Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee, as the fourth of 12 children in a poor family living in a one-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Dolly began performing as a child, singing on local radio and television shows before moving to Nashville the day after graduating from high school to pursue her music career.
Parton's first big break came when she joined 'The Porter Wagoner Show' in 1967, which helped launch her into stardom as a country music artist.
Dolly wrote the iconic song 'I Will Always Love You' in 1973 as a farewell to Porter Wagoner when she decided to pursue a solo career. The song later became a massive hit for Whitney Houston in 1992.
She is one of the most successful female country artists of all time, with 25 number-one singles on the Billboard Country charts and 44 Top 10 country albums.
In addition to her music career, Dolly Parton is a successful actress, starring in films such as '9 to 5' (1980), 'Steel Magnolias' (1989), and 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' (1982).
Dolly Parton founded the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1986. The park has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the southeastern United States.
She is known for her philanthropy, particularly in the areas of literacy and education. Her Imagination Library program, which provides free books to children, has distributed over 160 million books worldwide.
Dolly Parton has been nominated for two Academy Awards, and she has won 10 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1999, Dolly was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, recognizing her immense contributions to the genre.
Parton is also a prolific songwriter, having written over 3,000 songs, including classics like 'Jolene,' 'Coat of Many Colors,' and '9 to 5.'
Despite her fame, Dolly Parton has remained grounded and is known for her down-to-earth personality, humor, and wisdom, often sharing motivational quotes with her fans.
Dolly Parton has been married to Carl Dean since 1966, though he stays out of the public eye. Their long-lasting marriage is one of the most private in the entertainment industry.
In 2020, Dolly donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support research for a COVID-19 vaccine, which contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.
Dolly Parton’s influence extends far beyond music; she is a cultural icon, celebrated for her impact on music, philanthropy, and her positive, uplifting spirit.