Meghan Markle is reportedly upset after country music legend Dolly Parton turned down an invitation to appear on her Netflix series and podcast. According to insiders, Meghan believes the rejection is part of a larger effort to damage her reputation and suspects Kate Middleton may be quietly influencing celebrities to avoid working with her.
Dolly Parton, 79, declined an offer to join Meghan’s lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, which premiered its first season in March. Meghan had hoped Dolly’s involvement would boost the show’s credibility and bring in a wider audience. However, sources claim Parton’s team was not happy with the request, seeing it as an attempt to use Dolly’s reputation to validate Meghan’s brand.
Meghan reportedly offered several options for collaboration, including hosting Dolly at her Montecito home, recording a podcast together, or traveling to Nashville. None of those ideas moved forward.
The rejection has reportedly added to Meghan’s growing concerns that she is being sidelined in Hollywood. Insiders say she believes Kate and Prince William’s strong influence among celebrities is affecting her ability to build connections. Meghan is said to feel isolated and frustrated, especially when A-list figures appear to be aligning more closely with the royal family.
The situation became more sensitive after it was revealed that Kate invited Dolly for tea at Buckingham Palace in 2023. Dolly said the invite was very sweet but declined due to a busy schedule. Meghan allegedly views this as proof that Kate may have had a role in discouraging Dolly from collaborating with her.
Although Netflix denied that Dolly Parton was approached for Meghan’s show, sources close to Meghan insist the invitation was real and that the rejection felt personal. Meghan and Prince Harry still have support from friends like Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, and Nacho Figueras, but they also face a growing list of stars seen as siding with William and Kate. This includes David and Victoria Beckham, Taylor Swift, George and Amal Clooney, Tom Cruise, and Brooke Shields.
Meghan is said to feel that each rejection confirms her belief that there is an effort to damage her public image and hold her back from building a strong celebrity network.
