Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon, has long been known for her timeless style, immense talent, and larger-than-life personality. Yet one of her quirkiest traits is her preference for fax machines over modern communication methods like texting, emailing, or social media. In a world dominated by digital communication, Dolly’s old-school choice stands out — and she’s unashamed of it.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2):format(webp)/dolly-parton-tout-102823-f2b16e6d5be54d158882d6c6b5a06c63.jpg)
Why Dolly Loves Fax Machines
Dolly Parton has repeatedly shared that she finds faxes to be the most effective and efficient way for her to communicate, largely because it keeps things simple. While most people rely on instant messaging or email to stay in touch, Dolly enjoys the more deliberate nature of faxing, stating that she doesn’t want to get bogged down by the constant stream of texts or emails. She has confessed that with so many people in her life, she prefers faxing to manage her communication.
In a 2023 interview on The View, Dolly explained, “I never did get into getting involved in all that because it’ll take up too much of my time if I tried to get in touch with everybody who is trying to get in touch with me.” Instead, Dolly prefers to stick with a much simpler form of communication — faxing or making a phone call. She even quipped, “So I just say, ‘Fax me! Fax me or call me and I’ll call you back.’”
Dolly’s Quirky Communication Style
Her communication habits may seem out of touch in today’s fast-paced, tech-heavy world, but it’s something Dolly enjoys, and she doesn’t feel the need to change. Reba McEntire and Miley Cyrus, both of whom are close to Dolly, have commented on her unique way of staying in touch. Reba once mentioned that she doesn’t have Dolly’s phone number, and Kenny Rogers confirmed that even he didn’t have it. Instead, Dolly’s preferred method of connecting with her close circle is to fax.
Miley Cyrus, Dolly’s goddaughter, has shared stories about receiving these faxes from Dolly. In a heartfelt interview with W Magazine, Miley revealed that Dolly’s messages have a deep emotional impact. She recalled reading a fax Dolly sent her for Mother’s Day, which read, “How much do I love you? As much as my heart can hold and as far as my arms can reach.” The emotional note left Miley “choked up.” It’s a lovely reminder of how Dolly expresses love in a personal, handwritten fashion — and it’s that personal touch that makes the experience so meaningful.
The Tradition of Faxing
Dolly herself has joked about not wanting to get caught up in the constant demand for quick replies that digital communication often requires. She enjoys a slower, more thoughtful form of communication that doesn’t tie her down. “I’m certainly not a fool; I could learn if I wanted to, but I’d rather use a fax machine,” Dolly has said.
In a world where the idea of a fax machine feels like a relic of the past, Dolly proudly embraces it as her go-to tool for staying connected. For her, it’s not just about convenience; it’s a way of protecting her time and peace, ensuring that her focus stays on what matters most — her loved ones, her music, and the causes she’s passionate about.
Dolly’s Message to the World: Love and Simplicity
Dolly’s choice to keep things simple by faxing her messages may be old-fashioned, but it underscores a bigger truth about who she is: a woman who values sincerity, heartfelt connection, and joy. Even in her communication, Dolly has always strived to keep things personal, and her affectionate messages to friends and family are a testament to that.
For those lucky enough to receive a fax from Dolly, it’s not just a piece of paper — it’s a heartfelt gift from a woman who refuses to be swayed by fleeting trends and prefers to do things in her own way. Whether it’s her “I Will Always Love You” lyrics or her handwritten notes to Miley, Dolly’s communication remains as thoughtful, loving, and timeless as her career.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of Dolly’s attention, don’t bother texting or emailing. Just grab a fax machine — because that’s the way Dolly does it!