GAINESVILLE - Singer, songwriter, actor and author Stella Parton participated in an open-to-the-public "master class" at Brenau University's John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts starting Thursday afternoon.
Parton, a member of one of the iconic families of country music, also signed copies of her new book, "Tell It Sister, Tell It," a book about "memories, music and miracles" and the ways her faith has sustained her through personal setbacks and trauma. She also has released a companion CD of original songs written at different stages in her life.
Dr. Barbara Steinhaus, chair of Brenau's Department of Music, said that similar appearances normally are reserved for Brenau students, but the university decided to open the class to the public because Parton's compelling life story and career experience will have appeal to a much broader audience.
Parton, whose older sister is Dolly Parton, has appeared in acting roles on television, in movies, and Broadway musical touring companies in addition to her musical performances, recordings and productions.
"I wrote the book with the hope of empowering other women," said Parton, an advocate and fund-raiser for programs to combat domestic violence and protect abused women. "No matter how far back in the race you may be, just keep marching to your own beat. You'll get where you're going right on time through faith, prayer and perseverance."
"My sister asked me how I felt about hitting the big '5-0.' I told her that my skin has loosened up enough now so that I'm finally comfortable in it. It's so good to be comfortable in your skin."
This "master class" was an informal, conversational format that relied heavily on question-and-answer interaction with the audience of 50 or so people, mostly students but also several older adults from the community.
She warned against self-pity and the "victim mentality," saying, "If you can think for yourself, you can fight for yourself," and she espoused an attitude of consideration and service to others, saying, "Every day I ask God: Who can I bless today? Maybe it'll be the checkout woman who needs a compliment on her pretty sweater, or maybe it will be an embrace for someone who hasn't felt the human touch enough. People today spend too much time texting and not enough time touching and embracing."
She also spoke about making fear an ally, using adrenaline to "power yourself forward instead of holding you back." She talked about the value of humor in coping with hardship, about turning pain into laughter, in the spirit of her favorite comedians, Richard Pryor and Joan Rivers.
Parton was a single mother at age 19, and she has worked as a hairdresser, florist, and restaurant manager to make ends meet, but ultimately she wanted, like her famous sister, to pursue a career in show business.
"Everyone up and down Music Row told me that I couldn't have a country singing career, that Nashville was closed to me, that I couldn't do it on my own, that there were certain rules. Well, who makes these rules? As long as you don't hurt others or yourself, there really are no rules limiting your dreams," she said. "So at 24, I started my own record company. I told a white lie to my Daddy that I needed rent money because I was about to be evicted, but I used that $300 to record my song and distribute it. Once it was out, it became a Top 10 hit on Billboard in 1975, she said, referring to "I Want to Hold You In My Dreams Tonight."
"All hell broke loose in Nashville! I had a hit before they caught me. And I paid my Daddy back. I was signed to a major label the next year, and from there went into acting."
Her advice to other aspiring entertainers: "Don't sit around waiting to be 'discovered.' You will not be discovered sitting in your apartment. In fact, whatever you're doing now, whether it's working in McDonald's or somewhere else, be the best you can be at it and convey an attitude of service, helpfulness, and gratitude. Someone will come along and help you and bless you, and, you in turn will help and bless them, and you never know where it might lead."
Parton, who has survived a kidnapping attempt, was asked about her most rewarding moments in working to combat domestic violence and protect abused women.
"Just going into a shelter and seeing a child relaxed enough to sit on its mommy's lap is my reward," she replied. "I would love to give millions of dollars to shelters, as would a lot of people, but just being able to give a cold glass of milk and a cookie to a child who has just had to flee a terrorist means something. It's not how monumental your effort is; it's that you made the effort. And God will multiply it."
The "master class" program exposes students to intensive, in-person, interactive learning experiences with professionals from diverse walks of life.
Saturday
July 5th, 2025
2:47AM
