Dolly Parton Buried A Secret Song In A Time Capsule To Be Opened When She’s 99

She’s brought the world 3,000 songs, including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” But Dolly Parton isn’t done; she’s ready to give the world the contents of a time capsule buried in Dollywood. Fans – and the country star – will have to wait a while, though.

Parton spoke with Kelly Clarkson on a December 19 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show about a secret song she’s buried on the property of her theme park. It comes with one strict rule, though: it cannot be unearthed until Parton turns 99!

Dolly Parton reveals she has a secret song buried in a time capsule

Parton explained that the time capsule contains the secret song, a CD player, and a cassette player. The package was buried years ago in celebration of the opening of Dollywood. “I put that in the box, but I had to write this song that nobody was gonna hear ‘til then,” Parton further teased. In the past, Parton has looked at older stars like Betty White and said she didn’t need to live as long, just as well, as them. But she speaks about this secret with excitement. For those already eager for the big day, they’re not alone in their impatience.

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“And I tell you, you have no idea how much that has bothered me,” Parton admitted. “I wanna go dig that up so bad and think, ‘Well I need to use that song, cause like, you know, and it’s a really good song.’” Parton and Clarkson exchanged a good laugh before Parton added, “Hopefully it’ll be special.”

Much to celebrate, past and future

Hosting some three million guests in a typical season, Dollywood is the biggest ticket destination in Tennessee. It opened all the way back in 1961 and has since won many awards, even on an international scale. She could not have known it at the time, but the opening of Dollywood was definitely an event to celebrate with something as special as a secret song, though Parton doesn’t remember whose idea the time capsule was.

She does remember how “It was an odd feeling to be asked to write a song that was not going to be heard.” That strange feeling will become a rewarding one for 76-year-old Parton some years from now. Born on January 19, 1946, Parton will turn 99 in 2045. What do you think the song will be like?