A Day in the Life: Dolly Parton's Meal Routine
For a woman who starts her day at the crack of dawn, a solid breakfast is a must. Dolly Parton often opts for a quick and easy start with homemade egg salad on toast or a bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and cucumber. For those early call times, she is also a fan of scrambled eggs, revealing a simple trick to make them fluffier: adding a sprinkle of ice water while cooking. And of course, no morning is complete without her famous "cup of ambition"—a coffee with plenty of cream.
When she's working during the week, Parton typically sticks to a low-carb diet to stay energized and keep her weight in check. However, this doesn't mean her food is boring. She meal-preps plenty of home-cooked options for her tour bus freezer, including dishes like chicken and dumplings or her favorite potato-based meals. This strategy ensures she has comforting, familiar food available no matter where her work takes her.
The Allure of Southern Comfort
While her weekdays might be more structured, Dolly is famous for her love of Southern comfort food, especially on weekends and days off. Her list of favorites reads like a classic Southern cookbook:
- Chicken and dumplings
- Pork roast
- Meatloaf with mashed potatoes
- Turnip greens cooked with bacon grease
- Cornbread
- Banana pudding
She once famously told EatingWell that if she had to pick one food for the rest of her life, it would be potatoes. She loves them baked, fried, or mashed, and they are a constant presence in her meals. Her love for food is about taste and tradition, connecting back to her upbringing in Tennessee.
Comparing Dolly's Diet: Home-Cooked vs. Fast Food
Dolly's diet is a delightful mix of down-home cooking and surprisingly relatable fast-food indulgences. Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Home-Cooked Meals | Fast Food |
|---|---|---|
| Staple Items | Chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, potatoes, cornbread | Taco Bell Soft Taco Supreme, Mexican Pizza |
| Context | Weeknight dinners, on-the-road meal prep, family gatherings | RV road trips with her husband |
| Philosophy | Simple, hearty Southern cooking that tastes good, not just looks good | Indulging without shame; a vacation treat |
| Moderation | Eats rich, high-calorie foods on weekends or special occasions | Enjoys fast food as a treat, not an everyday habit |
This balance is a testament to her philosophy of moderation. She knows how to indulge without letting it derail her overall habits. This is also why she isn't opposed to frozen foods, as she's worked with brands to ensure they taste homemade.
The Dolly Parton Diet Myth
Some articles and internet rumors have attempted to link Dolly Parton to the Cabbage Soup Diet. The truth is, while the diet has been called the "Dolly Parton Diet," she has explicitly denied it has anything to do with her, famously joking that she "tried eating the book" to see if it tasted better than most diets. This highlights that her approach is far more balanced and intuitive than a restrictive fad diet.
Conclusion: A Taste of the Good Life
Ultimately, what Dolly Parton eats daily is a reflection of her down-to-earth personality and her deep-seated Southern roots. Her diet is a mix of simple, nourishing meals and occasional comforting treats, always enjoyed with a healthy dose of moderation. She isn't afraid to indulge in mashed potatoes or a Taco Bell soft taco supreme, but she balances it with mindful eating during the week. Her food philosophy is simple: good food, shared with loved ones, is one of life's greatest pleasures. For more of her favorite family recipes, she and her sister Rachel Parton George co-authored the cookbook Good Lookin' Cookin'.
