Want to know what's going on in Dolly Parton's kitchen? “Beethoven and biscuits," the singer told us.
That’s right, the icon is an avid cook, and often listens to classical music when she's mixing something up. That, and country music, or whatever she’s feeling that day.
“Sometimes I just like it to be quiet because my head is always full of music and people talking to me and talking at me," Dolly tells Country Living over a Zoom call. "So, sometimes that's a good time for me to be quiet. But when I want music I play some country music, some yacht rock, or some old classical music. Boy, there ain't nothing like cooking a big old southern meal listening to classical music," she says.
And, of course, a big southern meal wouldn't be complete without some sweets! Luckily, Dolly has a whole new baking collection from Duncan Hines. Dolly's been baking with the brand since 2022, and just announced the latest menu of mixes.
Dolly Parton in the kitchen with a fresh pan of Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake from Duncan Hines.
The new flavors include a Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake and Muffin Mix, Blueberry Muffin and Bread Mix, and a Chocolate Cake Mix which will taste absolutely delicious with Dolly's Creamy Chocolate Buttercream.
While you can grab any of these on your next grocery run, serious Dolly fans can find a whole bundle of Dolly desserts online. Duncan Hines is selling a “Bake Like a Rockstar” collection that includes all the above mixes, plus a Dolly magnet, oven mitt, and three recipe cards that feature some of Dolly’s own favorite recipes.
The new Dolly Parton "Bake Like a Rockstar" collection from Duncan Hines.
And good news for you early risers, she’s expanding into breakfast foods even more with a Buttermilk Pancake mix with Duncan Hines’ parent company, Conagra. The singer knows all about the importance of a hearty breakfast, considering she wakes up around three every morning.
“I'm usually having my coffee and doing my spiritual things around 3 o'clock in the morning," she says. "I do my readings and my affirmations and my prayers and all that. Then I'll start drinking my coffee and make something to eat. Then, if I'm not having to go to work real early, that's when I do some of my best writing. I usually have great ideas in the morning when my mind is rested."
In between writing, she says she usually makes calls and goes through some paperwork if needed for the day. At first, I couldn't help but wonder, who is picking up the phone at five or six in the morning? But if Dolly Parton was calling me, I'd probably pick up too.
"By that time, I'll have my good breakfast and take any vitamins and medication. I take a bath, get dressed, and put my makeup on, and I'm ready to go. I can get more done before 7 o'clock than most people can all day."
And writing songs and making muffins is only the beginning of all her work! Mrs. Parton and her to-do list just seem to keep on going. In fact, she mentioned she's releasing a cookbook with her sister in the fall, which will share some of her favorite family recipes from her Tennessee mountain home.
And moving to the stage, the singer is finishing up plans for a musical all about her life she hopes to premier on Broadway by 2025. Filled with Dolly hits and new originals, she teased the cast album for the show could be her next music release.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Dolly left me with some true Dolly-like wisdom...
"Remember, we gotta sing, we gotta write, and we gotta eat!"
Bake Like Dolly with These Mixes
Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Buttermilk Biscuit Mix
Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Fabulously Fudgy Brownie Mix
Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Sweet Cornbread & Muffin Mix
Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Favorite Southern-Style Coconut Flavored Cake Mix
FAQs
The singer knows all about the importance of a hearty breakfast, considering she wakes up around three every morning. “I'm usually having my coffee and doing my spiritual things around 3 o'clock in the morning," she says. "I do my readings and my affirmations and my prayers and all that.
Does Dolly Parton go to bed early? ›
"I don't need a whole lot of sleep," Parton, 76, told the outlet. "I go to bed pretty early, but even if I've been up late — it's just kind of like a little clock inside of me that says 'it's 3 o'clock! ' " "I do some of my best work there, but I get enough sleep," the country music legend added.
Who is Dolly Parton's real husband? ›
What does Dolly Parton do in a daily basis? ›
Post her spiritual and writing session, she settles down for a wholesome breakfast. This early meal is an essential part of her day, giving her the energy to tackle her packed schedule. But there's more to Dolly's culinary life than just eating. She's also passionate about cooking and baking.
Does Dolly Parton go to bed with makeup on? ›
In an excerpt, Dolly confessed that she has been sleeping in her makeup since the 1980s as part of her emergency preparedness plan.
How much older is Dolly Parton's husband than her? ›
On her first day in the city, Parton crossed paths with Carl Dean outside a local laundromat. Dean, three years older than her, was instantly captivated by Parton. “I was at the laundromat, the Wishy‐Washy. I'd come to Nashville with dirty clothes.
How many babies did Dolly Parton have? ›
For the unversed, Dolly Parton has no children of her own, and the singer has no regrets about it. However, she is the godmother of pop icon Miley Cyrus.
Who is Dolly Parton marry to? ›
Dolly Parton and her love story with husband Carl Thomas Dean began in 1964 outside a local laundrette, a modest setting that birthed a decades-long romance. From their first meeting at 18 to exchanging vows within two years, Dolly and Carl's love has always been in the spotlight.
What is Dolly's favorite drink? ›
As far as drinks go, Parton prefers red wine.
What is Dolly Parton's favorite dinner? ›
When PARADE magazine asked Dolly Parton about her signature dish at home, she was quick to say chicken and dumplings. The ingredients are simple, which makes the flavors stand out more. While Dolly uses a stewing hen for this recipe, you can use a whole chicken instead.
Parton has named banana pudding, chicken and dumplings, and roast pork among her favorite foods, the latter of which she prefers a bit fatty. And she told The New York Times in 1992, "The greasier the food, the better."
Does Dolly Parton have tattoos? ›
Then, a few years ago, Parton set the record straight during an interview with People in 2020. "I do have some tattoos, that's true," she told the publication. "But they're tasteful.
Is Dolly Parton a doctor? ›
In 2009, she delivered the commencement speech at the University of Tennessee, and on the same day, she received an honorary doctorate from the university, hence the name Dr. Dolly.
What are Dolly Parton hobbies? ›
Apart from her iconic music career, Dolly Parton has a deep love for butterflies. She is an avid collector and studies different species of butterflies in her spare time.
When was Dolly Parton at her peak? ›
With steady success during the remainder of the 1960s (both as a solo artist and with a series of duet albums with Porter Wagoner), her sales and chart peak came during the 1970s and continued into the 1980s; Parton's subsequent albums in the later part of the 1990s were lower in sales.
What does Dolly Parton do to give back? ›
The overarching structure of Parton's giving is the “Dollywood Foundation.” Over the years, the foundation has taken on several different initiatives including hospitals, animal sanctuaries, and scholarships. She even donated $1 million towards COVID-19 vaccine research. Her philanthropy has attracted big donors.
What is Dolly Parton's early life? ›
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee. The Partons were a farming family, and Dolly had eleven siblings. From a young age, it was clear that Dolly had a talent for music. After she received a guitar when she was eight, she started writing her own music.
Why do I love Dolly Parton so much? ›
Her talent, paired with a compassionate soul and a bubbly personality, are just a few reasons why she is loved by so many. Parton began writing hit songs right out of high school. Shortly after moving to Nashville in 1964, she signed with Monument Records.
