Dolly Parton Admits Not Having Kids Is One of the Sacrifices Made for Her Career

In a recent interview with acclaimed host Oprah Winfrey for the latest edition of "The Oprah Conversation" on Apple TV+, Dolly Parton opened up about her success, as well as the sacrifices she has made in her career.

TODAY recently shared a clip of the show where legendary singer Dolly Parton can be seen sharing that she had freedom because she had no children and that her husband, Carl Dean, was independent. She added:

"So I think a big part of my whole success is the fact that I was free to work."

LIVING INDEPENDENT LIVES

Parton exchanged her wedding vows with Carl Dean in May 1966. In an interview, the 74-year-old shared that many people believed Dean does not really exist just because he does not want to be in the spotlight at all.

Over the years, Parton and her husband have been comfortable living independent lives while the multi-awarded artist was frequently performing and touring.

IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Although the couple has no bundle of joys, the singer has been involved in many children's lives through her Imagination Library. The library has already given millions of books to kids.

In 1984, the doctors prohibited the singer from performing, but she did not follow their advice.

THE MULTI-AWARDED ARTIST'S DIAGNOSIS

Like other couples, Parton and Dean also dreamed of having children when they tied the knots, as reported by Mirror. In fact, during a 1967 interview, Parton revealed that she would like to have at least four children.

The couple, who were married in Ringgold, Georgia, even had names picked out at the time. They also wondered whose appearance their children would inherit.

Unfortunately, Parton still had not fallen pregnant by the early 1980s despite the pair's efforts. The singer also suffered from an undiagnosed gynecological condition that was causing internal bleeding.

In 1984, the doctors prohibited the singer from performing, but she did not follow their advice. Parton then collapsed on stage in Indianapolis. She was later diagnosed with endometriosis, which eventually required her to undergo a hysterectomy at the age of 36.

The operation ended Parton's chances of conceiving naturally. The singer was very depressed. She even thought of committing suicide at one point. But for now, the singer seems to have accepted her fate that she will never have a child.

Meanwhile, in a 2020 interview, Parton gave a rare insight into her life as a married woman. According to her, she and Dean keep the spark alive by planning spontaneous but simple dates for each other, according to The Oprah Magazine.