We can all learn a thing or two from Dolly Parton. One of the most successful women in the music business, Parton remains incredibly down-to-earth and always has a smile on her face. The country singer shares her outlook on the important things in life and her key to happiness in the current issue of Live Happy Magazine.

"My mama and daddy were the strongest people I ever met," she says. "God, family and hard work weren’t just ideas at our house, they were what made our house. I carry those values in my heart every single day, and I think it’s the best gift my folks ever gave me."

In addition to carrying the core values her parents taught her, Parton makes it a point to be happy, although she admits it's not always easy.

"No one can be happy all the time. As a songwriter, I need to feel all kinds of different emotions so I can tell my stories through music," she explains. "At the end of the day, I choose to be happy."

Part of that happiness is keeping busy and chasing after her dreams. Parton says she has new ideas and dreams every single day, and she often visualizes them as if they are already happening.

"I have been working on my dreams since I was 10 years old," she says. "I think my best and happiest days are still ahead of me. In fact, I know it."

For more of Live Happy Magazine's chat with Dolly Parton, pick up a copy on stands now.

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