NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Iconic singer and songwriter Dolly Parton is venturing into the culinary world with the launch of her own line of frozen meals, featuring beloved Southern comfort foods. The new product line includes dishes such as chicken and dumplings, shrimp and grits, and country fried steak, aiming to bring a taste of home to family tables across the nation.

During an appearance on "CBS Mornings," Parton shared that her inspiration for this initiative stems from her childhood experiences and family traditions. "I am a good Southern cook. I grew up eating good, Southern food and learned how to cook it coming from a big family and my aunts and my mom and my grandmas. So that's just a natural thing for country women to know how to cook," she said.

Parton’s foray into frozen meals follows the success of her baking mixes in collaboration with Duncan Hines. "We thought, well, what else can we do because everybody loved it," she explained. "I have always wanted to have my own line of frozen foods, where you can really have – there's good dishes, and just reach out into the refrigerator, pull them out and just eat them. Just heat and eat."

In addition to discussing her new culinary venture, Parton opened up about the personal challenges she has faced following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March. The couple was married for over 60 years, and Parton expressed her gratitude for the support she has received during this difficult time. "I've been staying busy, which that's always better for me. Of course… when you lose someone you love and when you have been with them for 60 years, that's a big loss," she said. "You have to learn new patterns, new ways, new thoughts and all that. I'll always miss him, but I try to bring him into all the things I'm doing."

Parton also addressed a lighthearted online petition advocating for the renaming of Nashville's airport in her honor. Laughing off the suggestion, she remarked, "I'm very flattered. … I don't think anybody's that serious about that. We all make jokes about if it was that. ... It's a nice compliment."

With her new frozen meal line, Parton continues to blend her passion for music and her Southern roots, offering fans a taste of her heritage while navigating her personal journey.