Dolly Parton has spent decades building one of the most carefully managed careers in the music industry. Behind her polished public image is a team she often credits for helping her stay consistent, relevant, and well-protected in a tough business.
While many artists choose to stay quiet about the business side of fame, Parton has been open about her management choices. Over the years, she’s spoken proudly about the people behind the scenes who helped shape her career. That’s why it came as a surprise when she publicly praised Colonel Tom Parker.
Dolly Parton described Colonel Tom Parker as ‘brilliant’
When asked about the people who’ve influenced her career, Dolly Parton once mentioned Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley’s longtime manager. Despite the mixed opinions about Parker, Parton believed he had done something remarkable with Elvis’s image. She said Parker knew how to keep audiences curious and helped maintain the star’s mystique throughout his life.
Parton admired the emotional appeal Elvis had with his fans and believed Parker played a major role in shaping that connection. She viewed it as the result of deliberate planning, something she hoped to mirror in her own career. More than anything, she respected the way Parker built a brand around Elvis that never lost public attention.
Dolly Parton is not the only person to praise Colonel Tom Parker
Despite years of criticism, Colonel Tom Parker has received praise from others who worked closely with Elvis or followed his career. Elvis’s father, Vernon Presley, once pointed out Parker’s loyalty and credited him for protecting Elvis’s business interests. He believed Parker made sure things stayed organized even during chaotic times.
Todd Morgan of Elvis Presley Enterprises described the bond between Parker and Elvis as a rare business relationship. He believed the two worked in sync, creating a model that influenced how entertainers and managers operate today. More recently, actor Tom Hanks, who played Parker in the 2022 Elvis film, called him both clever and complicated. Hanks noted that while Parker took his share of profits, he also made decisions that pushed Elvis to the top.