After spending more than half a century in music, Dolly Parton knows a thing or two about Hollywood. And while she prepares to turn 80 in January 2026, she’s not letting her age stop her from pursuing her dreams.
Dolly was the subject of a November 12 cover story in People, where she promoted her new book, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage. While looking back on her incredible career, the reporter asked whether she has plans to slow down and retire. But as the singer stated to the outlet, she still has so much to accomplish—and she refuses to stop doing what she wants just because of her age.
“People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old,'” she explained. “Well, so what? Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started.”
‘Star of the Show: My Life on Stage’
“I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine,” she added. “I think there’s a lot to be said about age. If you allow yourself to get old, you will. I say, ‘I ain’t got time to get old!’ I ain’t got time to dwell on that. That’s not what I’m thinking about.”
As fans know, Dolly launched her career back in the 1950s. Originally a songwriter, she released her debut album Hello, I’m Dolly in 1967. Since then, she’s released a whopping 49 studio albums (her last, Rockstar, debuted in 2023) and a plethora of singles (including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”). She’s also won many awards for her music.
But that’s not all. Dolly’s also had the chance to act in a number of well-loved movies and TV shows, with her most famous roles including 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias, and more.
Considering the impact Dolly has made on Hollywood throughout her life, we can’t wait to see what else she has in store!
