icon in every sense of the word. It’s hard to even think of a modern-day comparison for Dolly. Sure, there are still a few legends left with us. But when it comes to an heir apparent, somebody who could fill Dolly’s shoes, there’s nobody who really comes to mind. But apparently, some people think the new Dolly Parton is… Taylor Swift? During an episode of the Duck Call Room podcast, which features stars of the hit A&E television show Duck Dynasty including Uncle Si Robertson, Justin Martin and more, the hosts were discussing with guest John Crist who the “new” Dolly Parton is…and somebody suggested that it was the pop superstar. Now, I kind of get where the comparisons between Swift and Dolly are coming from. Both have transcended music to become cultural phenomenons in ways that other popular artists haven’t. But Uncle Si wasn’t standing for Taylor Swift being called the modern-day Dolly Parton: “No. No. Taylor Swift ain’t even in Dolly Parton’s league. I know she’s got the money but hey, she ain’t the person. She ain’t got the personality. That’s my humble opinion.” Si sticking up for Dolly. Love to see it. And I’ve gotta agree with him here. A big part of the reason Dolly’s so universally beloved is because of her personality. She’s a warm, motherly figure who loves everybody and practices what she preaches. And sure, Swifties love Taylor and will argue what a good person she is like they’re best friends with her personally, but she’s also divisive in a way that Dolly isn’t. Taylor doesn’t have the universal appeal that Dolly does, no matter how much success she’s had. Another name that the group mentioned as the new Dolly was someone from their neck of the woods down in Louisiana: New country superstar Lainey Wilson. Of course it’s (very) premature to call Lainey the next Dolly Parton, but she does seem to have more of the personality like Dolly (and of course the accent). But at the end of the day, I don’t think there’s ever going to be another universally beloved icon like Dolly Parton. She’s one of one, a phenomenon that’s never going to be replicated thanks not only to her personality but also her unmatched business sense that’s allowed her to transcend country music in a way that few are able to do. Luckily, we don’t have to worry about who’s going to be the next Dolly Parton – because we’ve still got the original, and hopefully we’ll have her for a long time to come. The post ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Uncle Si Loses His Mind After Taylor Swift Is Called The New Dolly Parton first appeared on Whiskey Riff.