Dolly Parton is loved for her music and her philanthropy. She’s one of those people who is very successful yet very down to earth, and when Parton has advice, we think it’s a good idea to listen.

Recently, Parton sat down for an interview with Today’s Willie Geist to discuss multiple things like her new projects, the holiday season and her advice for the new year.

First of all, at 74-years-old, Parton is not slowing down. She has used the extra time at home during the pandemic to write new songs that will be featured on her new Christmas album, “A Holly Dolly Christmas.” This is the first Christmas album Parton has released in 30 years.

Not all of the songs on the album are new, but even the classics have a new twist on the original. Some of the songs are duets with other talented musicians like Miley Cyrus and Michael Buble. 

If you’re not quite ready for Christmas music yet, you can read Parton’s new book, “Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics” which will be available on November 17, 2020. In the book, Parton shares the stories behind the lyrics for some of her most popular songs. For example, her hit “Jolene” was inspired by an interaction with a bank teller, and the name came from a little girl who she once gave her autograph.

Someone as talented as Parton has certainly learned a few things along the way. She grew up from very humble beginnings, living with her family in a cabin that didn’t even have electricity or running water, yet her mom always made Christmas special. 

Parton shared with Geist that she believes that the spirit of giving and love that surrounds the holiday season is something that we need to carry with us into the new year. She said, “I think we’ve just become so divided, ’cause people just seem to love to hate. You know? This is the Christmas season coming up. But we need to carry that Christmas spirit of peace on Earth, and loving one another. We need to carry that into the new year, and Lord knows, I hope next year is better than this one.”

Don’t we all. Watch the video below for a peak at Geist’s interview with Parton.

Do you agree with Parton’s advice? How do you think we can “save the world we’re living in”?