Dolly Parton Recalls Eating Groundhogs As A Child, “That Was Daddy’s Favorite Thing”

Dolly Parton / Instagram

Iconic country music star Dolly Parton recently shared a glimpse into her unique culinary upbringing.

Growing up in a large family of 12 children, Dolly Parton’s childhood food experiences were shaped by two things: necessity and creativity. This inspired her and sister Rachel to create “Good Lookin’ Cookin’,” a cookbook like an edible family album seasoned with love.

“Good Lookin’ Cookin’” features 80+ family recipes, from Southern classics to Dolly-inspired creations like “Slaw of Many Colors.”

The Parton sisters fondly recall how cooking and eating together were central to their family life, with everyone gathering for “breakfast, dinner, and supper” each day.

“When we were growing up, it was a must that we all kind of be around the table after Daddy got home from work. It was just a thing that we had in our house to sit around the table and talk and eat with a mouthful,” Dolly shared.

Dolly Parton Has 11 Siblings: Learn About All Of Her Brothers & Sisters

While Rachel discovered her love for cooking through making cornbread, Dolly’s culinary skills developed out of “necessity.” As one of the older siblings, she often helped prepare meals when her mother was occupied with caring for the younger children.

“We’d have to climb up on the chairs to peel potatoes, turnips, or whatever. We were really helping out when Mama was not well, or in bed with a kid or having a new baby or whatever…so my first [lesson] came out of just really being a necessity of us helping mom as the older girls.”

There is one specific food The Partons ate that might surprise you. Dolly and Rachel revealed the surprising dish during a recent interview with PEOPLE.

Picture little Dolly Parton, future country superstar, chowing down on…groundhogs? You heard that right! In the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, these critters (nicknamed “whistle pigs”) were a family favorite.

“Mama used to make groundhog. That was Daddy’s favorite thing,” Dolly revealed. “A groundhog is just like a big fat hog that runs around in the woods. But mama used to call them whistle pigs because they were that much like a pig. It tastes very much like a pig, but I wouldn’t want to eat one now.”

“We always loved rabbit and squirrel, because our brothers hunted with our uncles and dad. They would often bring home rabbits and squirrels and that’s some of the best eating you’ve ever had.”

Don’t worry, Dolly’s not still munching on whistle pigs. These days, she’s all about giving Southern classics a healthier spin. Less lard, more love – that’s the Dolly way. And you can buy her cookbook now! Visit HERE to purchase.

Dolly Parton always has something new up her sleeve, including her recently released cosmetics line and new chardonnay. We can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!