Dolly Parton Visits Senior Citizens, Names Center in Honor of Her Parents

Country music star Dolly Parton paid a surprise visit to a Tennessee senior center, where she sang for residents. 

Parton reportedly showed up at the center Monday to give the facility a new name, My People Senior Activity Center, in honor of her late parents. It was previously known as the Fort Sanders Sevier Senior Center.

"You know in the bible where it talks about honoring your father and mother, well I always wanted to try to do things that would make my people proud of us," Parton said while at the facility. “I thought this would be the perfect thing to do for them."

Parton sang for the seniors and even lifted weights with them during her visit.

The 72-year-old singer joked that she's a senior as well. She said her secret to staying young is staying active and busy.

"I'm proud to be a senior citizen," Parton said. "Of course, we all wish we could stay 30 forever, but we can't, so I think it's important that we stay active."

RELATED STORIES