What can I say about dreams? There’s lots to be said about them. Everybody has them. Everybody wants them to come true.
It’s always been my belief that you never get too old to dream. I often say (and mean it) that I wake up with a new dream every day . . . well, at least one, usually more. Dreaming is easy. Making them come true is the hard part.
A wish and a dream are not the same. You can sit around and wish all day long about wanting this and wanting that. But that’s not gonna get you anywhere if you don’t dream up a plan and then act on it.
I’ve often been quoted as saying, “In order to make dreams come true, you have to put legs, arms, feet, hands, and wings on them.” In other words, you have to work your ever-lovin’ butt off to get the job done. Of course, you also have to have a plan and a talent in whatever field that you want to be successful in. But with blood, sweat, and tears, it can be achieved. Most people are not willing to sacrifice sweat and tears, much less blood. Even though that’s very graphic, it does amount to that.
Some are luckier than most and don’t have as hard of a time achieving their goals, but it still takes time and devotion. I know it looks easy for people like me and Kathie Lee to say all of this, seeing as how we’re both successful women. But believe me, we didn’t get there without all of the things that I just talked about. We both paid our dues, we dreamed big, we paid big, and we’re still doing it at our age.
I’ve always loved Kathie Lee, and I respect and admire her openness, her talent, her beauty, and her willingness to share her life with others. I know she has been an inspiration to me as well as millions of others through the years. I was fascinated, but not surprised, when she decided to leave a well-established, secure career to start a whole new chapter in her life.
It’s Never Too Late is great and will be such an inspiration, not only for the older generation but to young ones as well. After all, a dream is a dream, and it can come true at any age. I’ve written books about dreaming and I’ve read many books on the subject, but this one covers it all and more. And just when I thought I knew everything there was to know about dreams. You go, girl! I will always love you and be dreaming along beside you.
—Dolly Parton
August 2020