Dolly Parton, the iconic country music legend and cultural treasure, is still in awe of the extraordinary fame she’s achieved over the years. In a rare interview with Southern Living for their January/February cover story, Parton, 78, shared her reflections on the staggering success of her six-decade-long career.
“I think I’m a star to everybody but me,” Parton said with characteristic humility. “I always wanted to be famous, but nobody could have thought of the extent it became. I’ll see a whole wall of my pictures somewhere, and I’ll wonder, ‘How did that happen?’ It’s more a joy than a surprise.”
From her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to becoming a household name across the globe, Parton’s rise to stardom is nothing short of a fairytale. Her career began in 1967 when she joined The Porter Wagoner Show, a popular variety program, quickly becoming the breakout star of the show. In fact, she outgrew her mentor and co-host, Porter Wagoner, propelling herself into the spotlight and marking the beginning of an iconic musical journey.
Today, Parton stands as one of the most influential figures in entertainment, with accolades that include 10 Grammy Awards, 55 nominations, two Academy Award nominations, and an indelible mark on both country music and pop culture. Her theme park, Dollywood, located in the Smoky Mountains, continues to be a major tourist attraction, solidifying her place as a savvy businesswoman and philanthropist. Despite her decades of success, she remains grounded and appreciative of the journey.
“To me, it’s a joy,” she said in the Southern Living interview. “It’s never been about trying to be a star; it’s about doing what I love and having the world love it with me.”
Parton’s career continues to flourish, with new ventures on the horizon. One of the most exciting developments is the upcoming Broadway musical based on her life, Dolly: An Original Musical, which will bring her extraordinary career to the stage. This only adds to her ever-expanding legacy, showing that her influence transcends music and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The Joy of Songwriting and Creating Music
In addition to her legendary status, Parton’s passion for songwriting remains as vibrant as ever. The singer, who has written over 3,000 songs, shared her deep connection to music and the creative process. “I walk around with a song in my head and in my heart,” she explained.
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There are moments when she becomes so absorbed in writing that she’ll lose track of what she was doing entirely. “I’ll go into a closet and wonder, ‘Now, what in the hell did I come in here for?’” she joked, highlighting the pure joy she derives from the act of creation. “There’s nothing that makes me happier than writing a song.”
Her devotion to her craft is evident in the longevity of her career. From timeless classics like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” to newer hits, Parton has continued to write songs that speak to people across generations.
The Song That Means the Most
In a separate interview with The Guardian last November, Parton opened up about the song that holds the most personal significance for her. While she expressed pride in all of her songs, it’s her 1971 country ballad “Coat of Many Colors” that she holds closest to her heart.
The song, which tells the story of Parton’s humble childhood and the love of her mother, also touches on themes of bullying and acceptance. “I think the one that’s most personal to me is the lil’ ‘Coat of Many Colors,’ because it talks about my mom, my parents, and kind of gives you an insight. It also covers bullying, acceptance and all that,” she said.
“Coat of Many Colors” remains a beloved anthem for those who relate to its message of resilience and self-worth, making it a defining moment in her songwriting career.
Parton has continued to use her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart, from literacy and education to the well-being of children and families. Her philanthropic efforts, particularly through her Imagination Library initiative, which provides free books to children around the world, have further cemented her legacy as a global humanitarian.
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Looking Ahead
As for the future, Parton shows no signs of slowing down. Between her musical career, upcoming Broadway show, and continued activism, the “9 to 5” singer is as relevant as ever. Her next big project will be the premiere of her Christmas on the Square Netflix movie, where she not only stars but also serves as an executive producer and composer.
For now, Parton remains as humble as ever, still amazed by the immense love and admiration she receives. “I never thought it would turn out this way,” she said. “But I’m glad it did. I’m just really blessed.”
Dolly Parton’s legacy continues to grow, and it’s clear that the world will continue to be enchanted by her warmth, talent, and unshakeable authenticity for years to come.
