Dolly Parton

Basic Information

Early Musical Beginnings

Childhood in the Smoky Mountains

Born fourth of twelve children in a one-room cabin on Locust Ridge, Parton grew up in poverty but surrounded by music. Her mother sang and played guitar, and the family sang together regularly. She began performing on local radio and television in East Tennessee as a child.

First Song

Parton wrote her first song, “Little Tiny Tasseltop,” at age five. By age ten, she was performing on The Cas Walker Show in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Songwriting Mastery

Prolific Output

• 3,000+ songs written over seven-decade career
• 26 #1 singles on Billboard country charts
• Top 10 country albums spanning four decades

Iconic Compositions

• “Jolene” (1973): Written same day as “I Will Always Love You”; one of most covered songs in history
• “I Will Always Love You” (1974): Written as farewell to Porter Wagoner; Whitney Houston’s 1992 version became one of best-selling singles ever
• “Coat of Many Colors” (1971): Autobiographical song about childhood poverty
• “9 to 5” (1980): Title song for film; reached #1 on pop and country charts
• “Islands in the Stream” (1983): Duet with Kenny Rogers; massive crossover hit

Discography

Studio Albums

• 52 studio albums released
• Numerous compilation and holiday albums
• Genre-spanning work including bluegrass, pop, and rock covers

#1 Country Singles (Selection)

• “Joshua” (1971)
• “Coat of Many Colors” (1971)
• “Jolene” (1973)
• “Love Is Like a Butterfly” (1974)
• “The Bargain Store” (1975)
• “Here You Come Again” (1977) – First million-selling single; crossed to pop Top 3
• “9 to 5” (1980)
• “But You Know I Love You” (1981)
• “I Will Always Love You” (1974 and 1982 versions both hit #1)
• “Islands in the Stream” with Kenny Rogers (1983)
• “To Daddy” (1977)
• “Think About Love” (1986)
• “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That” (1989)
• “Yellow Roses” (1989)

Acting Career

Filmography

• 9 to 5 (1980): Co-starred with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin; Golden Globe nominations
• The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982): Golden Globe for Best Actress; “I Will Always Love You” nominated for Oscar
• Rhinestone (1984): Co-starred with Sylvester Stallone
• Steel Magnolias (1989): Ensemble cast including Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts
• Straight Talk (1992): Romantic comedy
• Joyful Noise (2012): Co-starred with Queen Latifah
• Dumplin’ (2018): Netflix film; wrote and performed soundtrack

Television

• Numerous variety shows and specials
• Guest appearances on sitcoms
• Heartstrings (2019): Netflix anthology series based on her songs

Business Ventures

Dollywood

• Opened: 1986 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Size: 150+ acre theme park
• Economic Impact: Largest employer in Sevier County; attracts millions of visitors annually
• Expansion: Includes Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood DreamMore Resort, and other properties

Other Businesses

• Dolly Parton’s Stampede: Dinner attraction shows
• Pirates Voyage: Dinner and show attraction in Myrtle Beach
• Dolly Records: Independent record label founded 2007

Philanthropy: The Imagination Library

Founding

Launched in 1995, inspired by her father’s illiteracy, the Imagination Library mails free books to children from birth to age five regardless of family income.

Impact

• 200+ million books distributed
• Available in: All 50 US states plus UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia
• Recognition: National Medal of Arts (2005) for literacy advocacy

Other Philanthropic Work

• My People Fund: Provided $1,000 monthly to families displaced by 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires
• COVID-19 vaccine research: $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for Moderna vaccine development
• Habitat for Humanity support
• Various local and national charities

Awards and Honors

Grammy Awards

• 11 Grammy Awards won
• 50+ Grammy nominations
• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)

Country Music Association (CMA) Awards

• Entertainer of the Year (1978)
• Female Vocalist of the Year (multiple wins)
• Vocal Event of the Year (multiple wins)
• Album of the Year for Trio with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt

Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards

• Entertainer of the Year (multiple wins)
• Top Female Vocalist (multiple wins)

Other Major Honors

• Country Music Hall of Fame: Inducted 1999
• Songwriters Hall of Fame: Inducted 2001
• Kennedy Center Honors: 2006
• National Medal of Arts: 2005
• Golden Globe Awards: Multiple nominations and wins
• Academy Award nominations: Two for Best Original Song
• Country Music Association’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award: 2022

Personal Life

Marriage

• Carl Thomas Dean (married May 30, 1966–present)
• Dean, a retired asphalt road-paving businessman, has maintained privacy throughout their marriage
• Renewed vows for 50th anniversary (2016)

Children

The couple has no biological children. Parton has been open about her decision not to have children, stating she felt she would have had to sacrifice her career.

Siblings

Parton is one of 12 children. Several siblings pursued music careers: - Stella Parton: Country singer - Randy Parton: Singer and actor - Rachel Dennison: Actress (appeared on 9 to 5 sitcom)

Faith and Philosophy

Parton’s Christianity deeply influences her life and work: - Gospel albums throughout career - “God and me are tight” - Embraces all people regardless of background - Quote: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Cultural Icon Status

Parton has achieved rare status as a universally beloved figure: - Cross-generational appeal: Admired by grandparents and grandchildren alike - LGBTQ+ icon: Strong ally and supporter; annual “Gay Day” at Dollywood - Feminist symbol: Despite not identifying as feminist, her independence and business success inspire women - American icon: Recognized globally as symbol of American music and values

Influence on Other Artists

Countless artists cite Parton as influence: - Female country artists: Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves - Pop artists: Miley Cyrus (whom Parton considers her “fairy godmother”) - Rock artists: Multiple collaborations with diverse genres

Physical Appearance

Parton’s distinctive look – big hair, makeup, rhinestones, and curves – has become iconic: - Self-aware about image: “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap” - Refused to downplay appearance despite industry pressure - Inspired drag performers and fashion

Quote Legacy

Parton is one of music’s most quotable figures: - “I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb… and I also know that I’m not blonde.” - “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” - “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

Legacy

Dolly Parton’s legacy encompasses: 1. Musical genius: One of history’s greatest songwriters 2. Business acumen: Built empire from poverty beginnings 3. Philanthropy: Literacy advocate saving childhoods through reading 4. Cultural bridge: Uniting diverse audiences through authenticity 5. Authenticity: Staying true to humble roots despite fame 6. Longevity: Relevant and productive across seven decades

She stands as one of American music’s most accomplished and beloved figures, having transformed from a “dumb blonde” stereotype into a universally respected icon of talent, business savvy, and generosity.