AT 79, DOLLY PARTON SHARES HEARTWARMING NEWS ABOUT “THE DREAM GARDEN” — HER HAVEN OF HEALING AND HAPPINESS
At 79 years old, Dolly Parton continues to inspire the world not only through her music, but through her boundless compassion. In a recent interview, the beloved country icon revealed something deeply personal and uplifting — her favorite place in the world is something she calls “The Dream Garden.” It’s a peaceful sanctuary where Dolly spends time caring for animals, reconnecting with nature, and finding joy in the simplest acts of kindness.
“The Dream Garden,” she explained, isn’t just a garden — it’s a refuge of love, healing, and purpose. Set on her sprawling property in Tennessee, it’s home to a variety of animals she helps care for — from rescued dogs and cats to horses, birds, and even the occasional wandering deer. For Dolly, tending to these animals has become more than a pastime — it’s therapy for the soul.
“When I’m with them, I feel calm and happy,” Dolly shared. “Animals don’t judge, they don’t ask for anything but love — and when I give my time and energy to them, I feel my heart heal a little more each day.”
Known for her tireless work ethic and vibrant personality, Dolly admitted that “The Dream Garden” has become essential to her health — both physical and emotional. “It keeps me young,” she said with a smile. “When I’m out there feeding the animals, planting flowers, or just sitting quietly with them, I feel stronger, healthier, and more at peace. It’s like the world slows down and everything makes sense again.”
Friends close to the singer say that Dolly has always had a natural connection to animals, often rescuing strays or donating quietly to shelters and sanctuaries. “She has a heart as big as the Smoky Mountains,” one longtime friend said. “She doesn’t do it for attention — she does it because she truly cares.”
“The Dream Garden,” with its blooming wildflowers, gentle fountains, and shaded pathways, has also become a place of inspiration for Dolly’s songwriting. She revealed that many of her recent lyrics — songs about gratitude, hope, and love — were born while she was surrounded by her animals. “Sometimes I sit with my guitar and sing to them,” she laughed. “They’re my best audience — they never complain!”
Dolly’s love of nature and her belief in nurturing life reflect the same spirit that has guided her entire career — one rooted in faith, humility, and kindness. Whether she’s building literacy programs for children, donating to hospitals, or quietly rescuing animals in need, her message remains the same: joy comes from giving.
“I’ve learned that happiness isn’t something you chase,” Dolly said. “It’s something you grow — like a garden. You plant love, you water it with kindness, and before you know it, your life is blooming.”
As fans around the world celebrate her recent projects — from her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction to her upcoming music releases — this glimpse into her private world feels especially touching. It’s a reminder that behind the glitter, the wigs, and the rhinestones, Dolly Parton is still that humble Tennessee girl who finds her greatest joy not on stage, but in the quiet company of God’s creatures.
“I feel closest to heaven when I’m in my garden,” she said softly. “The animals don’t care who I am. They just know I love them — and that’s enough.”
At 79, Dolly Parton continues to show that her greatest legacy isn’t just in her songs — it’s in her heart. And in The Dream Garden, where compassion blooms and every living thing finds a little more love, the Queen of Country has found her own secret to eternal youth: giving back, one gentle act at a time.