Dolly Parton — still setting her alarm for 3 a.m.
At 79 years old, Dolly Parton continues to greet the day well before sunrise. In a candid recent interview, she revealed that she often wakes around 3 a.m., a tradition she traces back to her late father. During those early quiet hours, she prays, reflects, plans, and reconnects with herself — long before the rest of the world wakes up.
Even at home, Parton keeps her signature flair. She admits to wearing high heels regularly — often so she can reach high kitchen cabinets — and applying light makeup, even if she skips her wigs occasionally. It’s her way of always being “ready,” whether for a surprise visitor or an unexpected service call.
Parton’s early‑morning routine arrives alongside the release of her memoir, “Star of the Show: My Life on Stage,” which hit shelves in mid‑November. The book offers fans a deeper look at her life, career, and personal rituals, including this persistent early‑riser habit.
But behind the glam and dedication lies a more sober moment in Parton’s life. She’s recently been recovering from a kidney‑stone related infection and is navigating grief after the passing of her husband. These life changes have prompted her to postpone her Las Vegas residency until September 2026. Still, she says she’s “getting better every day,” focusing on self‑care, family visits, and — in true Dolly fashion — early‑morning reflections and holiday preparations.