Dolly Parton refuses to slow down at 79, feels like she’s ‘just getting started' despite health setbacks

Country music legend Dolly Parton reflects on her seven-decade career and personal sacrifices in her new book as she prepares to turn 80 years old.

Christina Dugan Ramirez is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. 

"You know, I have just been going so fast my whole life," Parton, 79, told People magazine. "And I just start thinking, ‘How in the world did I even have a life? How did I even get it done?’ I really realized when I was putting this book together just how much I had sacrificed in my life. I never had children, so at least I didn’t have a guilty feeling. I’m thankful that I got to see my dreams come true."

"People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years old.’ Well, so what? Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started," said Parton. "I know that sounds stupid, 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. 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."