If you’re a fan of country music, then you surely know the name Dolly Parton. She’s a legend in the industry, known for her powerful vocals, catchy tunes, and larger-than-life personality. But there’s much more to Dolly Parton than just her music career. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at her life, her legacy, and everything in between.
Who is Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee. She was one of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens. From a young age, Dolly showed a love for music, singing and playing guitar with her siblings. She made her first public performance at age 10, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already making a name for herself in the local music scene.
Sure, here are some details about Dolly Parton presented in a table format:
Full name | Dolly Rebecca Parton |
Date of birth | January 19, 1946 |
Place of birth | Sevier County, Tennessee, United States |
Occupation | Singer-songwriter, actress, author |
Genres | Country, pop, bluegrass, gospel |
Labels | RCA Victor, Monument, Mercury, Warner Bros., Columbia, Sugar Hill, Dolly, Butterfly Records, Rising Tide, Blue Eye Records |
Net worth | $650 million (estimated) |
Spouse | Carl Thomas Dean (m. 1966) |
Siblings | 11 |
Signature style | Big blonde wigs, bold makeup, rhinestones |
Philanthropy | Dollywood Foundation, Imagination Library |
Rise to Fame: Dolly Parton’s Music Career
Dolly Parton’s music career began in earnest in the 1960s, when she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her dreams of becoming a country music singer. She quickly caught the attention of the industry with her unique voice and songwriting talent, and she signed her first recording contract with Monument Records in 1965.
Over the years, Dolly Parton has released countless hit songs, including “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5.” She’s won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. Her music has touched the hearts of fans all over the world, and she’s become an icon in the industry.
Beyond the Music: Dolly Parton’s Philanthropy and Business Ventures
But Dolly Parton’s influence extends far beyond the world of music. She’s also known for her philanthropy and business ventures. In 1986, she founded the Dollywood Foundation, which aims to improve literacy rates among children in her home state of Tennessee. The foundation’s flagship program, Imagination Library, has provided free books to millions of children across the United States and beyond.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Dolly Parton has also launched several successful business ventures, including her own record label, Dolly Records, and her own theme park, Dollywood. She’s also been involved in numerous film and television projects, including the 1980 hit movie “9 to 5,” in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
Dolly Parton’s Signature Style: Wigs, Makeup, and Rhinestones
One thing that sets Dolly Parton apart from other country music stars is her signature style. She’s known for her big blonde wigs, bold makeup, and sparkling rhinestone outfits. But there’s more to her look than just aesthetics – her style is a reflection of her larger-than-life personality and her commitment to always being herself.
Dolly Parton’s Personal Life
Despite her larger-than-life persona, Dolly Parton is known for being private about her personal life. She’s been married to her husband, Carl Dean, since 1966, and the couple has largely kept their relationship out of the public eye. However, Dolly has spoken openly about her difficult upbringing, including the poverty she experienced as a child and her struggles with body image.
Dolly Parton’s Legacy: Inspiring Generations of Fans
Throughout her long and successful career, Dolly Parton has inspired generations of fans with her music, her philanthropy, and her unwavering commitment to being true to herself. Her influence can be seen in countless other musicians, both in country music and beyond. And her dedication to improving literacy rates among children has made a real difference in the lives of millions.
Dolly Parton’s Musical Achievements
Dolly Parton has had a long and successful career in the music industry, spanning over six decades. Her music has influenced countless other musicians, and she has become one of the most respected and beloved figures in the industry. Here are some of her most notable musical achievements:
Hit Songs
Dolly Parton has had numerous hit songs throughout her career, many of which have become classics in the country music canon. Some of her most famous songs include:
- “Jolene”
- “I Will Always Love You”
- “Coat of Many Colors”
- “Here You Come Again”
- “9 to 5”
- “Islands in the Stream” (with Kenny Rogers)
- “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That”
- “Rockin’ Years” (with Ricky Van Shelton)
- “Tennessee Homesick Blues”
- “Eagle When She Flies”
Awards and Honors
Dolly Parton has won numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including:
- 10 Grammy Awards
- 50 Country Music Association Awards nominations, including two wins for Entertainer of the Year
- 7 Academy of Country Music Awards
- Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999
- Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001
- Induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2009
Record Sales
Dolly Parton has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She has had 25 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts, and 41 albums reach the top 10 on the Country charts.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
One of Dolly Parton’s most significant achievements outside of music is the Imagination Library, a program she founded in 1995. The program provides free books to children from birth to age five, with the goal of improving literacy rates and fostering a love of reading in young children.
Since its inception, the Imagination Library has provided over 150 million books to children in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The program has been credited with improving literacy rates among children and helping to close the achievement gap for low-income students.
FAQs
Q: What is Dolly Parton’s net worth?
