Dolly Parton Reveals Her Songwriting Secrets

The iconic country music superstar Dolly Parton finally made her rock debut in 2023 with her album “Rockstar,” which was released on November 17 and included a mammoth 30-track collection of both original songs created by Parton and great rock renditions. This audacious move solidified her reputation as a multi-talented performer who could easily move across genres.

Dolly’s Morning Routine Fueled Her Creativity

Parton talked candidly about her songwriting process in an interview on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, stating that she frequently gets her best musical inspiration early in the morning while applying cosmetics. She explained:

“When I sit down to do my makeup … I’ve got the table there, I’ve got my makeup laying around, and I’ve got my notepad there, and my little tape recorder.
“Somehow, just when I’m looking at myself, putting on makeup … my mind is working … my hands are working, and somehow there’s just something about that time of the morning, and when I’m doing that, that I get some of my best ideas.”

Parton emphasized the importance of capturing inspiration the moment it strikes. She said:

“If I get a melody, that’s the same as like words. If you don’t write it down, you’re gonna forget it.
“You’ll think you’ll remember it, but you won’t. Sometimes I’ll dream a song, and I learned years ago, if you don’t wake up and write that down, you will not remember that.”

Writing Anywhere, Anytime

The country legend also shared her habit of jotting down ideas on whatever was nearby. “I think all writers do that, serious songwriters,” she said. “We’ll write on a tablecloth, we’ll write on a napkin, on a Kleenex box, whatever … is handy. And I’ll use a Maybelline pencil, anything I get my hands on, ’cause I know if I don’t do it right then, I will forget it.”

A Passion for Perfection

Parton summed up her dedication to her craft, saying:

“That’s part of your trade. Don’t take anything for granted. If this is your job, you do it and you do it good.”

In addition to its strong music, “Rockstar” won over fans with its glimpse into Dolly Parton’s enduring inventiveness. The record turned into an ode to her devotion, reminding fans why she is still regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time.