Dolly Parton in New PEOPLE Special Edition: 'From the Beginning, I Built My Own Strength'

It’s been quite a run recently for Dolly Parton. When COVID-19 closed schools, Parton — the founder ofImagination Library, which has given away millions of books since 1990—took to YouTube to read stories to children (and to adults too, if we’re being honest). She published her own book,Songteller,a memoir told through her lyrics, and released an album and holiday television special, both calledA Holly Dolly Christmas. She was the subject of a documentary,Here I Am, of a podcast,Dolly Parton’s America, that explored her broad appeal in both Red and Blue states, and of aNashville muralthat quoted her response to the marches for social justice following the killing of George Floyd: “Of course Black lives matter,” she toldBillboardin August.

Dolly Parton Isn't Afraid of Aging and Hopes to 'Fall Dead in the Middle of a Song' on Stage

Dolly Partonhas never considered retiring — not once. Sitting down with PEOPLE exclusively for its latest cover story, the country legend got candid about getting older, hitting milestones and never slowing down. “It’ll happen when it happens. That’s how I feel,” says the “Jolene” singer, 72, about getting older and wiser. “I am grateful that I am still here. So many people have more talent than I’ve ever dreamed of having that never get to see dreams come true.

Dolly Parton Joins 'Call Me Kat' for Tribute to Late Star Leslie Jordan: 'We're Happy That You're at Peace'

Dolly Parton.Photo: Miller Mobley/NBC In an emotional ending to Thursday’sCall Me Kat, country iconDolly Partonmade a surprise appearance to pay tribute to late starLeslie Jordan. Jordan, whodied at 67 in a car crashin late October, was one of the main stars of the Fox show, whichpaused productionfollowing his death to take time to grieve. Jordan played Phil, the head baker at Kat’s (Mayim Bialik) café. After singing a verse from their song “Where the Soul Never Dies,” which was on Jordan’s 2021 albumCompany’s Comin', Parton addressed her eulogy directly to Jordan.

Dolly Parton Jokes About Having a 'Threesome' with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood at 2023 ACM Awards

Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Country “G.O.A.T.” and 58th Academy of Country Music Awards hostDolly Partonkicked off this year’s ceremony with quite the joke. While the popular acronym is commonly known to stand for “greatest of all time,” Parton decided to share what she believes the phrase really means after Brooks used it to describe her during the country awards show on Thursday. “Did I hear you say you were looking for a G.

Dolly Parton Just Responded to Lil Nas X's Request to Join Him for 'Old Town Road' Remix

Mason Ramseysaid it best:in the year 2043Lil Nas Xwill probably still be making “Old Town Road” remixes.But fans aren’t complaining — and neither isDolly Parton, who just saddled up and epically replied to the rapper’s request to join him for another version of the chart-topping song.On Monday, Lil Nas X, 20, tweeted at fans, “Y’all think I can get Dolly Parton and [rapper] Megan Thee Stallion on an old town road remix?