Dolly Parton’s Relaxation Rituals: How the Queen of Country Unwinds
Dolly Parton is one of the hardest working women in show business. As a singer, songwriter, actress, author, and businesswoman, she stays incredibly busy with concerts, recording sessions, television appearances, and running her Dollywood empire. With such a packed schedule, it’s no surprise that the legendary country star needs ways to unwind and relax after long days. Over the years, Dolly has opened up about some of her favorite activities for decompressing, including spending quality time with loved ones, cooking, reading, playing music, and enjoying the outdoors. Let’s take a closer look at Dolly’s relaxation rituals.
Family Time
Family is hugely important to Dolly, and one of her favorite ways to unwind is catching up with her husband Carl Dean and other close relatives. The couple has been married since 1966 and still live on their secluded mountain property in Tennessee. “Home is where the heart is for me,” Dolly has said. “There’s no place I’d rather be at the end of the day than at home with Carl.” Even after over 50 years of marriage and immense success, Dolly says Carl keeps her grounded. Spending low-key evenings cooking dinner together or relaxing on the porch is the perfect way for her to recharge after a hectic work schedule.
Dolly is also very close with her siblings and makes time for regular visits. She comes from a large family in the Smoky Mountains, so family bonds run deep. Catching up over homestyle Southern meals is a cherished part of Dolly’s downtime. “There’s nothing in the world like coming home and being with your people,” she has said. Whether at her own home or her siblings’ houses, family provides the comfort, laughter, and support Dolly needs to relax. She credits her tight-knit family with keeping her sane throughout her career.
Cooking and Baking
Food is an essential part of Dolly’s Southern upbringing, so it’s no surprise that cooking and baking are favorite unwinding activities. She loves being in the kitchen, experimenting with recipes and whipping up comfort foods like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and gravy. Dolly says being in the kitchen is therapeutic – it allows her mind to unwind while her hands stay busy. When she’s feeling stressed, cooking is a go-to stress reliever.
Baking is another kitchen passion. Dolly especially enjoys indulging her sweet tooth by making pies, cakes, and cookies from scratch. Banana pudding, coconut cake, and peanut butter fudge are among her specialties. The scents and tastes of her childhood summers come alive in the baking process. For Dolly, it’s as much about the memories and feelings of home as it is the end product. Baking provides that warm, cozy feeling she craves after long periods away on tour. Friends and family are frequent recipients of Dolly’s baked goods, showing her love through food.
Reading
Books have always played an important role in Dolly’s life as well. She’s an avid reader who finds solace in getting lost between the pages of a good story. As a child growing up in poverty, books provided an escape and exposed her to different worlds. This love of reading has stayed with her into adulthood. Dolly keeps stacks of books in every room of her home and says reading is one of her favorite ways to unwind after a stressful day.
Biographies are a genre she especially enjoys to learn about others’ lives and gain perspective. But Dolly also loves mysteries, historical fiction, and contemporary novels. She likes supporting fellow authors too by frequently recommending books. Reading transports Dolly away from her busy life and relaxes her mind. It’s the perfect low-key activity for quiet nights at home when she wants to unwind without much effort. Books have been a lifelong source of joy, education, and relaxation for the country star.
Music
Unsurprisingly, music also plays a key role in Dolly’s relaxation rituals. As one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time, music is her life’s work and passion. Even when unwinding at home, she still finds solace in musical activities. Dolly loves unwinding by playing her banjo, which has a very calming and grounding effect. Strumming simple melodies is meditative for her. She’s had the same banjo since she was a young girl in the Smoky Mountains and it instantly transports her back to those carefree times.
Writing new songs is another way music helps Dolly relax and process emotions or events from her day. Putting words to melodies provides an outlet for her creativity. Occasionally she’ll unwind by playing favorite songs on the piano as well. Singing is simply therapeutic for Dolly. Music has been her constant companion and source of joy through all the ups and downs of life. Even in relaxed private moments, it continues to soothe her soul.
Nature Time
Dolly has a deep love and appreciation for nature, nurtured by her rural Appalachian upbringing. Being outdoors in natural settings is restorative for both her body and mind. She owns a large mountain property in Tennessee that gives her ample space for outdoor activities. Taking walks through the woods, tending her flower and vegetable gardens, and simply sitting on the porch taking in the scenery all help Dolly unwind. Nature provides a peaceful escape from her hectic career demands.
Gardening in particular is very meditative. Dolly finds joy in nurturing plants and watching things grow. The physical activity combined with fresh air and natural beauty relax her body and spirit. She’s proud of her green thumb and loves sharing homegrown produce with friends and family. Nature also inspires Dolly creatively. Spending quiet reflective time outside often sparks new song ideas. Her property allows her to fully disconnect yet still be close to home, providing the perfect balance. Dolly says simply being amongst nature’s beauty never fails to relax and rejuvenate her.
Striking a Balance
Juggling such a multifaceted career while maintaining personal happiness isn’t easy. But Dolly has found effective ways to unwind through balancing social time, hobbies, and solitary relaxation. Spending quality moments with loved ones provides emotional comfort and laughter. Creative outlets like cooking, baking, writing music, and gardening engage both her mind and hands. Reading transports her to different worlds. And nature offers peaceful solitude.
This eclectic mix allows Dolly to recharge on different levels. Social activities lift her spirits while solitary hobbies provide mental breaks. Using a variety prevents burnout and ensures she feels re-centered. Over 50 years in show business have taught Dolly the importance of prioritizing self-care. These relaxation rituals keep her grounded through fame and success while bringing her simple joys. They’ve sustained her career and personal well-being for decades. Dolly’s formula proves the value of balance – both for unwinding and living well.
In summary, Dolly Parton has found effective ways to unwind through a balanced mix of social connection, hobbies, and solitary activities that engage both her mind and body. Family, food, books, music, and nature all play therapeutic roles. This eclectic yet balanced approach to self-care has sustained Dolly’s well-being and legendary career for over 50 years. Her relaxation rituals offer inspiring lessons on maintaining happiness and balance even through immense success.