Rhinestone rockstar DOLLY SETS THE WORLD ON FIRE

Six decades on, the dynamic diva is unstoppable. What a way to make a living!

- Marilynn McLachlan

To thine own self be true. Know who you are and do it on purpose.” This is the quote the global phenomenon that is Dolly Parton lives by. And at 77, she shows no sign of slowing down – in fact, she’s doing quite the opposite, releasing a new book and a powerful new album.

“I’ve always said that I live on creative and spiritual energy,” she says. “Creative energy is a very powerful force that I just allow to lead me along. But I leave my heart open and my eyes open and my ears open, so I gotta try to stay in tune with what’s going on. If I feel there’s something out there that I’m supposed to be getting, I want to try to get in that space to get it.

“Faith is a big part of my life,” she says, adding that she doesn’t push her beliefs on anyone. “That’s what keeps me happy and helps me rise above a lot of things. I think it’s important to have something you believe in. Call it whatever you want to, but you need to believe in something bigger than you so you have somewhere to go, something to draw from, because if you believe that it’s all about you, then it makes things hard.” 

Dolly is speaking to the Weekly via Zoom in all her signature glamorous glory, her Southern drawl strong. At one point, she asks for a question to be repeated. “You know you’ve got an accent, right?” she laughs. “I don’t, but you do. I love your accent, I really do. I just listen in hillbilly.” 

She is excited to speak about her new projects.