In the early years of Dolly Parton’s marriage, she spoke about her excitement to have kids. As time wore on, though, she became less certain that this was the right decision for her. The singer has never had children of her own, a decision that she once felt guilty about. Still, she explained why she didn’t think having children was “fair” of her. 

Dolly Parton once shared why she didn’t want kids

Parton grew up as one of 12 children. To help her mother, the older children often stepped into parenting roles. She yearned for a different kind of life.

“I hadn’t intended to marry,” she said, per the book Dolly: The Biography by Alanna Nash. “All I had ever known was housework and kids and workin’ in the fields. But I didn’t want to be domestic; I wanted to be free.”

While Parton did get married to Carl Dean in 1966, she never had children. She didn’t think having kids would work with her busy lifestyle.

“I love kids, but it wouldn’t be fair to put children through the kind of life that I lead,” she told Playgirl in 1981, per the book Dolly on Dolly. “Carl doesn’t want children either. If he did, I would have them, I’m sure.”

She admitted she once felt guilty about not having children, but ultimately believes it was the best move for her. She was still very close with her younger siblings and nieces and nephews.