Dolly Parton, 79, opens up about aging after health challenges: I cry easier than I used to

Dolly Parton isn’t afraid to get older.The country music legend, 79, opened up about aging in People’s new cover story published Wednesday, following her recent health challenges.“People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what? Look at all I’ve done in 80 years,” said Parton, who turns 80 in January.“I feel like I’m just getting started.”“I know that sounds stupid,” the “Jolene” singer continued, “but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine… I think there’s a lot to be said about age.”Parton added, “If you allow yourself to get old, you will.

I say, ‘I ain’t got time to get old!’ I ain’t got time to dwell on that.That’s not what I’m thinking about.”The Grammy winner — who released her new book, “Star of the Show: My Life on Stage,” on Tuesday — noted that she’s focused on being the best version of herself as she heads into her next decade of life.“I’m at that point in my life where I just want to be able to do good things that can be carried on,” she shared.

“I’m proud of my legacy so far, and I hope to just continue to do things that might be of use to other people.”“I’ve had to wear my heart on my sleeve for a long time now, and I cry easier than I used to,” Parton added of being open with her fans.“But it’s just leaving your life wide open for everybody to look right at you, right through you and right into you… I hope they see my heart.”Following Parton’s recent health issues, a source told People that the singer “is getting better every day.”“She is at home taking care of herself while many friends and family visit her,” the insider claimed.

“In true Dolly spirit she has already started decorating for the holidays — her favorite time of year.”Parton previously skipped a Dollywood event in September due to painful kidney stones. Later that month, she announced that she was postponing her Las Vegas resi...