"I love to work, and I love to stay busy. I think energy begets energy, and I like to feel like I'm putting something in the world every day."
Songteller saw Parton select just a fraction of the songs she has written over her career, and she explains to Hosking her priority wasn't picking the tracks that were the most well known, but the songs that had the most interesting stories behind them.
"I chose a lot of my favourite songs that are not that well known," Parton explains.
"I just actually thought about the songs that had a pretty good story, that I thought would hold people's interest."
Hosking asks her what the pandemic has been like. Parton says although the coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone in different ways, her already small circle means she hasn't had to make too many changes to how she makes music.
"I've actually been able to do everything within a little circle, and we've done it very safely, we get tested all the time ... we manage to make it all work."
Parton's music and charm has inspired generations of fans, and the singer is grateful for the longevity of her career.
"I'm hoping that I have something to say to every generation because songs are always the same feelings. We cry the same tears, you know, at different times," she says.
"I've been around so long that people kinda think of me as a family member, like a sister or a favourite aunt, someone they've always known."
She credits her upbringing for helping her remain grounded.
"I do think there's a lot to be said about being brought up poor with humble beginnings. I never take for granted anything that I have, I'm grateful for everything," she says.
"You do always appreciate the value of a dollar when you've been brought up poor, but you also appreciate the success. I've always said there's a difference between being successful and being a success.
"You're only a true success when you can enjoy being successful, knowing what you've got and appreciating it, and counting your blessings more often than you count your money."
A Holly Dolly Christmas is out now, and Songteller: My Life In Lyrics is out tomorrow.
• Listen to the full interview with Mike Hosking above.
