“She Was an Extraordinary Woman” — Cher’s Memoir Reveals the Shocking ‘Side Eye’ That Led to a Dolly Parton Emmy Nomination

In her new, best-selling book, Cher: The Memoir, Part One (released November 2024), the inimitable Cher is sharing the candid stories behind her six-decade career. Among the revelations is a shocking first impression of a fellow icon, Dolly Parton, which began with a “side eye” and ended with an Emmy nomination.

Cher recounts first meeting Parton around 1978 at a party hosted by her manager. She admits her initial reaction to the country superstar’s signature look was not one of immediate admiration, but of pure bewilderment.

In the memoir, Cher describes Parton as:

“An extraordinary-looking woman with a mass of blond curls.”

The future Oscar-winner confesses she immediately gave her manager “the side eye” and judgmentally asked who the woman was.

Her manager, however, was quick to check the star’s assumption, offering a piece of advice that would launch a 40-year friendship. Cher recalls him saying:

“Don’t make your mind up based on appearance. You’re going to love her. She’s a fabulous country singer. Her name is Dolly Parton.”

Cher writes in the book, “He was right, and she is still my friend to this day.”

From ‘Side Eye’ to TV Special

That friendship quickly blossomed into a legendary professional collaboration. Cher invited Parton to be a high-profile guest on her upcoming ABC television event, the Cher… Special.

The special, which was directed by Art Fisher and aired on April 3, 1978, was a high-concept variety hour. It featured musical guests like Rod Stewart and the rock band The Tubes, who were cast as the embodiment of “evil.” In a moment of casting genius, Cher tapped her new friend Dolly Parton to play the literal role of “good,” creating a memorable comedic and musical contrast.

A Career Milestone

Parton’s performance on the Cher… Special, which included comedic sketches and her own musical numbers, was a massive success with critics and audiences.

The appearance was so well-received that it earned Dolly Parton her first-ever Primetime Emmy nomination in 1978, in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Variety or Musical Special.

What began as a moment of superficial judgment, as Cher’s memoir now reveals, was instantly transformed by a manager’s advice. It not only sparked a lasting friendship but also led directly to a major career milestone for Parton, cementing a beloved moment in television history.