Meg Stalter, a rising star in both acting and music, recently shared her heartfelt sentiments regarding the passing of country music icon Dolly Parton, who died on August 25, 2023, at the age of 80. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Stalter expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of a figure she described as family and a true embodiment of Christian love.
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Stalter, 36, conveyed her devastation upon learning of Parton’s death. “It was literally devastating, because first of all, I’ll say, Dolly is a true Christian because she loves and accepts everyone,” she said, emphasizing the artist’s inclusive spirit. Stalter, identifying as a gay Christian, felt a profound connection to Parton’s message of acceptance, stating, “I love Jesus, God and gay people, and I felt that from Dolly.”
The actress, known for her role in the television series “Hacks,” remarked on how the pain of loss reverberated not just among those close to Parton. “Of course, obviously what we’re grieving doesn’t compare to what her family is going through, but it does feel like, to everyone, we lost a family member,” she reflected. Stalter’s words resonate with the many fans who view Parton as more than a celebrity, but rather as a cherished figure in their lives.
In discussing future projects, Stalter revealed her desire to honour Parton’s legacy through her work. Along with her collaborator Paul Downs, she expressed a playful ambition to pay tribute to the late star on the red carpet. Stalter mused about the idea of them dressing as “two Dolly Partons,” a light-hearted nod to the indelible mark Parton left on pop culture.
In addition to her reflections on Parton, Stalter shared insights into her creative process while working on her debut album, titled “Crave.” Expressing enthusiasm for collaboration, she noted, “We’re addicted to working together,” referring to her partnership with collaborators Jesse Thomas and Matias Mora. Stalter compared the drive to create music with the allure of a craving, likening it to the desire for a cigarette—though she clarified, “I’m not supporting cigarettes, but it’s like how you crave a cigarette, you want more.”
Stalter also spoke about her diverse influences, noting, “I’m really inspired by myself, and then the people around me, my team, my family and my girlfriend.” She maintained a keen admiration for classic pop stars, particularly those who have been influenced by the pioneering work of figures like Britney Spears. This mixture of personal and broader artistic inspiration appears to shape her music.
Looking ahead, Stalter harboured ambitions to further her musical career. She expressed interest in launching a competition show that would allow pop stars to collaborate on a song of hers. She described the idea as an opportunity to feature various artists, all competing to bring their unique flair to her work.
Dolly Parton’s legacy continues to resonate across various spheres of culture, enhancing the poignancy of Stalter’s reflections during this time of loss. As the entertainment industry mourns a titan, voices like Stalter’s underscore the emotional connections forged through art and the lasting impact of Parton’s message of love and acceptance.
The passing of Dolly Parton is not only a loss to her family but to countless fans who found joy and inspiration in her music and spirit. For Stalter and many others, Parton’s influence will undoubtedly live on, providing a source of comfort and motivation as they navigate their own artistic journeys.