Dolly Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, has stepped up to defend Meghan Markle amid the wave of criticism surrounding her new Netflix series, *With Love, Meghan*.
The eight-episode series, which debuted earlier this month, has drawn a mixed response from audiences and commentators alike. Many critics have slammed the show as ‘out of touch,’ pointing to Meghan’s interactions with celebrity guests like comedian Mindy Kaling and *Suits* actress Abigail Spencer inside a lavishly rented Montecito home, where they prepared recipes and created home décor items like beeswax candles.
Former *Vanity Fair* editor Tina Brown was among the harshest critics, branding the show a ‘display of fake perfection,’ while actress Justine Bateman took to social media to mock the series on X. These were just a handful of the numerous scathing reviews the show has received since its premiere.
However, Stella Parton refused to stand by and let the criticism go unchecked. She jumped into the online conversation by responding to a discussion thread on X that had attracted over 140 replies.
“They hate that Meghan is so smart, talented, and kind—not to mention beautiful! They can’t stand that Meghan checks all the boxes. Meghan Markle is the daughter every parent should want,” Stella wrote, fiercely defending the Duchess of Sussex.
Interestingly, the Parton family’s interest in the British Royal Family seems to run deep. In November, country music icon Dolly Parton publicly extended an invitation to the royal children to visit her Tennessee amusement park, Dollywood.
The invitation followed a revelation from Dolly in an interview with *Closer Magazine*, where she shared that Kate Middleton had invited her for tea at Buckingham Palace last year. Unfortunately, the *9 to 5* singer had to decline due to her packed schedule, but she expressed a strong desire to host the royal family in her home state instead.
“Oh, I would absolutely love for them to come to Dollywood! That would be fantastic!” Dolly enthused during her *Closer* interview. “The kids could go on all the rides, and we would treat them like royalty!”
Dolly even gave some thought to what she would serve the Princess of Wales if she ever visited her home.
“I’d give Kate my mashed potatoes—I wouldn’t put on any airs for them,” she said. “I would just let them enjoy what we enjoy, and I’m sure that’s the way they would want it. I would love to have those kids at Dollywood.”
Dolly’s connection to Dollywood dates back to 1986, when she partnered with theme park owners Jack and Pete Herschend of Herschend Enterprises to transform the former Silver Dollar City into what is now Tennessee’s most-visited tourist attraction. The park, boasting a wide range of rides and roller coasters, drew millions of visitors last year alone.
While Dolly didn’t explicitly mention Prince Harry and Meghan’s children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, if she shares her sister’s sentiments, it’s likely she would welcome them to Dollywood with open arms as well.
Stella’s defense of Meghan Markle comes just as actress Gwyneth Paltrow also weighed in on the Duchess. Markle’s *With Love, Meghan* has drawn comparisons to Paltrow’s wellness empire, Goop, as both brands emphasize lifestyle, self-care, and curated experiences.
Interestingly, Meghan and Gwyneth both reside in Montecito, California, a celebrity enclave known for its exclusivity. However, the *Iron Man* actress has made it clear that she isn’t interested in fueling any rivalry between them.
In a recent interview with *Vanity Fair*, Paltrow set the record straight, saying, “I don’t know Meghan and Harry. I mean, I’ve met Meghan, who seems really lovely, but I don’t know her at all.” She even joked about trying to ‘get through their security detail and bring them a pie.’
Although she hasn’t watched *With Love, Meghan*, Paltrow dismissed any notion of competition, explaining, “When there’s noise about certain women in the culture, I always have a strong instinct to stand up for them.”
The mother of two also expressed support for bringing Meghan and other women into the wellness and lifestyle industry.
“I was raised to see other women as friends, not foes,” she stated. “I think there’s always more than enough to go around. Everybody deserves an attempt at everything that they want to try.”
As Meghan continues to navigate public scrutiny, she may find solace in knowing that she has high-profile allies like Stella Parton and Gwyneth Paltrow who are willing to speak out in her defense.
