How Dolly Parton's pet dog saved her life when she was at her lowest

16 September 2019, 16:14 | Updated: 16 September 2019, 17:39

Dolly Parton Performs At The Dominion Theatre in London
Dolly Parton Performs At The Dominion Theatre in London. Picture: Getty

By Rory O'Connor

Dolly Parton has revealed her pet dog saved her from taking her own life after having her heart broken.

The '9 to 5' singer's pet Boston Terrier, Popeye, ran in and stopped her.

The 73-year-old singer opened up in an interview published in Dolly On Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton.

Dolly explained how she was holding a gun when her dog came running up the stairs and into the room.

She said: "I was sitting upstairs in my bedroom one afternoon when I noticed in the nightstand drawer my gun that I keep for burglars.

Dolly Parton at the London premiere of 9 to 5 The Musical
Dolly Parton at the London premiere of 9 to 5 The Musical. Picture: PA

"I looked at it a long time. Then, just as I picked it up, just to hold it and look at it for a moment, our little dog, Popeye, came running up the stairs.

Dolly Parton is releasing her own podcast series - we can't wait!

"The tap-tap-tap of his paws jolted me back to reality I suddenly froze. I put the gun down. Then I prayed."

Dolly believes her dog Popeye's intervention was a sign from God.

She said: "I kinda believe Popeye was a spiritual messenger from God.

"I don’t think I’d have done it, killed myself, but I can’t say for sure.

"Now that I've gone through that terrible moment, I can certainly understand the possibilities even for someone solid like me if the pain gets bad enough."

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. You can also email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.