Country legend Dolly Parton has achieved the kind of success any artist would envy. The American singer-songwriter is a cross-over sensation, with hits in both country and pop music charts, a respected Hollywood career, and a fan base spanning across generations.

Yet, even after decades in the spotlight, the multi-award-winning icon still finds her fame a “joy”—and, surprisingly, a bit of a mystery.

Parton, 78, made the candid revelation in an interview with Southern Living where she reflected on her success and her time in the spotlight.

“I think I’m a star to everybody but me,” she said.

“I always wanted to be famous, but nobody could have thought of the extent it became.”

Any doubts about Parton’s fame are swiftly dispelled. She has sold 100 million records internationally, conquered Hollywood, and become both a business tycoon and philanthropist.

Despite her success, the Jolene star is still amazed by her ongoing popularity.

“I’ll see a whole wall of my pictures somewhere, and I’ll wonder ‘How did that happen?’” she explained.

“It’s more a joy than a surprise.”

While she embraces her success, Parton has also reflected on what her life might have looked like if music hadn’t worked out. In a recent interview with E! News, she shared the alternate career path she once envisioned.

“Had I not been in showbusiness, if I hadn’t have made it, I probably would have been a beautician because I still would’ve had all that hair and makeup,” she said.

Although superstardom took her in a different direction, Parton says certain milestones in her career still stand out as the most meaningful. One of her proudest moments? Becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1969.

“Well, I’m proud of all of them, but I think one of the things that remains with me is that when I was younger I wanted to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry, so when I became a member back in the late 60s, to me, that’s still a highlight of my life,” she said.