It’s an odd, almost indescribable feeling when you sit down face to face with one of the most famous people on the planet. It’s equal parts surreal and humbling, a fever dream that’s served with a side of “Oh em gee! Did this really just happen?” But, it did. And Dolly Parton, the Dolly Parton beyond the big blonde wigs and makeup, surprised me in many ways.
“I still feel like that little girl growing up in the mountains,” Parton shares from what’s called the , a sort of shrine to the icon a la Planet Hollywood with museum-style glass cases displaying famous tokens from her careers, like glittery outfits and guitars. The venue is located in her 2nd upscale-leaning hotel — that’s right, — , next door to her very own theme park, named (of course!). And in what must be a full circle moment, it’s situated mere miles down the road from the two-room log cabin she shared with her 11 siblings and parents while growing up.
But none of that seems to phase her. Not one bit. Regardless of the room we are sitting in located in the town built by Parton, she is nothing if not genuine.
Perhaps it’s a testament to her level of star power but moments in her calm stature make the bright lights and numerous onlooking team members seemingly fade away. She has that uncanny ability to make everyone around her feel seen, on the same level. But I have to admit that I'm soooo glad she waited until the end of our interview to tell me I had a “sweet face.
” ( .) And if it wa.