Dolly Parton: 'I became a singer so I'd be loved'

Dolly Parton has revealed that she became a singer because she wanted to be loved.

The country music star, who is best known for hit songs such as 'I Will Always Love You' and 'Nine To Five', said that she realised as a young girl that she got more attention when she performed for people.

Parton told Elle magazine: "I always wanted to be loved. That's why I do this. I come from a family of 12 so I kind of got a little lost as a child. Then I realised that music and an outgoing personality was all I needed to get me attention."

However, she insisted that she has never used her sexuality to be a success, saying: "I never slept with anyone to get ahead. I always said, if I do that it's going to be because you turn me on, not because I'm trying to get somewhere in this business.

"I believed I could get ahead on talent alone. I am confident in who I am and what I have. I knew I had something and I could make a living out of it and I knew my worth. I'm tough where I'm concerned."

Parton recently rapped about singer and actress Queen Latifah during a live concert. The pair worked together on new movie Joyful Noise.

Parton's new album Better Day is available in the US now and will be released in the UK on August 29.

> Dolly Parton premieres 'Together You and I' video

Watch Dolly Parton rap during her concert below: