Dolly Parton says not having kids allowed her to prioritize her career

Dolly Parton is taking a trip down memory lane.

During a recent episode of "The Oprah Conversation," the legendary country singer opened up about her successful career and said that her decision to not have children with her husband, Carl Dean, played a huge role.

Parton, who turns 75 in January, told Oprah, "Since I had no kids, and my husband was pretty independent, I had freedom. So I think a big part of my whole success is the fact that I was free to work."

The "Jolene" singer's decision to not have children doesn't reflect how she feels about them, though.

In fact, she shared it's allowed her the opportunity to launch programs like her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children until they start school.

"I didn't have children because I believed that God didn't mean for me to have kids so everybody's kids could be mine, so I could do things like Imagination Library because if I hadn't had the freedom to work, I wouldn't have done all the things I've done," she explained. "I wouldn't be in a position to do all of the things I'm doing now."

When it comes to whether or not there have been more sacrifices than rewards, Parton said she feels like she's exactly where she's supposed to be.

"I've made sacrifices, but I think, like I said, I believe what I know I'm supposed to do," she said.