Dolly Parton has taken a stance against North Carolina’s "bathroom bill" – insisting transgender people should be able to "pee" where they want and "be who they are".
The ‘Jolene’ hitmaker brought her ‘Pure and Simple’ tour to Greensboro Coliseum Complex on June 3 in the US state, which earlier this year passed the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, which decides which public rest rooms a transgender person can use.
The 70-year-old country legend – who has a huge fan base amongst the LGBT community – has now spoken out against the law and insists it is disrespectful to the transgender community.
During an appearance on CNN Money, she said: "I think everybody should be treated with respect. I don’t judge people and I try not to get too caught up in the controversy of things. I hope that everybody gets a chance to be who and what they are. I just know if I have to pee, I’m going to pee – I don’t care where it’s going to be."
Several high-profile music acts, including Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Pearl Jam, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas and Maroon 5, decided to cancel their shows in North Carolina in protest over the bill.
However, Dolly decided not to axe her concert because she felt she could better serve the fight by being on stage rather than no-showing.
Ahead of her performance, she said: "I do not to intend to cancel any of my shows. I think I’d serve better from the stage. Everyone knows that I have an open and generous heart, and I think all people should be treated with respect. I don’t like to be caught up with controversial issues. I can address whatever my thoughts are from the stage in that format."
Dolly Parton speaks out against anti-LGBT ‘bathroom bill’
