Dolly Parton Reveals Why She Sleeps With Makeup On in Case of an Emergency

Dolly Parton, the country music icon known for her glamorous style and sparkling personality, has revealed an interesting habit she’s maintained since the 1980s—she sleeps with her makeup on. Yes, you read that right. The Jolene singer has shared in her new book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, that she has been going to bed fully made up for decades, and she has a pretty practical reason for it.

In the book, Dolly explains that the habit started when she moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s during a time when earthquakes were frequent. As someone who has always been mindful of her public image, she didn’t want to be caught looking disheveled in the event of an emergency. “When I arrived in LA in the ‘80s, I started sleeping with my makeup on, partly because of the earthquakes. I thought, ‘I’m not heading out on the streets without makeup in case there are cameras out there! I’m going to be ready to go!’”

Dolly, who is never one to shy away from a bit of humor, confessed that the practice has stuck with her ever since. Not only was it a way to ensure she was always prepared for unexpected moments in front of the camera, but it was also a gesture of love and respect for her husband, Carl Thomas Dean. “I don’t want to go to bed looking like a hag with Carl,” she said with her characteristic wit. Dolly and Carl have been happily married for over 50 years, and this habit is just one of the many small things that keeps their relationship fresh.

However, Dolly is quick to clarify that she does clean her face every day. “I do wash my makeup off in the morning to start fresh,” she says. “It doesn’t matter when you clean your face, as long as you clean it once a day.” Dolly follows a strict routine, starting her day by doing all the little rituals she’s perfected over the years to keep looking fresh and fabulous. “After I wake up, I do all the little rituals, and then I start over again and go out every day and look good all day long.”

Dolly’s dedication to beauty goes all the way back to her childhood when she was resourceful and creative in finding ways to make her own makeup. “Pokeberries were major because you could mash them up and make a stain that boy takes forever to come off,” she shared. She also revealed that she used to improvise with household goods to create her own cosmetics. “I’d strike one of Mama’s long wooden kitchen matches, put a little spit on the end of it, and use that to color in my eyebrows and my beauty mark,” Dolly said, recalling her inventive approach to beauty before she had access to store-bought makeup.

Dolly’s insights into her beauty routine reveal a lot about her personality—she’s always been a creative, resourceful, and fun-loving woman who enjoys life to the fullest. Her charm and elegance are part of her brand, but so is her down-to-earth attitude and willingness to share personal stories with her fans.

Whether it’s her iconic style, humorous anecdotes, or her undeniable talent, Dolly Parton continues to captivate audiences with her warmth and wit. As she approaches 75 years of age, she shows no signs of slowing down, remaining one of country music’s most beloved and enduring figures.

So, the next time you see Dolly on TV or hear her sing, just know—she’s ready, even if an earthquake strikes at 3 a.m.!