Helen Morales is an unlikely Dolly Parton aficionado. Educated at the University of Cambridge, the UCSB Argyropoulos Professor of Hellenic Studies and author of the book Pilgrimage to Dollywood has nonetheless been dubbed the first “Dollyologist” in the podcast Dolly Parton's America.
“I think of all the plaudits one could get, that’s probably the one I’m most thrilled about,” Morales said. “You can keep your MacArthur Awards.”
It’s easy to joke about Parton, who’s been making fun of her own appearance since she first stepped onto a stage. But she hasn’t thrived for more than 50 years on her looks, said Morales. Those who underestimate her do so at her own peril.