Charly Reynolds is a rising country music artist known for her heartfelt lyrics and vibrant personality. Originally from Florida and now based in Nashville, Charly has captured the hearts of fans with her songs that blend honesty, emotion, and southern charm. When she’s not writing or performing, she’s spending time with her beloved dog, Dolly Pawton, a blonde labradoodle who’s just as sassy and soulful as her name suggests. In this interview, Charly shares what life looks like with Dolly by her side, from songwriting sessions to road trips, and how their bond continues to inspire her music and daily life.
Hello Charly, Welcome to Dogopo! Charly, your acoustic version of Off the Record brings out such raw emotion. How does Dolly Pawton usually react when you’re writing or rehearsing at home? Is she your biggest (or most adorable) critic?
Thank you so much! Dolly definitely loves to be in the writing room, trying to distract my writers with her cuteness and trying to get them to pet her. She is definitely my most adorable critic, although she is sassy. I think if she could talk, she would want her input to be heard and have a writing credit for sure!
How did you and Dolly Pawton first meet? Tell us the story of how she came into your life.
When I was moving to Nashville, I was planning on bringing my dog Benji at the time, but my dad and little brother loved him so much and told me I couldn’t take away their boy! So I went on Craigslist that day and found my little Dolly Pawton! She was the cutest little pup and SO good. I named her Dolly Pawton because she was coming to Nashville with me, and she is a blonde, fluffy labradoodle, so she was clearly a Dolly!
Does Dolly ever travel with you on tour or to the studio? What’s it like having her as your little road companion?
She comes with me on the road. She snores too much to be in the studio, though! I love having her on the road. She is such a good road dog, just sleeps the whole time. I can’t wait til one day I have a tour bus and can bring her everywhere all the time.
If Dolly could write a song about your bond, what do you think it would be called—and would it be a ballad or a boot-stompin’ anthem?
I think it would be something along the lines of “A Country Girl’s Best Friend.” I imagine it to be mid-tempo and sweet. Something about how she is always there when I get home, excited and wagging her tail. Also including her favorites – long walks and the dog park.
Many fans say your lyrics feel personal and comforting. Has your relationship with Dolly influenced any of your songwriting?
Thank you! I would say she definitely could have a little influence there.
Describe a perfect “girls’ day off” for you and Dolly. What are your favorite ways to unwind together?
Well, first off, we would have to start the day with her getting two eggs and blueberries for breakfast. Then we would go to TjMaxx together and let her pick out some toys, and after that stop at Chickfila and get a pup cup for her (they give whipped cream AND a dog treat on top!) Then we would call all her dog friends and go to the dog park for an hour or so and let them play, and end the night with a sunset walk together.
Dolly seems like she has a lot of personality! If she had a country stage name and released her own debut album, what would it be called?
Her name would definitely stay Dolly Pawton! Too good to change. And if she released her own debut album, it would be called “Too Pretty to Heel” because that girl has a mind of her own and isn’t gonna listen to anybody tell her what to do or when to do it!
Finally, what’s one thing Dolly Pawton has taught you about life, love, or even music that you carry with you every day?
I think we can learn a lot from our dogs. Dogs don’t worry about yesterday or stress about tomorrow. They’re all in, right now. That’s something most of us forget to do. I also love how they love us unconditionally. Whether you’re successful, struggling, moody, or tired, they love you exactly the same. I also realize that I am her whole life, so when I am home with her, I try to do my best at being present with her. I feel so blessed that she is in my life!
To know more about Charly Reynolds, visit her website charlyreynolds.com and follow her on Facebook @charlyreynoldsmusic, Instagram @charlyreynoldsmusic, X @Charly_Reynolds, and TikTok.