Dolly Parton, the beloved country music legend, shares a carefree approach to holiday celebrations, emphasizing the joy of feasting with family. Recently, she opened up about her festive traditions in an interview with Closer magazine. Parton revealed that her family enjoys an abundance of food from Thanksgiving all the way through the New Year, without worrying about diets during this joyous season.
“We eat everything we want to,” Parton said, adding that they start their diets only after the holidays. She embraces this indulgence, knowing she can take a step back from her usual eating habits come January.
Celebrating Christmas in a big way, Parton takes pride in her role as a family matriarch, with her grandchildren affectionately calling her names like “Granny Claus” and “Dolly Claus.” Cooking is a central part of the festivities, with a hearty meal including turkey, ham, and plenty of traditional sides like cornbread and mashed potatoes.
In keeping with her family’s love of music, Christmas also involves gathering around the piano to sing classic carols such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Parton enjoys making these memories with her loved ones, and she hopes to share this warmth with others, like her recent invitation to the royal family to visit Dollywood.
Parton expressed her eagerness to host the royals, making it clear she’d treat them as any other guests, with good food and a welcoming spirit. Despite the missed opportunity to meet Kate Middleton earlier this year due to scheduling conflicts, Parton’s enthusiasm for sharing her family traditions remains as bright as ever.
