Who Is Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center, Tennessee, USA. She is the fourth of twelve children born to Robert Lee Parton, a tobacco farmer, and Avie Lee Owens, a homemaker. Dolly grew up in poverty in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, where her family struggled to make ends meet.
Despite their humble beginnings, Dolly’s parents instilled in her a love of music and a strong work ethic. Today, Dolly Parton is a legendary country music singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, known for her iconic voice, memorable songs, and larger-than-life personality. As of 2024, she is 78 years old and continues to inspire fans around the world.
EDUCATION
Dolly Parton’s education was limited due to her family’s poverty and her early involvement in the music industry. She attended Sevier County High School in Sevierville, Tennessee, where she showed an early talent for singing and songwriting. However, she left school at the age of 18, just a few months before graduating, to pursue her music career full-time.
Despite not completing high school, Dolly has always valued education and has been a strong advocate for literacy. In 1995, she launched the Imagination Library, a book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth to age five in participating communities. The program has since distributed millions of books and has expanded internationally, promoting early childhood literacy.
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CAREER
Dolly Parton’s career is multifaceted and spans over six decades. Here’s an overview:
- **Music**: Parton’s music career began in the mid-1960s with the release of her debut album, “Hello, I’m Dolly.” She gained widespread recognition with hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” Throughout her career, she has released numerous albums and singles across various genres, including country, pop, and bluegrass. She has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards.
- **Songwriting**: Parton is also known for her prolific songwriting. She has written thousands of songs, many of which have become hits for herself and other artists. “I Will Always Love You” became a massive success for Whitney Houston in the 1990s.
- **Acting**: Parton has had a successful acting career, starring in films such as “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” She has also appeared in television movies and series.
- **Business Ventures**: Parton is a savvy entrepreneur who has invested in various businesses, including her theme park, Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dollywood attracts millions of visitors each year.
- **Philanthropy**: Parton is a well-known philanthropist, supporting causes such as literacy, education, and disaster relief. Her Imagination Library has provided millions of free books to children around the world.
- **Author**: Parton has written several books, including her autobiography “Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business,” which was a bestseller.
Throughout her career, Dolly Parton has become a cultural icon, known for her talent, wit, and philanthropy.
FILMOGRAPHY AND DISCOGRAPHY
**Filmography:**
- **9 to 5** (1980) – Role: Doralee Rhodes
- **The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas** (1982) – Role: Mona Stangley 3. **Rhinestone** (1984) – Role: Jake Farris
- **Steel Magnolias** (1989) – Role: Truvy Jones
- **Straight Talk** (1992) – Role: Shirlee Kenyon
- **Joyful Noise** (2012) – Role: G.G. Sparrow
- **Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square** (2020) – Role: Angel
**Discography:**
**Studio Albums:**
- **Hello, I’m Dolly** (1967)
- **Just Because I’m a Woman** (1968)
- **In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)** (1969)
- **My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy** (1969)
- **The Fairest of Them All** (1970)
- **Joshua** (1971)
- **Coat of Many Colors** (1971)
- **Touch Your Woman** (1972)
- **My Favorite Songwriter, Porter Wagoner** (1972) 10. **My Tennessee Mountain Home** (1973) 11. **Jolene** (1974)
- **Love Is like a Butterfly** (1974)
- **The Bargain Store** (1975)
- **All I Can Do** (1976)
- **New Harvest… First Gathering** (1977) 16. **Here You Come Again** (1977)
- **Heartbreaker** (1978)
- **Great Balls of Fire** (1979)
- **Dolly, Dolly, Dolly** (1980)
- **9 to 5 and Odd Jobs** (1980)
- **Heartbreak Express** (1982)
- **Burlap & Satin** (1983)
- **The Great Pretender** (1984)
- **Real Love** (1985)
- **Rainbow** (1987)
- **White Limozeen** (1989)
- **Eagle When She Flies** (1991)
- **Slow Dancing with the Moon** (1993) 29. **Something Special** (1995)
- **Treasures** (1996)
- **Hungry Again** (1998)
- **The Grass Is Blue** (1999)
- **Little Sparrow** (2001)
- **Halos & Horns** (2002)
- **For God and Country** (2003)
- **Those Were the Days** (2005)
- **Backwoods Barbie** (2008)
- **Better Day** (2011)
- **Blue Smoke** (2014)
- **Pure & Simple** (2016)
- **I Believe in You** (2017)
- **Dumplin’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack** (2018)
- **A Holly Dolly Christmas** (2020)
**Compilation Albums:**
- **The Hits of Dolly Parton** (1975)
- **The Best of Dolly Parton** (1980)
- **Dolly, Dolly, Dolly** (1981)
- **The Great Dolly Parton** (1984)
- **Collector’s Series** (1990)
- **Greatest Hits** (1990)
- **Greatest Hits, Volume II** (1993)
- **Super Hits** (1996)
- **The Essential Dolly Parton** (1995)
- **Ultimate Dolly Parton** (2003)
- **Playlist: The Very Best of Dolly Parton** (2009)
- **The Essential Dolly Parton Vol. 2** (2014)
- **Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris: The Complete Trio Collection** (2016)
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AWARDS
Dolly Parton has received numerous awards throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to music, film, and philanthropy. Here’s a brief overview of some of her most notable awards:
**Music Awards:**
– Grammy Awards: Parton has won 10 Grammy Awards and received 49 nominations, including Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
– Country Music Association Awards: She has won 9 CMA Awards and received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
– Academy of Country Music Awards: Parton has won 7 ACM Awards.
– Billboard Music Awards: She has won several Billboard Music Awards including the Icon Award in 2016.
– American Music Awards: Parton has won 8 American Music Awards. **Film and Television Awards:**
– Golden Globe Awards: She received 5 Golden Globe nominations, winning Best Actress for her role in “9 to 5.”
– Emmy Awards: Parton has received 2 Emmy Awards for her television specials and projects.
– Screen Actors Guild Awards: She received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. – Hollywood Walk of Fame: Parton received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984. **Philanthropy and Humanitarian Awards:**
– Presidential Medal of Freedom: She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2021, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
– Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award: In 2011, she was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to the music industry.
– Dollywood Foundation: Parton’s philanthropic work, particularly through her Imagination Library, has earned her numerous awards and honors, including the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
These are just a few highlights of the many awards and honors Dolly Parton has received in her remarkable career.
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FAMILY
Dolly Parton comes from a large and close-knit family. Here’s an overview of her immediate family:
**Parents:**
– Robert Lee Parton (1921–2000): Dolly’s father was a farmer and construction worker.
– Avie Lee Owens Parton (1923–2003): Dolly’s mother was a homemaker known for her singing and nurturing spirit.
**Husband:**
– Carl Thomas Dean: Dolly has been married to Carl Dean since May 30, 1966. Dean, a reclusive businessman, has largely stayed out of the public eye.
**Children:**
Dolly and Carl do not have any children together, but Dolly is known as a godmother to several of her nieces and nephews.
Despite her fame and busy career, Dolly Parton maintains strong ties with her family and often speaks fondly of her upbringing in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
NET WORTH
As of the latest available information, Dolly Parton’s net worth is estimated to be around $650 million. Much of her wealth comes from her successful music career, including record sales, royalties, and concert tours.
Additionally, she has earned income from her acting roles, business ventures such as Dollywood, and her extensive catalog of songs, which are often licensed for various commercial uses. Her philanthropic endeavors, such as the Imagination Library, also contribute to her legacy and influence in the entertainment industry.
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