Written by Sunny
Modified & Updated: 24 Feb 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
Dolly Parton, a name that has become synonymous with country music, is a singer, songwriter, and actress who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Here are 20 fascinating facts about Dolly Parton that every fan should know.
Early Life and Introduction to Music
Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children in a poor farming family. Her early exposure to music came from her mother, who sang and played the guitar.
Early Career in Music
Parton began her music career at a young age. She started performing as a child, singing on local radio and television programs in East Tennessee.
Move to Nashville
After graduating from high school, Parton moved to Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music, to pursue her music career.
Partnership with Porter Wagoner
Parton’s big break came when she partnered with country star Porter Wagoner on his television show. Their duets became very popular, and Parton eventually became a huge solo star.
“I Will Always Love You”
One of Parton’s most famous songs, “I Will Always Love You”, was written as a farewell to Wagoner when she decided to pursue a solo career. The song was later covered by Whitney Houston and became a massive hit.
Acting Career
In addition to her music career, Parton has also pursued acting. She made her film debut in the hit movie “9 to 5”, for which she also wrote and performed the title song.
Dollywood
Parton is the co-owner of Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The park is one of the state’s biggest tourist attractions.
Philanthropy
Parton is known for her philanthropic efforts. She founded the Imagination Library in 1995, a program that gives free books to children from birth until they start school.
Personal Life
Parton has been married to Carl Dean since 1966. The couple has no children, but Parton is the godmother of pop star Miley Cyrus.
Songwriting
Parton is a prolific songwriter, having written over 3,000 songs. She has said that she writes something every day, whether it’s a song or an idea.
Awards and Recognition
Parton has received numerous awards and accolades for her music, including multiple Grammy Awards. She was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Television Appearances
Parton has made appearances on several television shows, including “The Porter Wagoner Show”, “Dolly!”, and “Hannah Montana.
Musical Influences
Parton has cited singers like Kitty Wells, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams as her major musical influences.
Future Prospects
At 77 years old, Parton shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to make music and contribute to the entertainment industry.
Net Worth
Parton is one of the wealthiest country singers in the world, with a net worth estimatedat over $600 million.
Guinness World Records
Parton holds several Guinness World Records, including for the most hits on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart by a female artist and the most decades with a Top 20 hit on the same chart.
Business Ventures
In addition to Dollywood, Parton owns a production company called Dixie Pixie Productions, which produced shows like “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings” on Netflix.
Autobiography
Parton has written several autobiographical books, including “Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business” and “Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You”.
Grammy Awards
Parton has won 10 Grammy Awards and has been nominated 50 times, making her one of the most nominated artists in the award’s history.
Kennedy Center Honors
In 2006, Parton was honored by the Kennedy Center for her contributions to American culture.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s journey from a poor farm girl in Tennessee to a global superstar is a testament to her talent, determination, and resilience. From her early days in the industry to her success on the charts and her ventures into acting, business, and philanthropy, Parton has consistently demonstrated her ability to captivate audiences and make a positive impact on the world. As we delve into these 20 facts about Dolly Parton, we gain a deeper appreciation of her journey, her achievements, and her impact on the world of music and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where was Dolly Parton born?
Dolly Parton was born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee.
What is one of Dolly Parton’s most famous songs?
One of Dolly Parton’s most famous songs is “I Will Always Love You”, which was later covered by Whitney Houston.
What is Dollywood?
Dollywood is a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that is co-owned by Dolly Parton.
What is the Imagination Library?
The Imagination Library is a program founded by Dolly Parton that gives free books to children from birth until they start school.
How many songs has Dolly Parton written?
Dolly Parton has written over 3,000 songs.
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