Country music legend Dolly Parton remains remarkably humble about her immense success, even after decades in the spotlight. The beloved entertainer recently opened up to Southern Living magazine about her perspective on fame and her ongoing creative journey.
"I think I'm a star to everybody but me," the 78-year-old icon revealed in the magazine's January/February cover story. "I always wanted to be famous, but nobody could have thought of the extent it became."
The "9 to 5" singer, who began her rise to stardom on The Porter Wagoner Show in 1967, has since accumulated an impressive array of achievements. Her accolades include 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations, two Academy Award nominations, and the creation of her own theme park, Dollywood, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Despite walls adorned with her photos and a Broadway musical in development about her life, Parton maintains a sense of wonder about her success. "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," she shared.
Music remains at the heart of Parton's passion. "I walk around with a song in my head and in my heart," she explained to Southern Living. Her dedication to songwriting is so intense that it occasionally leads to amusing moments of distraction: "I'll go into a closet and wonder, 'Now, what in the hell did I come in here for?'"
When asked about her proudest musical achievement, Parton pointed to her 1971 hit "Coat of Many Colors," noting its personal significance. "It talks about my mom, my parents, and kind of gives you an insight. It also covers bullying, acceptance and all that," she told The Guardian in November.
As Dollywood marks its fourth decade, Parton continues to embrace her roots in the Smoky Mountains while maintaining the down-to-earth charm that has endeared her to generations of fans worldwide.