Dolly Parton

About

Dolly Parton, born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee, is an iconic American singer-songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian. She is widely celebrated for her prolific contribution to country music and her distinct voice. Over her career spanning several decades, she has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and American Music Awards. Parton is also renowned for her philanthropic endeavors, particularly her literacy program, the Imagination Library, which sends free books to children from birth to age five.

Before Fame

Growing up in a large family in rural Appalachia, Dolly Parton was introduced to music at a young age through her mother and her grandfather, Jake Owens, who was a Pentecostal preacher. Parton's early life was marked by poverty, and she often wrote songs inspired by her upbringing. By age ten, she was performing on local radio and television programs in East Tennessee. After high school, she moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. Her big break came when she joined Porter Wagoner's show in 1967, which significantly boosted her career.

Career Highlights

Parton released her debut album, "Hello, I'm Dolly," in 1967, which earned her considerable attention in the country music scene. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she released a succession of successful albums and hit singles, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “Here You Come Again,” cementing her status as a country music legend. She has written over 3,000 songs, with several reaching number one on the country charts.

In addition to her music career, Parton has also starred in several films, most notably "9 to 5" (1980), "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (1982), and "Steel Magnolias" (1989). She is also the founder of Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which is one of the state's biggest tourist attractions.

Trivia

• Parton wrote two of her biggest hits, “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” on the same day.
• Despite her glamorous persona, she is known for her humility and self-deprecating humor.
• She declined Elvis Presley’s request to cover “I Will Always Love You” because his manager demanded half of the publishing rights.
• Parton is also a published author and has written several books, ranging from memoirs to children's literature.

Family Life

Dolly Parton is the fourth of twelve children. She married Carl Thomas Dean on May 30, 1966. Despite being married for over five decades, Parton and Dean have kept their personal lives relatively private. The couple has no children of their own, but Parton is a godmother to Miley Cyrus, the daughter of fellow country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.

Associated With

Dolly Parton has collaborated with various artists across different genres. Her notable collaborators include Kenny Rogers, with whom she recorded the hit duet "Islands in the Stream," as well as Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, with whom she released the acclaimed albums "Trio" (1987) and "Trio II" (1999). Parton has also performed with artists like Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, and more recently, pop stars like Miley Cyrus and Kesha, showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal in the music industry.

Dolly Parton remains a beloved figure in American culture, admired not only for her musical genius but also for her generosity, resilience, and enduring spirit.