Dolly Parton

Biography

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children born into a poor family, and music was an integral part of her life from a young age. Her mother sang and her grandfather was a fiddling preacher. Parton began performing as a child, singing on local radio and television programs in East Tennessee. By the age of ten, she was appearing on "The Cas Walker Show" in Knoxville. At thirteen, she recorded her first single, "Puppy Love," and made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry.

Early Career

The day after her high school graduation in 1964, Parton moved to Nashville to pursue her music career. She initially found success as a songwriter, with her songs being recorded by artists like Kitty Wells and Hank Williams Jr. In 1965, at age 19, she signed with Monument Records. Her first Top 40 country hit, "Dumb Blonde," was released during this time. In 1967, she was invited to join Porter Wagoner's popular syndicated television show, which gave her national exposure. Her first solo album, "Hello, I'm Dolly," was also released in 1967.

Rise to Stardom

Throughout the 1970s, Parton's solo career flourished with a string of hit songs that she wrote herself, including "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." In 1977, she successfully crossed over to pop music with the hit "Here You Come Again," which topped the country chart and reached number three on the pop chart. This led to a series of crossover hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including "9 to 5," which topped both pop and country charts.

Acting Career

Parton made her film debut in the 1980 movie "9 to 5," starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. She also wrote the film's theme song, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She went on to star in other successful films, including "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (1982), "Steel Magnolias" (1989), and "Joyful Noise" (2012). She has also been involved in producing television shows and movies, including the Emmy-winning "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square" (2020).

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

Parton is a savvy businesswoman who has maintained ownership of her song catalog, which is a significant source of her income. She co-owns The Dollywood Company, which manages the Dollywood theme park, Splash Country water park, and other entertainment venues. Her business ventures also include production companies, books, and merchandise lines. A dedicated philanthropist, Parton founded the Dollywood Foundation in 1988. One of its most notable initiatives is the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children. She has also contributed to various causes, including disaster relief and healthcare research.

Awards and Legacy

Dolly Parton is one of the most honored female country performers of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide. She has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. She has also received the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors.