Dolly Partonhas never considered retiring — not once.
Sitting down with PEOPLE exclusively for its latest cover story, the country legend got candid about getting older, hitting milestones and never slowing down.
“It’ll happen when it happens. That’s how I feel,” says the “Jolene” singer, 72, about getting older and wiser. “I am grateful that I am still here. So many people have more talent than I’ve ever dreamed of having that never get to see dreams come true.”
For much more on Dolly Parton’s fascinating life, long-lasting marriage and plans for the future, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands everywhere Wednesday.
Otherwise, the entertainer — who wakes up at 3 a.m. every day — just chooses to remain thankful for everything she has in her life and is continuing to keep her plate very full.
“There’s a whole lot to be said for loving your work and having confidence in yourself,” says Parton. “I never once thought of retiring.”
Art Streiber
“If my husband needed me, or someone in my family, I would put him first,” she says about her longtime love. “I’ve always put myself first and my career first, but if something were to happen to him, I would pull back on that.”
Even so, Parton — who is being honored next year as MusiCares’ 2019 Person of the Year — would still find a creative outlet. “I’d still find a way to work, still find a way to be productive,” she says. “I just hope I fall dead in the middle of a song, hopefully one I wrote, right on stage. That’s the way I go!”
source: people.com
