Dolly Parton has funny reaction when reminded that cloned sheep Dolly is named after her breasts

Country music icon Dolly Parton recently revealed her reaction to finding out that Dolly the sheep, the world's first cloned mammal, was named after her-and specifically her famously recognized cleavage.

Nearly 30 years after the groundbreaking scientific achievement, Parton, 78, is still amused by the connection. When scientists at Scotland's Roslin Institute successfully cloned Dolly the sheep from mammary gland tissue in 1996, they chose the name as a playful nod to Parton's celebrated figure.

Asked by The Guardian how she felt about this unusual honor, Parton joked, "I was flattered," acknowledging the scientific decision to name the clone after her in a tongue-in-cheek way.

"You know, when the scientists cloned Dolly the sheep, they used the mammary glands...that's what they call them...glands...the boobs." She added with a laugh, "Everybody always played up to these, so that's why we had Dolly the sheep."

Although the cloned sheep lived until 2003, even producing six offspring of her own, Parton clarified that she has no interest in following suit. "I don't want to be cloned myself," she said, adding, "I want to get on out of here when I can."

Dolly Parton's amusing take on her 'clones'

The thought of cloning herself struck Parton as unnecessary since there are already so many Dolly impersonators out there. "We already get a lot of Dolly lookalikes, a lot of Dolly drag queens," she quipped. "I can just send them down to the store instead of me."

As one of the most beloved stars in entertainment, Parton is celebrated worldwide for her music, style, and generous spirit.

While she's amused by the various impersonations and tributes, the singer insists she's not planning to retire anytime soon, saying, "I always say I've dreamed myself into a corner. I've got to keep all those dreams alive."

Despite speculation that she might slow down, Parton clarified that her idea of retiring only means no more lengthy tours, particularly overseas.

"I still do shows; I just don't go on the full-blown tours where I go overseas for weeks," she explained, pointing out that at this stage in life, she wants to spend more time at home with her husband, Carl Dean.

Parton and Dean have enjoyed a lasting marriage since 1966, with Dean choosing to keep a low profile despite Parton's global fame.

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean

Despite her lively public persona, Parton shared that she prefers a quiet, home-centered life when she isn't working. She and Dean, who enjoy a simple lifestyle, often take weekend trips in their RV, exploring their home state of Tennessee and beyond.

"I look like a party doll," she confessed, "but I'm pretty much a homebody when I'm not working. I love to be at home, to cook, read, and do piddly things around the house."

Whether on the road or relaxing at home, Parton is committed to living life to its fullest.

Balancing her iconic public image with her private life, she continues to charm fans worldwide, showing humor, humility, and a deep-rooted love for both her music and her loved ones.