Dolly Parton Picks Royals Over Meghan Markle: A Snub That Stings

In a surprising twist that's bound to stir up some feelings, Dolly Parton has chosen to extend an invitation to Princess Catherine and her children for a visit to Dollywood, leaving Meghan Markle off the guest list entirely.

The country music icon's warm welcome to the Wales family is likely to leave Meghan feeling a bit overshadowed, especially given the royal family's enduring appeal.

During a recent chat with Closer magazine, the 78-year-old Parton expressed her excitement about the prospect of hosting the royals at her famous amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

“Oh, I would absolutely love for them to come to Dollywood.

That would be fantastic,” she exclaimed.

Her enthusiasm was palpable, and she even promised to treat Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis like royalty, offering them unlimited access to all the rides.

But it gets even better—or worse, depending on your perspective.

Dolly also made a down-to-earth gesture that would surely make Meghan green with envy.

She mentioned that she'd serve the royals mashed potatoes without any fuss, saying, “I'd just let them enjoy what we enjoy, and I'm sure that's the way they'd want it.” It seems Dollywood's southern hospitality is tailored for the royals, while Meghan finds herself on the outside looking in.

This isn't the first time Parton has had to navigate royal interactions.

Last year, Princess Catherine invited her for tea during a promotional tour for her rock album.

Unfortunately, Dolly had to decline due to her packed schedule.

Reflecting on that missed opportunity, she shared her regrets on BBC radio, admitting, “I felt so bad” about not being able to accept the kind invitation.

To add insult to injury, Dolly didn't just reminisce about the Wales family.

She fondly recalled her past meetings with the late Queen Elizabeth II, particularly during the Silver Jubilee in 1977.

Parton admitted she was nervous about curtsying but described the Queen as warm and generous.

This nostalgic reflection is bound to irk Meghan, especially considering her own tumultuous relationship with the royal family.

Unlike the contentious interviews and tell-all documentaries that have characterized the Sussexes' narrative, Dolly's experiences with the royals are marked by grace and respect.

After Queen Elizabeth's passing in 2022, Parton paid tribute to the monarch on Instagram, highlighting her grace and strength alongside a photo from their meeting.

For Meghan, who often voices her grievances through platforms like Spotify and Netflix, Dolly's approach is a masterclass in charm.

While Meghan has struggled to secure endorsements from American icons, her closest brush was a brief podcast that recently fizzled out.

In stark contrast, Catherine's dedication to early childhood development has clearly caught Dolly's attention.

The country star is no stranger to philanthropy herself, having donated over 200 million books to children through her Imagination Library initiative.

As Meghan and Prince Harry grapple with dwindling popularity, Dolly Parton's star continues to rise, particularly in the eyes of the British royals.

It seems that Meghan may have underestimated the allure of the royal family, thinking she could outshine them by relocating to sunny California.

However, it turns out the real star power was waiting patiently in Tennessee all along.