‘My Faith Impacts Everything That I Do’: Dolly Parton Highlights Her Faith in New Interview

“So, I try to just live through love as much as I can. And so I just think that my spirituality has been a guiding light in my life and my strength, really, in my creative energy. And my spiritual energy has really been a great force to keep me going all these years and still being productive.”

Parton, 77, started her career in the 1960s, moving to Nashville from the Smoky Mountains after high school.

She’s an award-winning singer and author, including her latest book, released earlier this week, “Billy the Kid Makes It Big.”

The book tells the story of a dog named Billy who dreams of becoming a country music star but must first overcome adversity.

“I want (children) to feel empowered. I want them to think that they know that they can do anything that they set their mind to do and that if they stick with it, it’s likely to happen. So, it’s really about confidence and standing up to bullies and just keeping on with your dream until it comes true.”

She appeared on Fox News with the namesake for the book, her god-dog Billy.

“You need to kind of hold your own as well. And don’t let them get the upper hand, and you don’t have to play into what they’re doing. It’s the worst thing you can do for bullies is just walk away as if they don’t exist. You know, like you didn’t hear it, and you don’t care. Like, that’s not who I am. I know who I am. You don’t need to be telling me who you think I am.”

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Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Theo Wargo/Staff

Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.