Country music legend Dolly Parton maintained a demanding work ethic, often sleeping as little as three to five hours per night and personally handling her hair, wigs, and makeup before arriving on set, according to her former co-star Danica McKellar.
McKellar, who worked with Parton on the 2019 Hallmark movie "Christmas at Dollywood," shared her observations in an interview with Fox News Digital. Parton would wake early after minimal sleep, ready to begin her workday. "She was always dreaming stuff up and just busy," McKellar recounted. "She'd sleep on her big travel bus, if she was traveling and doing things, and wake up early in the morning... She did her own hair and makeup, her own wig and her own makeup. And she'd get to work."
Their professional relationship began through Parton's Imagination Library, a literacy program that included McKellar's children's book, "Goodnight, Numbers." McKellar later narrated the documentary "The Library That Dolly Built" before collaborating with Parton on "Christmas at Dollywood."
McKellar described Parton as "everything that you hope she could possibly be and much more" during their time working together. She characterized Parton as having an "incredible" work ethic and a desire to rehearse extensively. "I would love to rehearse with you. I'd love to just be in her presence," McKellar said. She also noted Parton's ability to make everyone on set feel comfortable, even when they were nervous to meet her. McKellar recalled Parton's warm greeting, "Merry Christmas everybody," upon arriving on set, which charmed the entire room.
McKellar believes Parton's lasting message to the world would be about the importance of kindness. "Because she knew how to make everybody feel good about themselves," McKellar explained. "That's what she taught me the most. And what I think is her message for the world, treat each other kindly. You have a choice. You have so much power, more power than you realize."