Dolly Parton Teaches Kids The Importance Of Kindness In Anti-Bullying Song ‘Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny’

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On Tuesday (August 15), Dolly Parton surprised her fans with a special announcement. 50 years after the release of her debut record, Parton is planning to release her first children’s album. 

Parton announced the news in front of a small group of parents and children, with The Tennessean quoting her statement:

“My first album was released 50 years ago and it’s been an amazing 50 years since then. I am very excited that now I’m coming out with my first children’s album in all of those 50 years. I’m proudest of all that all of the proceeds from this CD will go to the Imagination Library.”

In addition to making her announcement, Parton performed a handful of songs off of the new album. One of those songs was “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny,” which some have already had the chance to listen to.

Parton first released “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny” in late 2016 as a free download along with her picture book Coat of Many Colors. Anyone who purchased a copy of the book was also able to listen to “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny” before anyone else.

“Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny” serves as a continuation of the story told in Parton’s beloved hit “Coat of Many Colors.” The latter song tells the tale of a coat Parton’s mother made for her out of colored rags and how the children at school made fun of her for wearing it.

Despite their teasing, Parton sang that she still felt rich in her coat of many colors, knowing that her mother made it with love. While “Coat of Many Colors” focuses on Parton’s personal experience with bullying, “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny” serves as her message to those who are bullies.

Parton encourages kindness in the song, as she sings, “If you can’t be big, don’t belittle someone else, that’s not the thing to do.” The small group that gathered to watch her sing during her album announcement seemed to enjoy the song, as the kids and parents rewarded her with a warm round of applause once she finished.

Now you can watch Parton sing “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny” in the clip below. The song is cute as can be and has an important message, so what’s not to love?