Dolly Parton, the iconic country music legend, recently reflected on her incredible fame in an interview with Southern Living published on January 8. Despite being a household name, she humbly admitted that she never saw herself as a star, saying, “I think I’m a star to everybody but me.” Parton revealed that while she always dreamed of being famous, the sheer extent of her fame often leaves her in awe. “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.
Parton’s career skyrocketed after she joined The Porter Wagoner Show in 1967, quickly surpassing the host’s popularity. With over 10 Grammy Awards, two Academy Award nominations, and her own theme park, Dollywood, Parton’s achievements are numerous. However, despite her vast success, her love for songwriting remains a central passion. She explained that she often walks around with songs in her head and heart, sometimes losing track of her thoughts while working on new music. “There’s nothing that makes me happier than writing a song,” she said. Parton’s down-to-earth perspective on her fame and passion for music continues to endear her to fans worldwide.