I’ll admit it—I’m not a natural morning person. My brain doesn’t fully load until after lunch. But Dolly inspired me to shift my mindset from “ugh, morning” to “okay, what could this give me?”
One small change: I now leave my phone in the kitchen overnight. It’s annoying at first, but it stops me from doom-scrolling in bed. When the alarm goes off, I actually have to get up to turn it off. That’s half the battle won right there.
Another trick? I think about what Dolly might do. She’d probably put on a country song, brush her hair into a big poof (or at least imagine it), and hum while she makes her breakfast. Attitude is everything.
Why Dolly Parton Started Waking Up at 3 AM & Wearing Heels at Home
What You Actually Get from Waking Up a Little Earlier
First, you get peace. Real, uninterrupted quiet that feels like a secret. Second, you get headspace. You can plan your day without rushing, which actually makes you feel more in control—not tired.
Third, you get a tiny bit of Dolly magic. She once said, “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” Waking up early isn’t about discipline; it’s about intention. It’s you choosing to show up for yourself before you show up for everyone else.
And let’s be honest—if a national treasure like Dolly Parton can do it with a smile, while still slaying in heels and a wig, then maybe we can give it a shot too.
Start Small, Think Big
Don’t aim for 3:00 AM. Start with 15 minutes earlier than your usual time. Set a nice alarm (not a scary one), and have something small to look forward to—maybe a banana, a crossword, or just watching the sunrise.
The first few days will feel weird. Your body will whine. But eventually, that quiet time becomes your little Dolly moment. And who doesn’t want a little more joy, creativity, and rhinestone sparkle in their morning?
So tomorrow, when that alarm goes off, think of her. Think of her writing “Jolene” at dawn, or feeling the quiet hum of possibility. Then, drag yourself out of bed—and see what magic the morning has for you.
