Dolly Parton on Dreams, Faith, and the Power of Staying True: A Radiant Reflection from “Khloé in Wonder Land”

In a captivating episode of Khloé in Wonder Land, Dolly Parton sits down with Khloé Kardashian for a warm and inspiring conversation that blends humor, humility, and heart. As they reflect on everything from personal legacy to creative ownership, Dolly’s signature sparkle and sincerity shine through every moment.

“I wake up with new dreams every day,” Dolly reveals, her voice brimming with joy. That relentless creativity, she jokes, keeps her team on their toes—“Your dreams are killing us,” they often tell her. But for Dolly, dreaming is not just a habit—it’s a calling.

Now celebrating the 40th anniversary of Dollywood, the country icon looks back on how a simple hometown idea became a national cultural touchstone. “We really employ a lot of people up there… at least 40 of them… probably relatives of mine,” she jokes. But at its heart, Dollywood remains what it always was meant to be: a family-friendly place where, in her words, “there’s something for everybody.” Khloé shares that she hopes to spend her own 40th birthday there, adding a personal note to the celebration.

Dolly’s humor is never far from her faith. She explains how laughter has carried her through some of life’s darkest moments, often more powerfully than medicine. But behind the rhinestones and wit is a woman deeply rooted in her spirituality. “I pray to stay humble,” she says, affirming that her fame is simply a platform to give back the good that others see in her.

That generosity has taken form in tangible ways—perhaps most notably through her Imagination Library, a literacy program inspired by her father’s struggle with illiteracy. Since its inception, the initiative has mailed over 200 million books to children worldwide, something Dolly says she’s more proud of than any award on her shelf.

Music, too, remains sacred for her. “I feel the closest to my spiritual self when I write,” she shares. Songwriting is not a business—it’s a communion. That devotion to her craft is why she once turned down Elvis Presley’s request to record one of her songs when it meant giving up publishing rights. Her decision paid off years later when Whitney Houston turned “I Will Always Love You” into an anthem heard around the world.

She also discusses her approach to entrepreneurship, staying hands-on with her fashion ventures—denim, T-shirts, and beyond—while guarding her authenticity. “It has to be me, or I won’t do it,” she insists.

On the topic of love and longevity, Dolly speaks fondly of her late husband, Carl Dean. “We were together 61 years… so different, but so similar. Like, we were perfect.” She attributes their success to privacy, mutual respect, and knowing how to give each other space.

As the episode nears its end, Dolly reflects on what she hopes to leave behind: a legacy not just of music, but of meaning. “I want people to believe in their dreams—and to listen when something greater is trying to guide them.”

In true Dolly Parton fashion, this isn’t just a conversation—it’s a masterclass in joy, resilience, and staying grounded while reaching for the stars.