Dolly Parton Opens Up About Body Image, Diet, And The Joys Of Southern Cooking

Let me tell you a story about Dolly Parton, the queen of country music. You might know her for her incredible voice, iconic looks, and timeless songs like "Jolene." But did you know that this legendary figure has some pretty real thoughts about body image? In a candid conversation with People, Dolly revealed that, despite being admired for her figure, she's had her own struggles with self-confidence over the years.

Now, at 72 years old, Dolly admits she's always battled with her weight. "I’m a hog at heart," she joked. "I’ve been up and down with my weight through the years, so I can definitely relate to that." While she tries her best to maintain a healthy lifestyle by sticking to a low-carb diet during the week, Dolly isn't shy about indulging when she gets a craving. And who can blame her? Life's too short not to enjoy a little bit of comfort food now and then.

Dolly's Southern Roots: A Taste of Home

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When Dolly talks about her culinary adventures, it's clear she's a woman who loves to cook—and loves to eat. "I’ll make gravy and biscuits and fried sausage or fried spam. My husband loves my cooking, so I cook for him," she said, referring to her husband of over five decades, Carl Dean. If you're thinking that sounds like the ultimate comfort food, you're absolutely right. Dolly doesn't just stop at breakfast, though. She also cooks up some of her late mother's recipes, which bring back warm memories of her childhood.

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  • "If I think of Mama, then I usually cook what she used to cook that we loved so good," Dolly said, speaking about her mother, Avie Lee, who passed away in 2003. "Mama used to make something like chocolate pudding, but you put it in the skillet with flour and sugar and milk and you just make a pudding. Mama used to serve it with biscuits. Mama’s gone now, but she’s not gone in our memory and in our cooking." There's something truly special about food that carries the weight of family history, and Dolly knows this better than most.

    Eating with Heart and Soul

    For Dolly, eating isn't just about survival—it's about connection. Whether she's whipping up a batch of her mom's favorite recipes or creating her own Southern classics, every meal seems to carry a piece of her heart. And let's not forget, this is the same woman who's inspired countless fans with her music and her larger-than-life personality. Whether she's on stage or in the kitchen, Dolly has a way of making people feel seen, heard, and uplifted.

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    Dolly Parton Talks Body Image And Says Her Weight Has Always 'Been Up
    Dolly Parton Talks Body Image And Says Her Weight Has Always 'Been Up

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    Dolly Parton Talks Body Image And Says Her Weight Has Always 'Been Up
    Dolly Parton Talks Body Image And Says Her Weight Has Always 'Been Up

    Details

    Dolly Parton says her weight has gone up and down as she promotes
    Dolly Parton says her weight has gone up and down as she promotes

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