Legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton is showing remarkable strength as she recovers from a kidney infection, a health challenge that came shortly after the profound loss of her husband, Carl Dean, in March. The 79-year-old icon, while promoting her new memoir 'Star of the Show: My Life on Stage', shared intimate details about her daily life, including her incredibly early wake-up time and her unwavering love for high heels in an interview with People magazine.
Dolly Parton's Spiritual 3 AM Wake-Up Call
Dolly Parton revealed to People that her day begins in the deep quiet of the night, often as early as 3 AM. She credited her father, Robert Lee Parton, for instilling in her the habit of being an early bird. For the star, this pre-dawn period is sacred. She uses these solitary hours for her spiritual work, which includes prayers, dreaming, and deep thinking, taking advantage of the time when the world's energies are at their calmest.
The 'I Will Always Love You' hitmaker philosophically added that as one gets older, waking up earlier becomes natural. She expressed a zest for life, stating she doesn't require much sleep because she doesn't want to miss a single moment.
Life in Heels: Dolly's Signature Fashion Staple
Beyond her music and routine, Dolly Parton's fashion choices are a core part of her identity. Her enduring passion for high heels is no secret. She told People that her love for heels is so profound that she even wears them at home while reading and cooking, humorously noting that being short, they help her reach her cabinets.
Parton, who gets her heels custom-made, had previously told Vogue that she feels "pretty in a heel". She elaborated that she finds them sexy and powerful, appreciating the extra height they provide. While she admitted she doesn't always wear her iconic wigs at home, she loves to put on a little makeup, maintaining her glamorous spirit even in private.
Overcoming Personal Loss and Health Struggles
The past year has been a period of significant hardship for the artist. Her husband, Carl Dean, passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82. Following this immense personal loss, Parton was diagnosed with a kidney-stone-related infection. This health setback led her to make the difficult decision to cancel her scheduled Vegas residency, focusing instead on her recovery and well-being.
Through it all, Dolly Parton's resilience shines. Her candid revelations about her disciplined routine and personal joys offer a powerful message of moving forward with grace and strength, inspiring her fans across the globe, including her many admirers in India.
