Dolly Parton 'snubbing' Meghan Markle to 'save her reputation' is nothing but a rumour
Dolly Parton reportedly turned down an offer to appear on With Love, Meghan
Meghan Markle reportedly hoped to include Dolly Parton in her Netflix cooking series, but the country music legend allegedly passed on the offer.
According to celebrity commentator Kinsey Schofield, country music legend Dolly Parton reportedly declined to appear on the Netflix lifestyle series, With Love Meghan.
The singer is said to have feared that the association could damage her “reputation” and public image.
Meghan Markle ‘snubbed’ by Dolly Parton
“They don’t want to risk Dolly’s reputation Q Score and her popularity by associating with Meghan Markle,” Kinsey claimed in a podcast conversation with Daily Mail columnist Maureen Callahan.
“They knew that this ask was just to give Meghan Markle credibility in this lifestyle space. A space that Dolly does have a lot of credibility in.”
A Q Score is a measure used in marketing to evaluate a celebrity or brand’s appeal and public awareness.
While Meghan’s Netflix series aimed to blend celebrity appearances with home cooking and personal storytelling, Kinsey suggested Dolly’s team had little interest in helping boost the Duchess’s credibility in the domestic lifestyle sphere, despite Dolly’s long-standing popularity as a cookbook author and baking brand founder.
Rumours are ‘false’
The claim, however, has been strongly denied by a production spokesperson.
In a statement to Page Six, they said: “This story is false. At no point did anybody from the show’s production or Netflix approach Dolly Parton or her team to appear on With Love, Meghan.”
Even so, the allegations have renewed scrutiny over Meghan’s ability to attract A-list talent post-royal exit.
While expectations were high, particularly given her circle includes the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and Tyler Perry, only a modest guest list materialised.
Appearances were limited to her Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, socialite Delfina Figueras, and chef Roy Choi.
Mindy Kaling, who featured in the second episode, was arguably the biggest Hollywood name on the series. Prince Harry appeared only briefly in the final episode.
With Love, Meghan
This lack of star power marked a departure from Meghan’s earlier creative projects.
Her short-lived Spotify podcast Archetypes featured major names like Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton, and Serena Williams.
Their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan also attracted high-profile guests and widespread attention.
By contrast, With Love, Meghan was met with lukewarm reception from both viewers and critics.
It comes amid reports that Netflix is underwhelmed by the couple’s content output so far, from the documentary Heart of Invictus to Harry’s low-profile polo series.
Despite the alleged snub, Dolly Parton has not ruled out working with Meghan in the future. Speaking to HuffPost in May, the 79-year-old country icon kept the door open.
“Well, never say never. You never know where you’re gonna go.”
Dolly’s royal ties run deep. She previously performed for Queen Elizabeth II during the 1977 Silver Jubilee celebrations and met the monarch backstage at the Royal Variety Show in Glasgow.
“I was scared to death I wouldn’t curtsy correctly,” Dolly recalled. “But she was so warm and sweet. It ended up being one of the biggest thrills of my life.”
Read more: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet following Prince Harry’s sweet date idea with Meghan Markle
What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.
