Dolly Parton Recalls Odd ‘Gift’ From Fan: a Baby!
Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic entertainers of the past century, with adoring fans all over the globe. So it's no surprise that the 65-year-old has encountered a wide variety of admirers, but one unexpected encounter stands out above the rest.
"There are all kinds of things that people ask me to do," Dolly tells Chicago's Windy City Times. "Years ago, when I first started being a big star, I had fans that were fanatical. It was when 'Jolene' was a big hit. We came home one day and there was a baby in a box at our gate with a note in it. The note said, 'My name is Jolene, my momma has left me here and she wants you to have me.' Of course, we all freaked out!"
The tune's namesake was quickly handed over to the proper authorities. "We immediately called Human Services and took care of the baby until they got there," the songbird recalls. "We never did know or hear anything about it. I knew nothing else. What do you do in a situation like that? There are some loony people in this world!"
Dolly says she has learned over the years how to take her worldwide popularity in stride. "I always try to balance whether fame has been worth it or not, but I haven't missed out on anything, because I do as I please," the award-winning singer/songwriter/actress tells The Boot. "People say, 'Oh, you can't even go to a restaurant.' I say, 'I most certainly can!' I know the time of day I can go when it won't be as crowded. Still, I always know there are going to be a certain amount of people who will come up and say hello or will want an autograph or bring their kid by the table. I'm not one of those artists where they just go into a panic about that. I would probably feel worse if nobody recognized me or paid me any attention, since everything I've done is for attention!"
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