Dolly Parton's culinary preferences are as legendary as her music career, steeped in the rich traditions of Southern comfort food. While her diet has evolved to accommodate her busy lifestyle and a low-carb weekday regimen, her heart remains loyal to the hearty, simple dishes she grew up with in rural Tennessee. The question, "what is Dolly Parton's favorite food?", doesn't have a single, simple answer, but rather a delicious, layered story rooted in family, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the unpretentious.
The Unquestionable Reign of the Potato
If one food had to be singled out, it would undoubtedly be the humble potato. In a candid interview, Parton famously confessed, "Every diet I ever fell off of has been because of a potato". This profound love for the starchy staple is a recurring theme in her public comments and even extends to her recent cookbook, Good Lookin' Cookin', co-authored with her sister, Rachel Parton George. For Dolly, a potato is a versatile and deeply comforting food, whether it's mashed with plenty of butter, baked with all the fixings, or served as a crispy french fry.
Her affection for potatoes is directly linked to her childhood, where they were a staple crop grown by her father. The memories of her family finding sustenance in simple, homegrown foods cemented the potato's special place in her heart. This emotional connection elevates the spud from a mere ingredient to a vessel of cherished memories and a symbol of her down-to-earth roots.
The Secret's in the Dumplings
No discussion of Dolly's cooking is complete without mentioning her world-famous chicken and dumplings. This isn't just a meal; it's a signature dish and a much-anticipated event for her colleagues. When she's working on a movie set, she's known to bring a huge pot of her homemade chicken and dumplings, prompting everyone to eagerly await her "dumpling day". The recipe itself remains a well-guarded secret. As she told Today, the primary ingredient is simply "love," a sentiment that speaks volumes about her approach to food—it's meant to be shared and enjoyed with a generous spirit. Her version involves a stewing hen and simple ingredients that let the flavor shine, embodying the best of unpretentious Southern cooking.
A Taste of Home: Other Comfort Favorites
Beyond potatoes and dumplings, Parton's list of favorite comfort foods reads like a tribute to Southern family dinners. These include a hearty meatloaf, a classic family recipe passed down through generations. She also has a soft spot for her mother's legendary banana pudding, a dessert with its own heartwarming backstory tied to her family's frugality and resourcefulness during her childhood. Roast pork, particularly the fatty parts, also ranks high on her list, along with other garden-fresh Southern staples like turnip greens and fried okra. These dishes aren't about culinary complexity but about the warmth and satisfaction of a truly homemade meal.
From the Mountains to the Menu: Funnel Cakes and Fast Food
Despite her preference for home cooking, Dolly is far from a food snob. She's famously relatable in her love for certain fast food and theme park treats. A self-professed fan of Taco Bell, her go-to order is a Soft Taco Supreme with mild sauce, along with rice and beans. Her passion for Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza was so well-known that she even took part in a musical celebrating its return to the menu.
At her theme park, Dollywood, one specific food item holds her special affection: the funnel cake. According to staff, she is "crazy for funnel cake" and often requests one from the park to enjoy. This mix of high-end fame and simple, accessible food choices is a testament to her authentic and charming persona.
The Parton-George Cookbook: Good Lookin' Cookin'
Dolly’s love for home-style food culminated in a cookbook co-authored with her sister Rachel, Good Lookin' Cookin'. The book is a treasure trove of cherished family recipes and culinary tips passed down from their mother. It's more than a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of their heritage and the food traditions that shaped their family. The collaboration with her sister highlights the central role that food plays in her family life and showcases her desire to share these comforting recipes with a wider audience.
Dolly's Low-Carb Weekdays vs. Comfort Food Weekends
To balance her indulgent appetite with her public image and health, Parton maintains a mindful approach to her diet. She typically adheres to a low-carb diet during the week, especially when working, but embraces her comfort food favorites on the weekends when she's relaxing with her husband, Carl Dean. This realistic and balanced perspective makes her even more relatable and shows that even superstars need to manage their health while still enjoying life's simple pleasures.
Comparing Dolly's Comfort Food vs. Gourmet Cuisine
| Feature | Dolly Parton's Favorites | Traditional Gourmet Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredient | Potatoes, Chicken, Dumplings, Homegrown Greens | Complex, rare, or exotic ingredients |
| Preparation | Simple, time-tested family recipes, "soul food" style | Meticulous, aesthetically focused, multi-step processes |
| Motivation | Nostalgia, love, and comfort | Culinary artistry, innovation, and presentation |
| Setting | Home kitchen, movie sets, fast food spots | Fine dining restaurants, culinary labs |
| Presentation | "My food is not pretty, but it's good," she once said. | Intricate plating, visual appeal is paramount |
Conclusion
Ultimately, when asked, "what is Dolly Parton's favorite food?", the answer points not to one item but to a collection of dishes that define her heritage and grounded spirit. While the potato holds a special place, it's her wholehearted embrace of Southern comfort classics—from secret-recipe chicken and dumplings to her mama's banana pudding—that truly defines her culinary identity. Her approach is a beautiful reminder that the best food is the kind that tastes like home, made with a generous dash of love.
