Dolly Parton has a new book, out now. Star of the Show: My Life on Stage covers Parton’s entire life and career, from her early years growing up in East Tennessee, to her soaring career. Written by Parton, Star of the Show also includes images of Parton over the years, along with insight from Parton on her extraordinary life.
Even Parton admits it’s a bit staggering for her to take it all in.
“I have just been going so fast my whole life,” Parton tells People. “And I just start thinking, ‘How in the world did I even have a life? How did I even get it done?’ I really realized when I was putting this book together just how much I had sacrificed in my life. I never had children, so at least I didn’t have a guilty feeling. I’m thankful that I got to see my dreams come true.”
Parton did more than most, especially considering she came up in the entertainment industry at a time when women were not given nearly the same opportunities as men. Not only did Parton famously leave The Porter Wagoner Show to launch her solo career, but she also became a successful actress and business entrepreneur.
“You have to grow into things, and you have to grow out of things; that’s how I handled my career,” Parton explains. “I needed to try things. A lot of people think because you’re a girl, you don’t always know what you’re doing. I don’t care about what other people are doing. I only care about what I need to be doing.”
Dolly Parton Opens Up About Her Health Challenges
Parton alarmed fans when she announced she was postponing her Dolly: Live in Las Vegas, scheduled for the end of 2025, due to some unspecified health issues. Although Parton assures fans she is fine, the 79-year-old denies that any of her issues are related to her age.
“People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what?” Parton says. “Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started,” she says. “I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine . . . I think there’s a lot to be said about age. If you allow yourself to get old, you will. I say, ‘I ain’t got time to get old!’ I ain’t got time to dwell on that. That’s not what I’m thinking about.”
After Parton’s well-meaning sister, Freda, posted on social media, asking for prayers, Parton quickly shared her own video, assuring fans she is doing okay.
“I know lately, everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am. Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here,” the Country Music Hall of Fame member said in part. “Anyway, I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate. And I appreciate your prayers, ’cause I’m a person of faith. I can always use the prayers for anything and everything. But I want you to know that I’m okay. I’ve got some problems, as I mentioned. Back when my husband, Carl, was very sick, that was for a long time. And then when he passed, I didn’t take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of.”
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What Dolly Parton Credits To Her Success
Parton’s talent is indisputable. But according to the singer, her success is mostly due to her hard work, and her faith.
“I don’t try to tell other people how to do it, how to be, but I know who I am,” Parton says. “I’m a star to everybody but me. I’m just a working girl. I always just say that I’m a workhorse that looks like a show horse.”
Parton still has a lot more that she wants to do, including helping inspire the generations past her.
“I’m at that point in my life where I just want to be able to do good things that can be carried on,” she says. “I’m proud of my legacy so far, and I hope to just continue to do things that might be of use to other people.”