Dolly Parton is as close to a literal angel that we get on this (at times, miserable) planet. This isn’t even hyperbole, it’s a fact. Not only is she the woman who gave us ‘I Will Always Love You’, ‘Jolene’ and ‘9 to 5’, she also helped fund the COVID vaccine in the US and has gifted over 150 million free books through her program Imagination Library.
And now, she can accompany you on your way to your 9 to 5, all thanks to Apple. Yep, the tech giant is rolling out a new audio series ‘Time to Walk’, for its Fitness+ subscribers. According to Apple, in Dolly’s episode, she reflects on her career, family, and growing up in rural Tennessee. You’ll have her talking just to you (…and other subscribers) for 25-40 minutes straight.
She’s not the only one who can accompany you to work. There’s also NBA player Draymond Green, reflecting on the virtues of failure and tuning out criticism. Crooner Shawn Mendes shares how a slower pace has helped him, both personally and creatively. Uzo Aduba, award-winning actress, discusses lifelong relationships and keeping the faith.
Oh, and after the chat? Each celeb has a short playlist of songs that have given them motivation and inspiration, so you can keep on walking. New episodes will appear weekly, through to the end of April. There’s no word on what other celebs will walk you to work – we’re holding out for Harry Styles.
As for why Apple has chosen walking? Jay Blahnik, senior director of Fitness Technologies at Apple said, “Walking is the most popular physical activity in the world, and one of the healthiest things we can do for our bodies. A walk can often be more than just exercise: It can help clear the mind, solve a problem, or welcome a new perspective.”
The caveat? You do have to own an Apple Watch, and subscribe to Fitness Plus, at a cost of $14.99 a month, or $119.99 a year.
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