Dolly Parton’s Warning to Sabrina Carpenter: ‘I Don’t Make Fun of Jesus’

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Dolly Parton has always been a legend in the music industry, but beyond her talent, she’s known for staying true to her values. Before agreeing to collaborate with pop star Sabrina Carpenter on a new version of Please, Please, Please, Parton made it clear that she had a few non-negotiable conditions—chief among them was respect for faith and keeping things clean.
The original version of Carpenter’s Please, Please, Please included explicit lyrics, but Parton, known for her strong Christian beliefs, requested changes before moving forward with the duet.
Speaking to Knox News, she stated, “I told her, I said, ‘Now, I don’t cuss. I don’t make fun of Jesus. I don’t talk bad about God, and I don’t say dirty words, on camera, but known to if I get mad enough.’”
This meant that Carpenter’s lyrics had to be adjusted. The original line, “I beg you, don’t embarrass me, motherf—er, oh, please, please, please,” was reworked into “I beg you, don’t embarrass me like the others, oh, please, please, please.”
The revised version was released on February 14, 2025, with a music video featuring both singers. Instead of Carpenter’s usual edgy aesthetic, the video embraced a retro theme, featuring the two artists in a pickup truck with Carpenter wearing a classic sweater, headband, and gloves.
This collaboration is just one example of Parton’s commitment to upholding her faith and values in the entertainment industry. Over the years, she has worked with a wide range of artists, including Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus, but she has remained steadfast in her approach to music.
Parton’s deep-rooted faith has always been a guiding force in her career. She once told Fox News, “My faith impacts everything that I do because I do believe that, through God, all things are possible.” This belief influences not just her personal life but also her professional choices.
Sabrina Carpenter has faced criticism in the past, particularly for her 2023 music video Feather, which was filmed inside Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brooklyn, New York. The video, which featured Carpenter dancing in a black veil and short dress near the altar, sparked backlash from the Catholic community.
In response, Bishop Robert Brennan held a Mass of Reparation, and the church’s priest, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, was later removed.Given this history, Carpenter’s collaboration with Parton was met with curiosity. However, Parton’s influence ensured that the project aligned with her principles.
Despite recent personal challenges, including the passing of her husband, Parton remains as active as ever. She is currently working on Dolly: An Original Musical, which will premiere in Nashville from July 18 to August 17, 2025. As for future collaborations, she keeps things simple: “Whoever calls me that I like. (And) I’ll say, ‘Yeah, I’ll do that.’”
By setting firm boundaries while working with younger artists, Dolly Parton continues to inspire with her unwavering commitment to faith, authenticity, and respect in the music industry.
*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from gettyimages.com
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