Dolly Parton is sharing insights into her private life, particularly her unique morning routine. In the latest edition of PEOPLE, the beloved country icon reveals that she begins her days as early as 3 a.m. “Sometimes it’s earlier than that,” the 79-year-old singer admits. She describes this quiet time as essential for her spiritual work, prayers, and creative thoughts, noting that it’s a period when “all the energies of the world have kind of died down.”
Parton attributes her early rising to her late father, Robert, a tobacco farmer, and reflects on how being an early bird is a family trait. “The older you get, the earlier you wake up,” she observes. Despite her long days, she feels content with her sleep schedule, stating, “I don’t require a lot of sleep; I’m just one of those people that don’t.”
Outside her professional commitments, the “Jolene” hitmaker enjoys spending time with family, reading, and cooking—all while maintaining her signature style, often in heels. She humorously comments, “I’m short, I got to reach my cabinets!” Her routine includes putting on makeup and fixing her hair in anticipation of unexpected visitors or maintenance needs at home.
These days, Parton is taking a step back following the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, in March. She has been focusing on her health, which his been a priority after a recent kidney-stone infection led her to cancel a public appearance. Additionally, she announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency to September 2026.
Despite these challenges, a source close to Parton emphasizes her resilience, noting, “Dolly is getting better every day. She is at home taking care of herself while many friends and family visit her.” True to her spirit, she has even begun decorating for the holidays, which remains her favorite time of year. Parton continues to inspire fans with her positivity and dedication to family, showcasing her enduring love for life and creativity.