Country music icon Dolly Parton has publicly admitted that she avoids instant messaging. A clip from actress Drew Barrymore’s show highlighted this surprising stance, catching the audience off guard and sparking conversations about tech habits among aging celebrities.
At 77 years old, Parton has expressed a cautious view of modern communication technologies, explaining that she feels uneasy with the rapid pace of digital conversation. Her personal preference leans toward more traditional, direct methods of staying in touch rather than a constant stream of messages.
Parton has been clear about her texting hesitation. She noted that she would rather pick up the phone or return calls when she has a moment than engage in back-and-forth messaging. This admission reflects a broader lifestyle choice: she values intentional, meaningful communication over the quick, impersonal nature of text chats.
Rather than relying on mobile messages, she described a workflow that centers on professional coordination via fax and phone calls. She credited her remarkable team with keeping everything running smoothly, saying they are essential to her ability to manage a vast schedule while staying true to her pace and boundaries. The message is loud and clear: technology can assist, but it should never dictate daily rhythms or intrude on personal time.
In May 2022, Parton’s goddaughter, singer Miley Cyrus, spoke about not being able to reach the country legend through instant messaging platforms. The exchange highlighted the sometimes-frustrating gaps between celebrity schedules and the expectations of fans and collaborators who rely on real-time digital communication.
The broader narrative around Dolly Parton’s relationship with technology includes reflections on privacy, efficiency, and the art of personal connection. While she embraces innovation in her career, she is deliberate about which tools serve her goals and which ones simply add noise to a busy life. Her approach suggests that choosing the right communication channels can protect time, maintain focus, and support a healthy work-life balance—principles that resonate far beyond the music industry.
Other industry anecdotes touch on how tech decisions affect logistics in entertainment. For example, different productions and teams navigate various channels for coordination, safety, and creative collaboration. The crucial takeaway is that leaders can leverage technology without letting it overwhelm daily routines. Dolly Parton’s stance serves as a reminder that clear boundaries and purposeful communication often yield the best outcomes for highly demanding careers, especially when the goal is to stay grounded and connected with what matters most to the person and the project at hand.