The global pandemic didn't slow Dolly Parton down like it did the rest of the world! If anything, it made the iconic country singer even more involved in her philanthropic work, and the singer is getting noticed!
People magazine wraps up the year with their list of "People of the Year," and for 2021 they've chosen Dolly Parton as their main gal!
Dolly Parton isn't slowing down
Despite being 75 years old, Dolly Parton isn't slowing down and retiring. In fact, it's quite the opposite! The American icon is diving headfirst into philanthropic work, music, and multiple business ventures.
It's surprising how much Parton was able to accomplish these last two years while the rest of the world was hunkered down. So far, Dolly Parton has created a beauty line and fragrance, signed a deal with Netflix that already has earned her an Emmy, and co-wrote a book with James Patterson which she also wrote 12 songs for. Let's just say, she's been busy!
"I've learned you can't just say, 'Oh, my dream's come true and I'm walking out of here.' No, you've got to show you're grateful and show that you're not going to just leave it all in the hands of other people," she told People in her exclusive interview.
"So, I'm going to be right here, doing what I'm doing, 'til I fall over dead," she said to the outlet, which is recognizing Parton for her major philanthropic work amid a busy creative schedule.
Parton first gained worldwide praise when she donated a million dollars to help fund Moderna's research to create a vaccine for the Coronavirus that has gripped the world for the last two years.
Furthermore, this past October proved a challenging time for residents in Tennessee after thousands of homes were ravaged in a flood, for which Parton raised over $700,000.
And, of course, we can't forget her Imagination Library project that she started in 1995, which donates free books to children under the age of 5. As of this year, Parton has donated around 170 million children's books to kids around the world.
"I'm kind of addicted to the feeling of giving. Knowing that I'm doing something good for someone else," she said of her work, before sharing that being noticed for it makes her a little uncomfortable.
"I have to honestly tell you, I was a little bit skeptical of being put on the cover as one of the People of the Year," she told the outlet. "Because that's a lot of pressure. But, yeah, it's like, I am not all that. I'm glad that I stand for enough stuff to where I'm not the worst person in the world."
People's issue on People of the Year will hit newsstands on Friday, and will also feature exclusive interviews with Simone Biles and Sandra Oh.
"Happy heavenly birthday"
Chadwick Boseman's Family & Friends Pay Tribute On His 45th Birthday
Advocating for a new approach!
Prince Harry Pens Letter On Vaccine Inequity For World AIDS Day
Find out who she'll play!
'The Facts Of Life' Re-Enactment Casts Jennifer Aniston And More
