Taken from the 25th anniversary issue of Dazed:

It’s hard to think of two artists more prized for their outsize personas than country-music legend Dolly Parton and drag megastar RuPaul. Dolly’s high and mighty hairdos are just as celebrated as her talent, from the much sung-along-to “Jolene” to her starring role in the film 9 to 5. Ru’s wigs have also played a central role in his career, whether he’s dishing out one‑liners on the show he created, RuPaul’s Drag Race, or unleashing another disco masterpiece upon the world (2011’s “Glamazon” being a prime example). It feels played out to call someone an icon, but if anyone can truly be said to deserve the accolade, it’s this pair.

But beneath the spangles and cantilevered cleavage, Dolly and Ru are essentially outsiders, despite their genre-conquering success. Dolly’s reluctance to stay quiet and cultivate a feminine, subservient image has put her at odds with the musical establishment, as has her message of acceptance for those outside the typically ‘country’ realm. At the other end of the spectrum, Ru’s concept of punk, gender and what it is to be LGBTQ has put him at odds with the gay establishment.

Dolly and Ru hold each other in high regard, having met just over ten years ago, but admired each other from afar for a time before that. They’re so ubiquitous, especially in gif-able internet culture, that it’s easy to forget how radical these two people are – not just in the way they look, but in what they say. If their many quips and catchphrases could be distilled into one super-concentrated message, it might be that image, however powerful, is an illusion; it’s what’s inside that counts.

Discussing hair, happiness, and what’s in their hearts: ladies and gentlemen, Dolly Parton and RuPaul.

Ru, what was your first impression of Dolly?

RuPaul: I was introduced to the music of Dolly Parton through my sister. I believe it was around 1972, and obviously I loved it because it’s so pure and so heartfelt. Later, after hearing the music, I saw her image, which of course immediately resonated with me, because I love all of the things that she loves – I love outrageous, extreme fashion. Outrageous looks, almost like caricatures. Dolly has said this many times, you know – she loved these sort of fast, loose women and she patterned her look after them. And it was the same thing with me – I patterned my look, and all the things I learned about fashion, from Soul Train and street-walkers.

What was it like when you finally met other?

RuPaul: We met at a radio station where Michelle Visage had a morning drive-time show.

Dolly Parton: I thought he was big and beautiful. We’re just like twins, except he’s about four feet taller!

Dolly’s country style is sort of the opposite of Soul Train, why did it resonate with you so deeply, Ru?

RuPaul: When it comes to Dolly there is first and foremost this talent – the beauty of her music and the true, heartfelt beauty of her songs and her incredible songwriting. The second aspect is the image, which is playful and fun, and that’s what drag is about. Drag says, ‘I don’t take myself too seriously.’ In fact, image is something to have fun with, and to play with, and that’s what her image does. She has never said, ‘I want to be taken seriously as a musician.’ She doesn’t have to, because her music speaks for itself. So she can have fun with her image. My image is two parts Diana Ross and Cher, one part David Bowie and three parts Dolly Parton, and that’s how I came up with my persona.

“My image is two parts Diana Ross and Cher, one part David Bowie and three parts Dolly Parton, and that’s how I came up with my persona” — RuPaul

What’s the best thing about country girls?

Dolly Parton: Well, I guess that the difference between a country kid and a city kid is… I mean, city kids have nannies, and country kids have nanny goats. (laughs)

RuPaul: Oh, there’s an earnestness. They’re not pretentious. I have always hated pretentious people. I cannot stand it. When you talk about people that come from outside the city limits there’s no room for being pretentious. They are what they are and they’re coming from their sweetness. That’s what I love. I think that sweetness and kindness are at the top of my list of human virtues.

Dolly Parton: They’re just pure and simple!

Both of you have been frank about dressing up and performing being something of a life-saver, in what ways do you think they have helped you?

Dolly Parton: Yes, I think dressing up has saved my life. I always said if I hadn’t been a woman I would have been a drag queen. For sure. And it’s been a joy to do this, because I was not born a natural beauty, nor was Ru, but I think we’re beautiful in our own way, and whatever makes you feel beautiful is what you should do. They always say that less is more, but I think that’s the biggest crock I ever heard.

“I always said if I hadn’t been a woman I would have been a drag queen. I was not born a natural beauty, nor was Ru, but I think we’re both beautiful in our own way” — Dolly Parton

RuPaul: Absolutely. You know, this is the thing; when you are a sweet, sensitive soul and you feel everything, you see the world’s hypocrisy and the mediocrity, and you understand that the only way you’re going to get through this thing is to laugh. Because all these other sons of bitches are taking it all too seriously! And this life is meant to be enjoyed. So if I need colour and synthetic hair or acrylic nails or flared pants or a high-heeled shoe, then so be it! That’s the only way I can sustain myself in this hideous, horrendous, mediocre world. (laughs riotously)

Ru, if you had your own Dollywood theme park – a RuPaulywood – what would it be like?

RuPaul: If I had a full-on theme park, I would explore human experience. You know – the subconscious, the unconscious… I would probably make fun of people who take themselves too seriously. I would love to do that.

Maybe you need to test some of the rides at Dollywood. Which would you like to take Ru on, Dolly?

Dolly Parton: Maybe not ‘take’ him on, maybe I’d like to throw him on! On the fastest rollercoaster we got. He’s always trying to get his rocks off, so I think he would.