Dolly Parton recently gifted Brigitte Bandit, an Austin drag queen, a custom rhinestoned guitar in recognition of her advocacy against drag bans at the Texas Capitol in 2023. As 2023 drew to a close, Bandit had been tirelessly fighting proposed legislation aimed at restricting certain drag performances and story hours, even joining a lawsuit to challenge the laws.
After a performance at Oilcan Harry’s in December, Bandit was surprised on stage with a five-minute video featuring heartfelt messages from supporters expressing gratitude for her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
Following the video, the host presented her with a uniquely shaped pink-wrapped box. “At first, I thought it might be a … Dolly costume?” Bandit recalled. “Then I opened it and saw the signature.” Inside was an acoustic guitar adorned with rhinestones and personally signed by the legendary country artist, who recently passed away in Nashville.
While Bandit admits she cannot play the guitar, she humorously noted, “Just like I pretend to sing.” Her efforts at the Capitol, where she testified while in drag and brought a children’s book about Parton, garnered international attention. A photo from that day captured the book opened to a page that read: “She wore big hair and lots of makeup, and some people might’ve thought it was too much, but she liked it, and the kids did too.”
“That made it all the way to Dolly,” Bandit shared, explaining how Parton’s niece, Rebecca Seaver—who performs drag in Tennessee—showed the image to the singer, leading to the heartfelt gift.
Bandit never imagined her drag persona would become so closely linked to Parton, yet it felt natural. Her journey as a drag queen began with a Dolly Parton-themed show, and she later created socially distanced drag telegrams during the pandemic, channeling the iconic performer.
For Bandit, Parton has emerged as a symbol within the queer community, embodying the spirit of a drag queen herself. “With her heightened femininity and her message of love and self-acceptance, I think many queer individuals resonate with Dolly and see reflections of themselves in her, particularly in her defiance of societal norms,” she stated.
Parton’s influence will continue to inspire Bandit in her dual role as an entertainer and advocate for her community. This Saturday, she and others will honor Parton during her regular Drag Hoedown at Stoney’s Good Time Ranch, where she plans to showcase the treasured guitar.
