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What a Dolly

Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center that will serve her native Sevier County in Tennessee.

Parton, 61, is honorary chairwoman of the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation, which is raising $10 million for the new hospital with proceeds from a concert by Parton this weekend going to the campaign:

Tell us about your involvement in your home town.

I live in rhinestones, but I want to shine like a diamond when I am gone. We don't want the community to think we just come here to take all their money. I don't want to be seen as one of these selfish celebrities.

How have you managed to be so successful.

I just work my a** off. I do the best I can as long as I am going to be at it. That is what everybody should do. People think as you get older, you are going to do less good. I try to set them right about that.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Life in general.

What motivated you to succeed?

First of all, I love what I do and I would do it even if I didn't get paid. I was motivated by the 'American dream.' Since I was little, I wanted to be in show business. I wanted to travel and have fancy clothes and money and stuff.

How have you stayed in the game?

I don't compete with others. I try to make and break my own records. I try to be the best Dolly Parton I can be. I am a very professional Dolly Parton. I know how to run my life and my relationships with my family, business people, and with God. I work according to my rules and personality.

How have you managed to keep such a sunny attitude?

I have suffered. I am a very sensitive person and a deep person. When I hurt, I hurt all over. If I think I have hurt somebody's feelings, I worry about it longer than they ever would. But I have a happy heart. I get it broke sometimes, but it wants to be happy. I am like a kid like that. I wake up every morning thinking things are going to work out.

Any regrets?

I just regret getting caught at stuff! I could name several, but I won't!

You get teased over your appearance. Does it upset you?

I don't really care what people think about me anymore. I grew up poor and ragged and wanted to be pretty more than anything. I am not a natural beauty and I have to work at it. This is just a country girl's idea of glamour. I am like a kid playing in paints and crayons. Even if I am going to be in the house all day with my husband, I get made up.

Do people judge you by your appearance?

People do, even a lot of fans love me because I have a big personality, a big mouth, big tits and big hair. Eventually, they look closer and see there is more. I like the adventure of it.