Dolly Parton was a master musician, accomplished cook, and, perhaps most importantly, an excellent communicator. Parton could masterfully handle any insult, joke, or mean-spirited words that came her way.

Communication expert Dorie Clark broke down one of Dolly Parton’s most infamous interviews with Barbara Walters from 1978. In it, Walters (knowingly or unknowingly) talked down to Parton about her appearance and upbringing.

But in true Dolly style, she defused anger and outrage with a strategy Clark calls a “label upgrade.” It’s a trick that worked well for Parton, and one Clark is sure can work for anyone during conversations that may turn offensive without warning.

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The Dolly Parton and Barbara Walters interview

In the clip shared on her Instagram, Clark highlights moments from the 1978 ABC News interview between Walters and Parton.

Walters first questions Parton about her looks, stating, “Dolly, you don’t have to look like this. You’re very beautiful. You don’t have to wear the blonde wigs. You don’t have to wear the extreme clothes, right?”

Parton responded, “No, it’s certainly a choice.........

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