Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton

Dolly Rebecca Parton (born January 19, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman, known primarily for her work in country music.

Early Life

Dolly Parton was born in Sevier County, Tennessee, the fourth of twelve children. Her family was poor, and she described her childhood as "dirt poor." Music was a significant part of her early life, and she began performing as a child, singing on local radio and television programs in the East Tennessee area.

Music Career

Parton moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1964, where she initially found success as a songwriter. Her songs were recorded by several artists, including Bill Phillips and Skeeter Davis.

Solo Success

In 1967, Parton was invited to join The Porter Wagoner Show, which helped her gain national exposure. She released her first solo single, "Dumb Blonde," in 1967, which reached the country top 20. Her first solo album, Hello, I'm Dolly, was released in 1967.

Parton achieved commercial success in the 1970s and 1980s with a series of country hits, including "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and "9 to 5." Her crossover success into pop music was marked by the hit "Here You Come Again," which topped the country charts and reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Acting Career

Parton made her film debut in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5, for which she also wrote and performed the title song. The film was a major success, and Parton received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. She went on to star in several other films, including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), Rhinestone (1984), and Steel Magnolias (1989).

Philanthropy

Dolly Parton is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the area of literacy. In 1995, she founded the Imagination Library, a program that mails free books to children from birth until they begin school. The program has distributed millions of books to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Business Ventures

Parton is also a successful businesswoman. She owns the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. She has also launched several other business ventures, including a film and television production company.

Awards and Honors

Dolly Parton has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, 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.

Personal Life

Parton has been married to Carl Thomas Dean since 1966. Despite her public persona, she has kept her personal life relatively private.

Legacy

Dolly Parton is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential artists in country music history. Her contributions to music, film, and philanthropy have made her a beloved figure worldwide.

See Also

• List of best-selling music artists
• List of country music performers

External Links

• Official website