Dolly Parton Talks About Her ‘Addiction’
Dolly Parton has been the queen of country music for many years. Many country singers mention Parton when they talk about celebrities they look up to. One thing you might be surprised to learn is that the singer says she has an “addiction.” Here’s what she revealed she can’t get enough of.
Dolly Parton knew she wanted to be a country music singer early in life
Parton knew she wanted to become a country singer after getting a lot of positive attention when she sang her songs. During a CBS Sunday Morning interview, Parton says she soaked up the attention her mother gave her. Parton impressed her mother with her ability to write songs at such a young age.
Parton’s mother gathered people around and told them to listen to her daughter sing. Parton states, “I think that kind of encouraged [my interest in music], but also, I loved the sound of that music. I loved the sound of the instruments. I loved being able to create something.”
Parton decided to become a country singer after her uncle took her to sing in front of an audience when she was 10 years old. The applause and positive response confirmed her decision to become a singer.
“It was when they kept clapping and clapping after I had finished my song that I thought that… I felt something,” says Parton. “I was scared, I was nervous, I’m a country little kid, but when I got that applause and got that feeling, is when I thought, ‘This is what I think I’m gonna do.’”
Dolly Parton’s ‘addiction’
What is Parton’s “addiction”? The country singer tells People she has an “addiction” to giving. She loves helping others. “I’m kind of addicted to the feeling of giving,” Parton tells the publication. “Knowing that I’m doing something good for someone else.”
Parton’s giving journey started with the opening of her Imagination Library in 1995. So far, almost 170 million children’s books have been donated through the library, reports People. Parton also donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University. The University used these funds to conduct research for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Dolly Parton doesn’t want to be ‘worshipped’
Although Parton appreciates being recognized for her talent, she doesn’t want people to treat her like an idol. Parton tells People that kind of attention makes her uncomfortable. She just wants everyone to know her as someone who cares and who wants the best for others. Becoming someone’s idol isn’t her goal.
“I have to honestly tell you, I was a little bit skeptical of being put on the cover as one of the People of the Year,” she tells the magazine. “Because that’s a lot of pressure. But, yeah, it’s like, I am not all that. I’m glad that I stand for enough stuff to where I’m not the worst person in the world.”
Parton makes it clear that she is just like anyone else, and she doesn’t think she’s better than other people. “But I don’t want to be worshiped because there’s a scripture in my Bible that talks about idol worship,” says Parton. “And I see that happening all the time with movie stars and these celebrities. People literally worship them more than they worship God. And I just — I cringe at it sometimes. But if I can set an example, then that’s great.”
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