Dolly Parton ‘Flattered’ by Sheep Clone Named After Her Due to Boob Reference

Dolly Parton Shares Her Delight Over Being Honored by Sheep Clone

In a surprising revelation, country music icon Dolly Parton expressed her amusement and pride at having a sheep clone named after her nearly 30 years ago. In a recent chat with the Guardian, the 78-year-old star opened up about the unique honor connected to the famous sheep, Dolly, who was cloned using mammary gland tissue, linking the animal’s name to Parton’s renowned figure.

Dolly the sheep made history in 1996 as the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell at Scotland’s Roslin Institute. Parton’s quick wit shone through as she recalled learning about the naming: “I was flattered. You know, when they cloned Dolly the sheep, they used the mammary glands. That’s what they call them … glands … the boobs.” She continued, “So when they said, ‘Oh, we have this sheep, Dolly…’ it all clicked.”

The notable sheep, born on July 5, 1996, went on to have six offspring before passing away in 2003, and Parton admitted she felt a twinge of sadness at her demise, although she made it clear that the idea of being cloned herself doesn’t appeal to her. “I want to get on out of here when I can,” she stated unequivocally.

Despite being flattered by the connection, Parton is content with her life as is, joking about the abundance of Dolly impersonators and drag queens. “There are already plenty of people impersonating me,” she said with a laugh, suggesting that she can simply send lookalikes to events in her place.

As Parton navigates her career, she made it clear that retirement is not on her horizon just yet. “I can’t retire,” she remarked, reflecting on her dreams and aspirations. “I always say I’ve dreamed myself into a corner. Every dream spins off into something else.”

Speaking about her current performance schedule, she addressed misconceptions regarding her touring. “I still do shows – I just don’t go on the full-blown tours anymore where I’m away for weeks,” she clarified. “I’m older, my husband’s older, and I want to spend more time with him.”

Parton shared glimpses into her home life with her husband Carl Dean, a private figure despite her stardom. She enjoys a simple life when not performing, indulging in cooking, reading, and spending quality time at home. “We love to travel a bit in our RV,” she added, highlighting their affinity for short trips around Tennessee.

In a world eager for celebrity tales, Parton’s blend of humor and sincerity continues to captivate, affirming her place not just as a music legend but as a relatable icon in popular culture.