A: As of 2023, Dolly Parton’s net worth is estimated to be around $650 million.
Q: Has Dolly Parton ever won a Grammy Award?
A: Yes, Dolly Parton has won multiple Grammy Awards throughout her career.
Q: How many albums has Dolly Parton released?
A: Dolly Parton has released over 40 studio albums throughout her career.
Q: What is the name of Dolly Parton’s theme park?
A: Dolly Parton’s theme park is called Dollywood.
Q: What is Dolly Parton’s most famous song?
A: Dolly Parton’s most famous song is “I Will Always Love You,” which she wrote and recorded in 1974. The song became a hit again in 1992 when Whitney Houston recorded a cover version for the movie “The Bodyguard.”
Q: What is Dolly Parton’s most successful album?
A: Dolly Parton’s most successful album is “Jolene,” which was released in 1974. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts and included the hit songs “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Q: Has Dolly Parton ever acted in movies?
A: Yes, Dolly Parton has acted in numerous movies throughout her career, including “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Joyful Noise.”
Q: How many books has the Imagination Library provided to children?
A: The Imagination Library has provided over 150 million books to children since its inception in 1995.
Q: Does Dolly Parton have any children?
A: No, Dolly Parton and her husband Carl Dean do not have any children.
Q: What is Dolly Parton’s signature fragrance?
A: Dolly Parton has several signature fragrances, including “Dolly,”
Dolly Parton’s most famous songs
Song | Year Released |
---|---|
Jolene | 1974 |
I Will Always Love You | 1974 (original), 1992 (Whitney Houston cover version) |
Coat of Many Colors | 1971 |
Here You Come Again | 1977 |
9 to 5 | 1980 |
Islands in the Stream | 1983 (with Kenny Rogers) |
Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That | 1989 |
Rockin’ Years | 1991 (with Ricky Van Shelton) |
Tennessee Homesick Blues | 1984 |
Eagle When She Flies | 1991 |
Awards and Honors
Award/Honor | Year |
---|---|
Grammy Award (Best Female Country Vocal Performance) | 1978, 1982, 1988, 1989, 2000 |
Grammy Award (Best Country Collaboration with Vocals) | 1983, 1999 |
Grammy Award (Best Bluegrass Album) | 1999, 2001 |
Country Music Association Award (Female Vocalist of the Year) | 1975, 1976 |
Country Music Association Award (Entertainer of the Year) | 1978, 1979 |
Academy of Country Music Award (Entertainer of the Year) | 1977, 1978 |
Country Music Hall of Fame Induction | 1999 |
Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction | 2001 |
Kennedy Center Honors | 2006 |
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | 2011 |
MusiCares Person of the Year | 2019 |
Dolly Parton’s Philanthropic Work
Dolly Parton’s philanthropic work is an important part of her legacy. She’s dedicated to giving back to her community and making a difference in the lives of those around her. In addition to the Imagination Library, she’s involved in numerous other philanthropic initiatives, including:
My People Fund
In 2016, wildfires swept through Sevier County, Tennessee, destroying homes and businesses in the area. Dolly Parton established the My People Fund to provide financial assistance to those affected by the fires. The fund distributed $1,000 per month to families who lost their primary residences, and it provided a total of $9 million in aid.
Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Dolly Parton is a longtime supporter of the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. She’s donated millions of dollars to the hospital over the years, and in 2017, she announced a $1 million donation to the hospital to support neonatal research and services.
Mountain Tough
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dolly Parton helped launch the Mountain Tough initiative in her home state of Tennessee. The initiative provides financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic, with a focus on those in the entertainment and hospitality industries.
Dolly Parton’s Business Ventures
In addition to her philanthropic work, Dolly Parton has also been successful in numerous business ventures over the years. Here are a few of her most notable ventures:
Dollywood
Dollywood is a theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that Dolly Parton co-owns. The park features roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment, and it draws millions of visitors each year.
Dollywood’s Splash Country
Dollywood’s Splash Country is a water park located adjacent to Dollywood. It features water slides, pools, and other attractions.
Dolly Records
Dolly Parton founded her own record label, Dolly Records, in 2007. The label has released several of her own albums, as well as albums by other artists.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a dinner theater experience located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. The show features a variety of live entertainment, including horse riding stunts, musical performances, and comedy.
Dolly Parton is active on several social media platforms, where she shares updates about her life and work, interacts with fans, and promotes her various projects. Here are her official social media handles:
- Twitter: @DollyParton
- Instagram: @DollyParton
- Facebook: @DollyParton
- YouTube: Dolly Parton
Fans can follow her on these platforms to stay up to date with her latest projects and philanthropic initiatives, as well as to enjoy her witty and engaging social media presence.