Dolly Parton, 71, Reveals What She’s Learned About Life: “Wear More Wigs!” (EXCLUSIVE)

We’re not the least bit surprised that the Queen of Country would be full of wisdom. Dolly Parton recently opened up about all the lessons she’s learned during her 71 years of life and well, we’re taking notes. The “Jolene” singer even revealed exclusively to Closer Weekly that she still gets starstruck at major Hollywood events. Wise and down-to-earth… does it get better than that?

“The parties and seeing all the stars — I still get a kick out of it,” she told Closer Weekly at the
Variety Television Nominees Celebration during Emmys weekend. “I’m a country girl. I used to think about Hollywood when I’d see it on TV. Now I get to be part of it. It’s fun.”

After being a movie-star and a successful singer, you’d think that she would get used to the perks of fame. But even after decades in the spotlight she is still learning and has a lot of advice to give to her younger self. “Wear more wigs! And makeup! More rhinestones!” she said with a laugh. “And keep going. Write more songs. Do more movies!”

But, she can’t take all the credit when it comes to her wisdom. She explained that most of it came from her mom. “My mother always used to say, ‘To thine own self be true,’ ” she shared. “That’s some of the best advice. I try to remember who I am, who my mama was, and what I was taught, and try to be true to my own nature, my own personality, and my own talent.”

And, she’s passing her lessons down to the next generation. Alyvia Alyn Lind, 10, who
has played young Dolly in the TV movies Coat of Many Colors and Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, told Closer Weekly what the country-music legend has taught her. “I’ve learned to always follow your dreams and that money is way less than love,” Alyvia said. “Love can get you anything, not money.”

For more on Dolly, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive news!