At 79, Dolly Parton remains a force of nature—stylish, sharp, and still shaping culture with every move she makes.

For most people, approaching their 80th birthday means slowing down. But not Dolly.

With a lifetime of music, philanthropy, and business success behind her, she continues to push forward with a spirit that’s as big as her hair.

Here’s a deep dive into how Dolly lives today, from personal loss and health choices to her evolving career and philanthropic empire.

A Star Turns 79: How Dolly Celebrated Her Birthday

Dolly Parton celebrated her 79th birthday in January 2025 with the humility and humor fans adore.

While she didn’t throw a massive party, fans across Tennessee and beyond honored her in their own ways.

In Nashville, Dolly-themed drag shows, tribute concerts, and public celebrations lit up the city.

Libraries marked the occasion by highlighting her Imagination Library, which has now gifted over 200 million books to children globally.

Dolly herself marked the day quietly, surrounded by close friends, reflecting on her journey and preparing for what she calls “the next chapter.”

In an interview, she shared: “I don’t feel 79. I feel like Dolly. And she’s just getting started.”

Dolly’s Signature Glamour: Beauty Without Apology

One of the most consistent parts of Dolly’s identity is her unapologetic glamour. Big blonde wigs, long acrylic nails, full lashes, and rhinestones are her calling cards—and she embraces them with pride. At 79, she launched her Dolly Beauty line, starting with lipstick shades like “Jolene Red” and “Honey Plum,” reflecting her iconic persona and appeal.

Her philosophy on aging and beauty is refreshingly candid: “If something’s bagging, sagging or dragging, I’ll tuck it, suck it, or pluck it!”

She’s spoken openly about cosmetic enhancements, not out of insecurity but self-expression. “It’s not about staying young—it’s about feeling fabulous,” she told Southern Living.

She even admits to sleeping in her makeup, a habit she keeps in case there’s a late-night emergency: “I like to be ready if there’s an earthquake, fire, or if I just want to feel cute at 3 a.m.”

Love and Loss: Life After Carl Dean

In March 2025, Dolly lost her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, in what she described as the “hardest goodbye” of her life. Carl was rarely seen in public, but their love story was foundational to Dolly’s life.

On what would have been their 59th wedding anniversary, she returned alone to their wedding chapel in Ringgold, Georgia. Wearing both of their rings and holding back tears, she shared a photo with the caption: “Still my sweetheart. Always will be.”

Since his passing, Dolly has been open about grief: “I talk to him every day. I feel his presence. But I keep moving because that’s what we did together—we moved forward.”

Wellness & Diet: A Healthy Balance

Dolly has always had a healthy attitude toward food, exercise, and indulgence. She’s never been obsessed with restrictive diets, choosing moderation over deprivation. She jokes that during the holidays, she turns into the “Stay Puft Marshmallow Man,” but returns to her healthy routines after.

Her wellness practices include:

Light stretching and walking

Clean eating with Southern flair—lots of greens, baked dishes, and occasional sweets

A consistent skincare routine and weekly facial masks

Mental wellness through prayer, reading, and creative writing

She emphasizes aging gracefully without pressure: “I want to look the best I can at any age, but I’m not chasing 30 anymore. I’m grateful just to be here.”

Still Writing, Still Singing

Though she’s conquered country, pop, gospel, and most recently rock (her 2023 album “Rockstar”), Dolly isn’t done making music.

She’s reportedly working on a new inspirational album, centered around themes of faith, healing, and revival.

She still writes every day, often in the early morning, and has stockpiled thousands of songs.

She’s also working on curating her archives for future generations. “I want my music to outlive me. I’m building a legacy library, so one day, people can visit and hear my voice, even when I’m gone.”