Dolly Parton Launches ‘Doggy Parton,’ a Brand to Help Rescue Animals | Her Dog Once Saved Her Life

Trigger Warning: This story mentions suicide and it may be disturbing to readers. 

Dolly Parton's generosity and her love for dogs are not unknown to her fans. Now, she has decided to extend her kindness to all the dogs out there through her latest venture. The singer, actress, and author recently announced the launch of "Doggy Parton," a line of dog apparel and accessories produced in partnership with SportPet Designs, according to CNN. Shirts, dresses and even a blonde wig inspired by none other than Parton herself are all part of the new and exciting line, and a portion of the proceeds will go to Willa B. Farms, a rescue organization that provides a home for displaced animals.

"'Puppy Love'' was my very first record and 6 decades later, my love for pets is stronger than ever. This inspired me to start my own line of Doggy Parton apparel, accessories, toys and more with a little 'Dolly' flair," Parton said in a statement. "Part of the proceeds will support Willa B Farms, a rescue where animals in need find never-ending love. Don't we all need that?'"

Agreed, her first record was about puppies, but a lesser-known fact about the country singer is that she owes her life to her dog. There was a dark phase in Parton's life where she was so depressed she actually contemplated suicide. In fact, had it not been for her beloved dog Popeye, she wouldn't be a part of this world. He saved her life after the pet came running up the stairs, just as she was considering pulling the trigger of the gun she was holding, according to HuffPost. The Jolene singer made the revelation in an interview published in the new book Dolly On Dolly, Interviews And Encounters With Dolly Parton. 

“I was sitting upstairs in my bedroom one afternoon when I noticed in the nightstand drawer my gun that I keep for burglars,” she explained. “I looked at it a long time... Then, just as I picked it up, just to hold it and look at it for a moment, our little dog, Popeye, came running up the stairs." The presence of another being helped her snap back and gather her senses. “The tap-tap-tap of his paws jolted me back to reality I suddenly froze. I put the gun down. Then I prayed.”

The fact that Popeye came to her at her most vulnerable seemed like he was a sign from God, to let her know her life matters. “I kinda believe Popeye was a spiritual messenger from God,” she says. “I don’t think I’d have done it, killed myself, but I can’t say for sure. Now that I’ve gone through that terrible moment, I can certainly understand the possibilities even for someone solid like me if the pain gets bad enough.”

Parton has also been a strong advocate for animal rights. She was awarded the Partnership award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2003, in connection with Dollywood’s American Eagle Foundation, per The Boot. She had also granted permission to PETA for using her song Will He Be Waiting for Me? in a commercial made to create awareness that dogs suffer when they are left alone and that they need company. 

People can either purchase the collection via DoggyParton.com or Amazon. Now, this is honestly why dogs are considered man's best friend, and they deserve nothing but the best, don't they? 

References:

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/31/entertainment/dolly-parton-doggy-parton-line

https://www.willabfarms.com/

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dolly-parton-suicide_uk_590c51ace4b0d5d9049b6cbe

https://theboot.com/dolly-parton-charity-work/

https://www.peta.org/features/loretta-emmylou-dolly/

Cover Image Source: Getty Image | Photo by Kevin Winter