Parton has never strayedin fact, her roots have uniquely nourished each of her ever-growing creative branches.
And as it turns out, Partons latest endeavor provides nourishment in the literal sense.
The cookbook, which dropped September 17, features more than 80 dishes.
The focus is on the All-American classics regularly found around the Parton family table during holidays and special occasions.
We both love to cook, and we love to spend time together, says Rachel.
So we thought, what a perfect time in life to do a cookbook.
Even over the phone, their enjoyment of one anothers company is palpable and infectious.
), those differences are complementary.
Dolly is the effervescent, extroverted big sister; Rachel is more subdued but no less enthusiastic.
On How the Cookbook Came to Be
Dolly: Like Rachel said, we both love to cook.
And she’s a serious cookcollects cookbooks and watches all the cooking shows and all that.
Yeah, this is a great idea!
And it turned out to be wonderful.
You just never know what will end up being one of your favorite recipes.
Dolly: Or one of your favorite songs!
We write a lot.
So when we are in the kitchen, we have a notepad somewhere close.
When you get in that creative zone, I find that creativity just kind of flows.
But I think we have different influences.
Who were some of yours, Rachel?
Im curious to know.
Rachel: Well, you!
Some of them might have been the town trollop!
Dolly: Especially if it’s good!
And we also pass little tips along.
I think of my sister Cassie every time I put on my eyelashes.
Because it makes the eyelashes so much curlier.
I do that to this day because it makes all the difference.
Rachel is a more natural beauty than I am.
I have to pretty much paint mine.
I’m just a blank canvas.
And I want it all!
I like to wear a lot of makeup, but Im not trying to hide.
I just enjoy doing it.
I like to primp; Im like a kid with crayons, you know?
I just like to get in there and do it.
And every day I venture to physically and spiritually become better.
I like to wear a lot of makeup, but Im not trying to hide.
I just enjoy doing it.
On the Power of Scent
Dolly: Do you want to answer this one, Rachel?
Ive been talking the whole time!
Rachel: One of my favorites, and probably earliest [scents], is musk oil.
I add that to any new fragrance I buy.
For me, its almost a signature fragrance.
Dolly: I love that too.
You talked about triggering memoriesI think music and fragrance do that more than anything.
It just washes over you like water somehow.
Its amazing, things like that will take you back.
Rachel: And honeysuckle is a scent they have yet to master [in fragrance].
Its just a wonderful, beautiful fragrance.
And I, too, am just moved when we’re walking and I smell honeysuckle.
You close your eyes and it just takes you back to wonderful times.
It’s a sweet medicine.
Shes like a little goddaughter, and I just love her.
Ive got things I can tell her.
We have a close relationship.
On Staying Grounded
Dolly: I’m secure in who I am.
If somebody asks me an uncomfortable question, I’m comfortable answering in an open, honest way.
I think people can always accept that.
I just do whatever feels natural and easy for me.
On What Theyd Tell Their 30-Year-Old Selves
Dolly: Id just say, Youre going to be so disappointed!
[singing] Hold on to what youve got!
To be serious about that question, its not easy.
Im 78 years old now, and I think Oh, how did I get to be this age!
But youve got to do it with grace the best you might.
You really need to prepare.
you should probably take as good care of yourself as you’ve got the option to.
And thats how I feel.
Take better care of yourself, have a good attitude, and just be your best self.
Look at you, girl!
On New Beauty Loves
Dolly: Were always out there looking for new things.
Dolly: Everybodys been braggin on me lately!
And I dont know the brand.
Somebody gave me this eyeshadow palette and I started wearing it.
Every day I put it on, someone goes Golly, your makeup looks so good!
That kinda goes back to what we were saying beforefind things that suit you, that you like.
And if somebody brags on you, put more on!
On Future Collaborations
Dolly: Well we never know, and well never say never.
We love each other and well be together, always.
We may make music together, we may write another cookbook.
Weve got a lot of things to do and a lot of options, the two of us.
Rachel: Were always doing something and dreaming of something to do.
Dolly: Were dreamers and doers!
Photographer:Jim Wright
Photo Director:Kelly Chiello
Design:Kaitlyn Collins
