When Dolly Parton talks about Christmas, her voice takes on the same warm, golden glow as the twinkle lights strung across her Smoky Mountain home. But for her, it’s not just about glittering ornaments or carols — it’s about the pure joy of giving, wrapped in a tradition she’s carried for decades: Granny Claus.
“Everybody’s Kids Could Be Mine”
“I didn’t have kids of my own,” Dolly says, “so everybody’s kids could be mine.” It’s a sentiment that captures the spirit of the woman who has spent a lifetime turning love into action — whether through her Imagination Library, which has given over 200 million free books to children, or through the smaller, more personal gestures like her Granny Claus tradition.
Granny Claus isn’t your typical Santa stand-in. Dressed in plush red velvet with fur trim, Dolly rides a whimsical, painted elevator she calls her “chimney,” delivering gifts to children, staff, and sometimes even fans who happen to be at the right place at the right time. “It’s just my way of climbing down the chimney,” she laughs, “without messing up my hair.”
A Holiday Home Like No Other
Step into Dolly’s world in December, and you’ll find yourself in what she describes as “Christmas exploded.” Multiple Christmas trees — each with its own theme — fill nearly every room. One tree might sparkle with rhinestones and pink ribbons, while another is rustic, adorned with pinecones and tiny wooden fiddles.
“I want people to feel wrapped in joy the minute they walk in,” Dolly says. Even her outfits are part of the magic: light-up sweaters, reindeer necklaces that jingle, and holiday aprons she insists on wearing while serving cocoa and cookies.
It’s a sensory overload — but it’s intentional. “I remember being little and thinking the magic might pass me by,” she says, recalling her childhood in a cabin with 11 siblings. “So now, I make sure there’s more magic than anybody knows what to do with.”
The Elevator ‘Chimney’ Entrance
The elevator-turned-chimney has become the centerpiece of her Granny Claus entrance. Painted deep red with gold trim, it’s decorated with stockings, tinsel, and faux snow, so when Dolly emerges, it feels as if she’s stepped straight out of the North Pole.
“I’ll hear the kids whispering,” she says. “‘She’s coming down the chimney!’ And I’ll play along, peek my head out, and say, ‘Y’all been good this year?’”
From there, the gift-giving begins — but in true Dolly fashion, it’s never just toys. There are handmade scarves, signed books, musical instruments, and occasionally, scholarships for older kids.
Not Just for Show
Though it might sound like a staged production, Granny Claus is anything but performative. Dolly insists on packing many of the gifts herself, wrapping them in paper she chooses, and writing personal notes for each child she knows.
“She’ll be up until two in the morning, handwriting messages,” says longtime friend and Dollywood staffer Angie Callahan. “It’s not just ‘Merry Christmas’ — it’s little things she remembers, like a hobby or a school subject they love.”
Dolly shrugs off the praise: “If you can give your time, that’s better than any store-bought present.”
Blending Playfulness with Purpose
While Dolly’s Christmas spirit is full of laughter and silliness — think reindeer antlers worn at the dinner table — it’s always grounded in purpose. She uses Granny Claus as an opportunity to encourage generosity in others, especially children.
“I tell the little ones, ‘Now it’s your turn. You think of someone who needs a little cheer, and you be their Santa,’” she says. “Even if it’s just drawing them a picture or making them a card.”
This gentle nudge has sparked its own ripple effect; several Dollywood employees say their own kids have started “mini Granny Claus” traditions, delivering cookies or gifts to neighbors.
How It Started
The first Granny Claus appearance happened decades ago, at a Dollywood staff holiday party. Dolly wanted to surprise the employees’ children but felt like playing Santa didn’t quite fit her. “I thought, I ain’t shaving my legs for a beard, and I’m not wearing boots that heavy,” she jokes. “So Granny Claus was born — kind of like Santa’s favorite aunt who’s still young enough to dance but wise enough to know what you really want.”
From there, the tradition grew. What began as a one-off gag turned into an annual highlight, expanding to hospitals, community centers, and charity events.
Memorable Moments
Over the years, Granny Claus has had her share of unforgettable encounters. Dolly recalls one little boy at a children’s hospital who asked for “just one thing” — a visit from his grandmother who lived several states away. Within 48 hours, Dolly had arranged flights, lodging, and a reunion in time for Christmas morning.
Another year, she gave a shy teenager a guitar, along with a note that read: “Write your own story, and sing it loud.” Years later, that teen — now a songwriter in Nashville — sent her a demo titled Granny Claus Got Me Started.
Why It Matters
Dolly sees Granny Claus not just as a festive role, but as a responsibility. “When you’re in a position to give joy, you don’t wait,” she says. “You don’t save it for later. You do it now, because you don’t know what tomorrow holds.”
For her, the holiday season isn’t about the scale of the gift but the spirit behind it. “It’s the smile, the laugh, the feeling that somebody thought of you,” she explains. “That’s what lasts.”
Looking Ahead
As she approaches her eighties, Dolly shows no signs of slowing Granny Claus down. In fact, she’s planning to expand the tradition with a televised special next year — a blend of holiday music, behind-the-scenes looks at her preparations, and real-life moments of giving.
“I want folks to see it’s not just a costume or a prop,” she says. “It’s about carrying the Christmas spirit with you all year long.”
Final Word from Dolly
When asked what she hopes people take from her Granny Claus tradition, Dolly’s answer is simple: “I hope they feel loved. And I hope they pass it on.”
Because for Dolly Parton, the magic of Christmas doesn’t end when the lights come down — it lingers, in the hearts of those who were touched by the woman in red velvet, climbing out of her elevator chimney with a gift in her hands and a sparkle in her eyes.
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