Carving Out Me Time: How Dolly Parton Finds Relaxation on the Road
As one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time, Dolly Parton’s schedule is always packed with performances, recordings, and other business ventures. With over 50 years in the music industry, she has toured relentlessly around the world, entertaining millions of fans along the way. However, life on the road comes with its challenges. Between soundchecks, meet-and-greets, and high-energy shows each night, it’s easy for stress and exhaustion to build up over time.
So how does the ever-busy Dolly Parton make time to unwind and recharge when touring? Through the years, she has perfected various techniques for carving out moments of quiet relaxation amidst her hectic schedule. With creativity and commitment to self-care, Dolly has found ways to stay balanced both professionally and personally no matter where her tour bus may roam.
Tour Bus Sanctuary
One of Dolly’s secrets is designating a special area on her tour bus as a peaceful sanctuary. “I’ve always made sure to have a little nook on my bus where I can get away from it all for a bit,” she shares. This private corner is curtained off from the rest of the space and outfitted with cozy seating, soft lighting, and calming music.
Whether she needs a quick power nap between soundcheck and the show or just wants to escape for an hour of quiet time, Dolly knows she can retreat to her bus sanctuary. She may curl up with a good book, do some light stretching, or simply gaze out the window as the scenery rolls by. “It’s important to have a place you can go to recharge, even if it’s just for 20 minutes,” Dolly notes. Her bus nook allows her to mentally and physically unwind whenever she needs a break from the hustle and bustle.
Pre-Show Rituals
In addition to her bus sanctuary, Dolly also swears by establishing relaxing pre-show rituals. “I like to take some ‘me time’ at the venue before each performance to get in the right headspace,” she explains. Her rituals vary depending on her mood but often involve light stretching, deep breathing exercises, or calling loved ones back home for a quick chat.
On days when she’s feeling particularly stressed, Dolly may do some gentle yoga poses or take a stroll outside to soak up fresh air. Other times, she simply sits quietly and visualizes the joy her music will bring to fans that night. “It’s all about slowing down and centering myself right before showtime,” Dolly notes. These simple rituals help shift her mindset from the chaos of the day to the thrill of entertaining thousands of adoring supporters.
Connecting with Nature
For Dolly, spending time in nature is one of the most effective ways to truly unwind while on tour. Whenever possible, she schedules early morning walks at parks or green spaces near venues before her day gets hectic. “I love being outside, breathing in that fresh air, and listening to the birds sing,” Dolly says.
These nature walks allow her mind to relax and her body to stretch its legs in a peaceful setting. She may wander solo or bring along a trusted friend or two for companionship. Dolly also packs small potted plants or nature soundscapes to transport touches of the outdoors onto her tour bus. Surrounding herself with greenery and natural sounds provides a sense of tranquility no matter where her travels take her.
Favorite Pastimes
In addition to time in nature, Dolly finds relaxation through pursuing hobbies she genuinely enjoys. Chief among these is songwriting, which she often does with her guitar in a quiet corner of her bus or hotel room. “Writing music is so therapeutic for me. It’s like journaling with melodies,” Dolly shares. Losing herself in the creative process allows worries and stresses to fade away.
On longer travel days between shows, knitting also serves as a soothing pastime. “Knitting is meditative for me. It keeps my hands busy while my mind can unwind,” she notes. Dolly may craft hats, scarves, or other accessories for loved ones back home. Playing her dulcimer or banjo provides similar relaxation, allowing her fingers to dance across the strings as her thoughts drift freely.
No matter the hobby, Dolly finds solace in activities that engage both her mind and body in a calming way. Pursuing favorite pastimes during downtime on tour replenishes her soul and spirit.
Comfort Food Fix
Of course, food plays a key role in Dolly’s self-care regimen as well. She designates a trusted crew member, usually her longtime assistant Trisha Yearwood, to whip up batches of her favorite comfort dishes while on the road. Top of the list is homemade biscuits, a Southern staple Dolly can’t get enough of.
“There’s nothing more comforting than a hot biscuit slathered in butter or jam,” she raves. Trisha also knows to bring along recipes for greens, fried chicken, mac and cheese – dishes that transport Dolly’s taste buds straight back home. “Eating foods that remind me of family and childhood is so soothing,” Dolly notes.
On particularly stressful touring days, she may indulge in an extra biscuit or two. The warm, hearty flavors satisfy both body and soul. Dolly also keeps a stash of candies and sweets on her bus “just because a girl’s still gotta have her sweets!” she laughs. Comfort food plays a key role in boosting Dolly’s spirits whenever touring gets overwhelming.
Social Connection and Fun
While solitude has its place, Dolly also finds balance through socializing and fun activities with her crew. She organizes regular game nights on her tour bus complete with board games, cards, and singing contests. “Laughter is the best medicine, and what’s better than laughing with friends?” Dolly notes.
Games like Scrabble, Pictionary and Cards Against Humanity provide lighthearted entertainment and bonding opportunities during long travel days. Dolly also delights in leading sing-alongs of classic country and bluegrass tunes everyone knows by heart. Music, as always, brings people together.
In addition, Dolly schedules group outings whenever possible – trying local cuisine, visiting cultural attractions, or exploring scenic areas near tour stops. “It’s important to experience new places through fun activities with others,” she says. These social outings allow Dolly and her crew to truly experience destinations beyond the confines of arenas and backstages. Connecting with others through shared experiences energizes as much as it relaxes.
Local Flavor
Speaking of local experiences, Dolly makes sure to schedule plenty of downtime exploring the unique flavors of each tour stop. Whether dining out with friends or grabbing a quick bite solo, she seeks out hot spots recommended by local fans and venue staff. “I love supporting small, independent restaurants that put love into their food,” Dolly notes.
This allows her to sample specialties unique to each region. In Texas, she might indulge in barbecue brisket or chili. Seafood boils and key lime pie call her name in Florida. And of course, she can’t pass up authentic pizzas and cannoli in New York. “Food is such a big part of regional culture. I like tasting a place through its cuisine,” Dolly explains.
These low-key meals out provide a taste of normalcy and connection amidst the chaos of touring. Dolly soaks up local vibes over hearty, home-cooked fare rather than bland catering. Discovering new culinary gems refreshes as much as it satisfies.
Finding Balance
After decades on the road, Dolly has truly perfected the art of self-care while touring relentlessly. From quiet time in nature to cozy rituals, meaningful hobbies, comfort foods, and social fun – she incorporates an eclectic mix of activities to stay balanced. But above all, Dolly emphasizes relaxation means something different to everyone.
“The key is finding what truly de-stresses you and brings you joy,” she advises. Whether it’s yoga, knitting, singing karaoke, or simply curling up with a book – Dolly encourages tuning in to one’s own needs and preferences when carving out me-time. With creativity and commitment to self-care, anyone can maintain well-being even amidst a hectic schedule. And as always, Dolly leads by example that it’s possible with balance, hard work and a little bit of laughter.