- The Washington Times - Thursday, July 7, 2016

Even megastars are confused by the 2016 presidential race. Country music icon Dolly Parton became concerned when unsubstantiated press accounts reported that she had endorsed likely Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

That was not the case. The singer had instead revealed to The New York Times that she would support a woman for president, and that Mrs. Clinton was a qualified candidate. But that was all. There were no splashy celebrity endorsement from Ms. Parton for either Mrs. Clinton or her GOP rival Donald Trump.

“This morning while I was watching the news I saw many reports that I had endorsed Hillary Clinton. My comment about supporting a woman in the White House was taken out of context,” the singer explained in a Facebook post Wednesday night. “I have not endorsed Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump. I try not to get political but if I am, I might as well just run myself ’cause I’ve got the hair for it, it’s huge, and they could always use more boobs in the race.

“But seriously, I have not decided who I’m voting for, but no matter what — we’re gonna be suffering from PMS. Presidential Mood Swings,” she wrote.

Followup coverage was quick, with some news organizations implying she was either mulling a presidential run herself, or making suggestions about campaign style.

“Dolly Parton says presidential race needs ’more boobs’,” read a headline from The Washington Post, with similar versions from The Huffington Post and The Wrap.

Work goes on, however. Ms. Parton told the press Thursday that “Pure and Simple,” her 43rd album, would be released Aug. 19.

“I may not be pure, but I’m as simple as they come,” she commented.

• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.

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