Dolly Parton Opposes Using AI To Preserve Her Legacy: ‘We’ll Find Ways To Keep Me Here’

Jul 13, 2023 by apost team

Through the decades, several deceased and living legends have embraced the trend of artificial intelligence. Since technology has been improving every year, some fans couldn't even point out the difference between holograms and reality.

Even though there have been musicians or their estates who gave a go signal to use the artists' likenesses in holographic shows like Whitney Houston, ABBA, and more, Dolly Parton remained true to herself, openly telling the press that she never wanted to have a virtual version of herself.

Before diving into her personal thoughts on AI, let's take a look at the blossoming career of the country legend.

Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on Jan. 19, 1946, the musician grew up in a big family as she is the fourth of twelve children to her parents, Avie Lee Caroline and Robert Lee Parton Sr. Even though she amassed fame and fortune later in life, her early years were not filled with glitz and glamor.

In a 2015 interview with Entertainment Tonight, the musician revealed that she grew up in poverty, but she wouldn't trade anything for being brought up in a life like that, and she would never be ashamed of how "poor or dirty" her family might have been.

In the later years of her life, Parton moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and started appearing on several radio stations. Since music had been a big part of her childhood, she continued to pursue being a professional musician to share her talent with the world.

She finally released her debut album "Hello, I'm Dolly" in 1967 and has released countless records ever since.

The world of music has had several artists whom fans loved throughout their careers, but their fate was ultimately cut off when they passed away.

Fortunately, there is another way to witness deceased musicians through the rapid rise of technology. 

As described by a 2019 article published by The Guardian, some production teams produced high-tech tours and concerts featuring late artists. The reason why these were possible was because of holograms.

The outlet described that a hologram is a 3D image projected by the use of a light beam interference. One of the trailblazers in the field of on-stage projection was 2Pac's appearance with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre at Coachella in 2012.

Although there have been experts who argued that the late rapper's appearance was only an optical illusion rather than a hologram itself.

Another great example of this gimmick was a show titled "An Evening With Whitney," which featured a holographic avatar of Whitney Houston, who performed some of her biggest hits as if she was present at the venue.

However, artificial intelligence took over the industry in the latter years, which improved these kinds of shows, especially after ABBA's "Voyage" virtual concerts started in 2022.

According to Variety, the Swedish group's virtual shows aren't considered holographic concerts. The program made it seem like the members of the band were still living in 1979 after they were captured by motion-capture cameras to get all of their movements and mannerisms.

Music Radar reported that the realistic 3D renditions of the members made it seem like they were the ones performing on different parts of the stage by projecting them on massive screens.

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Even though holographic or 3D projection concerts are a great way to preserve a late musician's legacy, Dolly Parton said in a press conference that she would never participate in this kind of technology, even after she dies.

While promoting her 2023 album "Rockstar" at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, one of the interviewers asked her if she was open to incorporating artificial intelligence at any point in her career.

In a video shared by Daily Express, it appears that Parton is content with her discography and the legacy that she left behind.

"I think I've left a great body of work behind, and I don't know how they'll keep me around but hopefully, albums like this or other things that I do, I'll have to decide on how much of that hi-tech stuff I want to be involved in," the singer said.

The country icon further explained that when she passes away, she doesn't want to leave her soul on earth, and the use of AI and technology to honor a deceased artist would make her feel "grounded (on earth) forever."

"When I'm gone I want to fly with it you know, but I'll be around. We'll find ways to keep me here," she added.

Aside from Parton, there were other musicians who were skeptical about the idea of projecting themselves in front of thousands of fans.

According to Outkick, Linkin Park member Mike Shinoda revealed that the use of holograms is "creepy," especially when his late bandmate, Chester Bennington, would be involved in it.

"Those are creepy. Even if we weren't talking about Linkin Park, if we weren't talking about Chester… we would have our feelings about how we would represent that. For me, that's a clear no. I'm not into that," Shinoda said.

What do you think of holographic concerts? Would you attend one? What do you think about the rapid rise of artificial intelligence? Let us know your thoughts, and make sure to pass this on to your friends and family.