Senior citizens from Chappell Roan’s Missouri hometown react to her success
WILLARD, Mo. — Global pop star and lesbian icon Chappell Roan has put her hometown of Willard on the map — but many longtime residents say they’ve never heard of her.
“No, I don't know who she is,” said David White, who was eating lunch catered to seniors on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Willard Community Center. “I don't listen to her kind of music. My music stopped back in the ’90s.”
Another senior, who declined to be identified, said he recognized Roan’s name but thought she was a country artist from the early 2000s. He later realized he was thinking of fellow Missourian Sheryl Crow.
"I've heard my grandkids talk about her," said another attendee.
Some residents, however, said they are proud of Roan’s success and happy to see their small town in the spotlight.
Gina Ballard, a longtime Willard resident, said she was thrilled to learn that Roan was from her hometown.
"I was so excited when I heard she was from Willard," Ballard said. "Oh my God — I was shocked. And I've been telling people, my Facebook friends, that she's from our town."
Ballard said she first heard of Roan about a year and a half ago after seeing her on a talk show. She said she enjoys Roan’s hit song “Pink Pony Club.”
“My daughter's not with us anymore, but she would have loved her,” Ballard said. “I know she would have. She was that type of person. I think of my daughter when I see Chappell. I do. I think of her, because I know she would have loved her.”
Another Willard resident, Kathy Sanders, who has lived in town for 32 years, said her granddaughter went to school with Roan. Sanders said her granddaughter always shares the latest news about the singer during visits.
"It's so good for the community," Sanders said of Roan’s rise to fame.
Sanders said she’s only heard a few of Roan’s songs, including “Pink Pony Club,” but described it as catchy.
“I think it’s addictive,” she said. “That’s a song that you remember.”
Sanders also praised Roan for being open about her sexuality.
"I'm glad that she came out, of course, and said that she was gay and everything," Sanders said. “Good for her, you know, to have somebody and stuff.”
Roan recently performed two highly-anticipated pop-up shows in Kansas City, with thousands of Springfield area locals who traveled to attend the shows and support one of the Ozarks’ own.
