In an intimate interview with Nora O’Donnell for CBS News’ “Person to Person,” Dolly Parton, the iconic queen of country music, opened up about her life, career, and the new projects that continue to keep her in the spotlight.

With over 100 million records sold and a career spanning more than five decades, Parton’s charm and authenticity have made her a beloved figure in the music industry.

Parton recently released a coffee table book titled *Behind the Scenes: My Life in Rhinestones*, which takes readers through her extensive wardrobe and the stories behind her iconic outfits.

From her humble beginnings in a one-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains as one of twelve children, Parton has always embraced her roots.

The book showcases the evolution of her fashion, starting from clothes made by her mother to creations by renowned designers.

“My niece Rebecca came up with the clever title,” Parton explained.

“It’s all about the clothes I’ve worn over six decades, and I tell the stories about where I was and what I was thinking at the time.”

Despite being labeled a fashion icon, Parton insists she never intended to follow trends.

“I just wanted to be noticed,” she said with a laugh.

Her early fashion inspiration came from a woman in her hometown, whom she admired for her glamorous style.

“I thought that was just a term of how she looked, not what she was,” she reflected on her childhood perception of “trashiness.”

Confidence is a recurring theme in Parton’s narrative.

“I often say I’m comfortable in my own skin,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance.

This confidence, she believes, is rooted in her spirituality and upbringing in the church, where she learned to love herself and others.

Parton’s spirituality plays a significant role in her life.

“I live my spirituality. You just need to claim it and live it,” she shared.

For her, spirituality is not about rituals but rather about embodying love and kindness.

This perspective has helped her navigate the challenges of fame and personal growth.

When discussing her musical journey, Parton mentioned her upcoming rock album, *Rockstar*, which reflects her lifelong love for music.

“I’ve spent my whole life in country music, but my husband is a huge rock and roll fan,” she explained.

The album marks a new chapter in her career, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Parton’s songwriting process is as natural to her as her daily routine.

“I couldn’t stop writing songs if I wanted to,” she confessed, always keeping a notepad handy for spontaneous ideas.

Among her many hits, she holds a special place for “Coat of Many Colors,” which resonates deeply with her values of family, acceptance, and diversity.

“I doubt that I’ll ever write one that means more to me personally,” she said, reflecting on the song’s significance in her life.

Throughout her career, Parton has been committed to philanthropy.

Her recent $1 million donation to help develop a COVID-19 vaccine exemplifies her dedication to public health.

“I want to save my own ass as well as anybody else’s,” she joked, emphasizing the urgency of the pandemic.

Additionally, her literacy program, Imagination Library, provides books to children from birth to age five, fostering a love for reading.

“I’ve always tried to do something to better the world,” she said proudly.

Looking ahead, Parton remains as ambitious as ever.

She dreams of launching a cosmetics line and a wig collection while also working on a Broadway musical based on her life story, set to debut in spring 2025.

“I wake up with new dreams every day,” she said, showcasing her relentless spirit and creativity.

In conclusion, Dolly Parton continues to inspire with her authenticity, creativity, and commitment to making the world a better place.

Her journey, filled with laughter, love, and resilience, serves as a reminder of the power of self-acceptance and the importance of giving back.

As she puts it, “There’s a lot more to come.”

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