HOW DOLLY PARTON GETS IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT — COUNTRY’S QUEEN OF HOLIDAY CHEER
Nashville, Tennessee — When it comes to Christmas, no one does it quite like Dolly Parton. The Queen of Country doesn’t just celebrate the holidays — she lives them. From the twinkle of the lights to the scent of cinnamon and pine, every December, Dolly turns her world into a wonderland filled with music, faith, and family.
💬 “I’ve always loved Christmas,” Dolly says. “It’s about love, giving, and remembering what really matters. And for me, that’s faith, family, and a good cup of hot chocolate!”
At her home in Tennessee, the holidays begin early. By late November, Dolly’s legendary Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge is transformed into a glowing paradise of more than 6 million lights. Her Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival attracts visitors from all over the world, featuring live performances, classic holiday treats, and of course, Dolly’s signature warmth and sparkle.
💬 “I want people to feel like they’ve stepped into a Christmas card,” she explains. “When folks walk through Dollywood, I hope they feel joy — that childlike magic that never fades.”
Music is always at the center of Dolly’s Christmas season. She has released multiple beloved holiday albums, including “A Holly Dolly Christmas” and “Home for Christmas.” Her songs — from the heartfelt “Hard Candy Christmas” to the uplifting “Circle of Love” — have become holiday staples that capture both the joy and tenderness of the season.
Dolly also loves to decorate — and true to her style, nothing is done halfway. Her tree is decked in shimmering gold ornaments, handmade crafts from her nieces and nephews, and twinkling lights that stay on all night long. “I like my tree like my music — a little over the top!” she jokes.
But beyond the glamour, Dolly’s Christmas spirit is deeply rooted in gratitude and giving. Through her Imagination Library, she continues to gift millions of books to children around the world — a mission she considers her “greatest joy.” Each year, she also donates to food banks, children’s hospitals, and disaster relief efforts.
💬 “Christmas isn’t just about presents,” Dolly says. “It’s about presence — being there for others, spreading kindness, and making sure nobody feels forgotten.”
And even with her busy schedule, Dolly still takes time to slow down with her husband Carl Dean, enjoying simple traditions: baking cookies, watching old movies, and singing hymns by the fireplace. “Carl and I keep it quiet,” she shares. “We don’t need fancy parties. Just love, laughter, and maybe a few extra marshmallows in our cocoa.”
Fans will also see Dolly on screen again this holiday season, as she makes appearances in several Christmas specials — including her much-anticipated return to “Christmas at Rockefeller Center”, where she’ll perform festive favorites with her signature warmth and sparkle.
From small-town Tennessee to the global stage, Dolly Parton proves every year that Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a feeling.
💬 “You don’t need snow or presents to have Christmas in your heart,” she says. “All you need is love — and maybe a song or two.”