Dolly Parton is worried that AI technology will keep her soul "grounded on earth".
The country music star has expressed concern over the increasing use of artificial intelligence, especially when it comes to immortalising celebrities.
Speaking at a press conference in London on Thursday to promote her new album Rockstar, the 77 year-old said she's happy to be remembered through her music than high-tech developments. Her first rock album features duets with stars like Lizzo, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John.
When asked about living in an artificial form in the future, Parton said: "I think I've left a great body of work behind. I have to decide how much of that high-tech stuff I want to be involved in because I don't want to leave my soul here on this earth.
"I think with some of this stuff I'll be grounded here forever ... I'll be around, we'll find ways to keep me here."
AI systems like ChatGPT can generate human like responses to messages sent by users and the ever improving tech can also be used to mimic people through voice and image.
A quick online search will uncover many AI generated images of stars who left earth too soon, imagining what they would look like today. While this can be viewed as a way to honour their memory, it has raised questions surrounding the ethics of impersonation.
However, there are some music legends who've decided to leave a virtual fingerprint so fans can still enjoy them long after they're gone. Abba last year launched a purpose-built stadium in London featuring four 3D digital versions of the group's younger selves singing and dancing to 20 or so of their hits.
Sir Mick Jagger has said the virtual concert technology offers bands such as The Rolling Stones a "breakthrough" to secure their legacies.
Parton also joked that "any intelligence" she had and "everything" about her was artificial. She has made numerous references in the past to cosmetic surgery she has had.
Parton also clarified whether the album was inspired by her 2022 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She initially resisted the honour, saying she would "respectfully bow out" of the process, before later saying she would try to "live up to the honour".
Speaking at the Four Seasons Hotel London on Thursday, Parton said: "I didn't want to take (the honour) because I didn't think I had earned it. That's the main reason I went ahead (with rock music)."
Rockstar includes nine original songs and 21 well-known rock anthems. The album is due for release on November 17 2023.
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