Dolly Parton shows solidarity with Britney Spears: ‘I went through a lot of that myself’

Country singer reflected on her legal battle with her former singing partner Porter Wagoner

Dolly Parton has spoken out in support of Britney Spears, saying she understands the “crazy things” the pop star is going through.

During a remote appearance on a special episode of Watch What Happens Live, host Andy Cohen relayed the following viewer question to the country singer: “What is your take on the Free Britney Spears movement and everything going on with Britney?”

Parton’s response was: “Well, I try to not get involved in other people’s business. I think she’s a wonderful artist and I think she’s a wonderful girl. I only wish her the best.

“And I understand all those crazy things. I went through a lot of that myself through a big lawsuit in my early days with Porter Wagoner, trying to get out on my own. So I understand where she’s coming from and how she feels. So I hope that all turns out the way that it should.”

Parton’s former singing partner Wagoner filed a $3m (£2.1m) breach of contract lawsuit against Parton in 1979 that was settled out of court, with Parton later saying: “It took me a while to pay it off, but he got the first million dollars I ever made.”

The Free Britney Movement has seen fans of the singer campaign for years to have her liberated from the conservatorship that has controlled her money and affairs since 2008.

Speaking in open court for the first time in 13 years in June, Spears said: “I am not happy, I can’t sleep. I’m so angry, it’s insane. And I’m depressed. The last time I spoke to you [the judge]… made me feel like I was dead. I am telling you again because I am not lying… so maybe you can understand the depth and the degree and the damages… I deserve changes.”

During proceedings, Spears also claimed her team did not want her to become pregnant with another child. “I want to be able to get married and have a baby,” she said. “I have an IUD inside of myself so that I don’t get pregnant, but [my team doesn’t] want me to have any more children.”

She also claimed she was made to take lithium against her will, and asked for an end to the “abusive” conservatorship.