Dolly Parton Reflects on Life and New Ventures After Loss
NEW YORK — Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon, recently opened up about her enduring faith and the impact of her late husband, Carl Dean, on her life and work. Her first gospel album, which featured heartfelt songs like “I Believe” and “Golden Streets of Glory,” set the tone for her spiritual journey that continues to guide her today, especially after Dean’s passing.
Parton shared, “I am a person of faith, and I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday. He’s always with me in my memories and in my heart.” This resilient spirit has helped her navigate the grief of losing Dean, who she was married to for nearly 60 years.
The country star, who recently launched a new line of Southern-inspired frozen meals, reflected on her late husband, saying that his pride in her achievements fuels her drive to keep moving forward. "When I lost him, I decided to channel all that energy into my work," she explained.
Parton, a 10-time Grammy winner, credited her entrepreneurial spirit to her success and her willingness to dream big. “If you’re lucky enough to see your dreams come true, you should turn them into new dreams,” she stated.
Among her various projects, she has a new book titled "Star of the Show" that shares insights from her life on the road and her experiences in the music industry. Additionally, she is working on a musical about her life, set to premiere at Belmont University before heading to Broadway.
As Dollywood celebrates its 40th anniversary, Parton is excited about new developments, including a large sign on the hill resembling the Hollywood sign, proudly displaying "Dollywood." She expressed her disbelief at how quickly time has passed, noting the parallels between her long marriage and her theme park’s milestones.
Despite her immense fame, Dolly Parton prefers to view herself simply as a hardworking individual. “I’m just a workin’ girl,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to both her art and her fans.
Parton continues to inspire with her positive outlook and dedication, reinforcing her status as a true American treasure.
