Dolly Parton Opens Up to Bunnie XO: A Rare, Candid Look at Her Tennessee Roots, 58-Year Marriage, and the Untold Story Behind “Jolene”
In one of the most heartfelt and revealing conversations of her career, Dolly Parton sat down with Bunnie XO, fulfilling what the podcast host called her “dream interview.” What followed was an hour of honesty, humor, and emotional depth as Dolly pulled back the curtain on the journey that shaped her into one of the most beloved figures in American music and culture.
Dolly began by bringing listeners back to her origins in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee — a place she still describes with tenderness and pride. Growing up “dirt poor” in a one-room cabin with eleven siblings, she learned early about hard work, family unity, and the power of imagination. But she also shared stories she rarely discusses publicly, including how those early years molded her independence, creativity, and determination long before Nashville ever knew her name.
One of the most emotional moments came when she spoke about losing her baby brother Larry, who passed away shortly after birth. Dolly recalled how deeply the loss affected her family, especially her mother. “We didn’t have much,” she told Bunnie, “but when you lose a child, you feel that in a way nothing else prepares you for.” It was a rare moment of vulnerability from the woman who often shields her pain behind humor and sparkle, a reminder that Dolly’s strength was forged in both love and loss.
As she moved into stories of her teenage years, Dolly described hustling her way through early Nashville with little more than confidence and unwavering belief in her calling. She spoke of cheap apartments, relentless songwriting, and knocking on doors until someone finally listened. “I was determined,” she said. “I knew what I came to do, and I wasn’t going back home until I did it.”
Of course, no interview with Dolly would be complete without discussing one of the most iconic songs ever written — “Jolene.” Bunnie asked the question fans everywhere have been chasing for decades, and Dolly, with a mix of humor and sincerity, finally set the record straight. Yes, Jolene was real — a striking young bank teller who flirted with Dolly’s husband, Carl Dean. But contrary to popular myth, Dolly made it clear the story was more playful than dramatic. “Carl loved me,” she said gently. “It wasn’t jealousy — just good storytelling.”
Speaking of Carl Dean, Dolly opened up about their 58-year marriage, a relationship long shrouded in mystery due to Carl’s nearly legendary privacy. She revealed that while he supported her career from day one, he had no interest in fame, crowds, or being recognized in public. “That’s just who he is,” Dolly explained. “He’s private, simple, steady. He didn’t want award shows or red carpets.” She smiled as she described their dynamic: “We give each other space. That’s why we’ve lasted.”
Dolly also highlighted her current ventures, including her upcoming makeup line, a new wine brand, and her favorite project of all — the Imagination Library, which has now donated 250 million books to children worldwide. Inspired by her father, who could not read or write, the literacy program is one of her proudest achievements. “This is how I honor him,” she said. “Every book is a blessing.”
By the end of the interview, it was clear why this conversation resonated so deeply with listeners. Dolly was not just a superstar — she was a storyteller, a survivor, a dreamer, and a woman whose life has touched millions in ways that go far beyond music.
With warmth, wit, and honesty, Dolly Parton gave Bunnie XO — and the world — a rare window into the heart behind the legend.