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Thursday night, after being told by city leaders he was in no shape to perform, the beleaguered entertainer ran into a television news crew from WRAL-TV as he exited the theater.
When asked why he was not performing that night, Parton said, “Well I guess we just got thrown out of the place, what do you think?” The interviewer asked Parton about the Daily Herald and WRAL report of him spending public money for alcohol at ABC stores. “No, absolutely not,” said Parton, “I spent my own money.”
When the question was expanded to include how he had spent the first draw of city money, ($250,000) Parton said, “Ah bull-___! I'm not going to talk about that.”
Parton was asked what he would like to say to his fans. “I was going to play tonight, but they wanted me to leave.” “Who is ‘they',” the reporter asked. “The city! So what do you do? I'm here to make a living. I've honored all of my agreements. I've got a good show. I guess they want me outta here, so I'm gone,” Parton replied.
He was asked if he thought the city wants him to leave for good. “Hell yeah, I think they do. I've done everything I said I would. I've built everything. Do you see anything else around here? Well, do you?” The interviewer said he saw nothing but vacant land. “Damn right! I did a lot of good and I've honored all of my agreements,” said Parton.
When asked if he was happy with the recently negotiated settlement with the city, that led to his financing being made public, Parton said, “Hell no I'm not. Not at all! Why should I be? I've delivered them great shows - two great shows.”
Mayor Drewery Beale disagrees. He told the Daily Herald he was disappointed in Parton and that the entertainer had failed to live up to his agreements.
After several questions, the interviewer again asked Parton what he would like to say to his fans. “I don't know if we got any fans or not, but I can tell you right, damn now, people need to take a second look at this community. I don't care what they think about me. I've done a good job. I've honored all of our agreements and I'm not sure if the smell is the paper mill or politics. You tell me,” Parton said.
As the interview ended, Parton was asked again why the city had asked him not to perform. “I don't know. I've done my job. We've been sick ... I've been sick, but I've been here every day,” Parton replied.
He was asked if alcohol was involved. “Where in the hell did that come from? Hell no! Is that your question?” Parton asked. “Yes,” the interviewer pressed. “End of story!” Parton said and began walking to his vehicle.
Television footage shows that when he attempted to enter his vehicle, he was stopped. Instead, Roanoke Rapids officials escorted him in a city vehicle for the ride home.
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