Dolly Parton
[Dolly Parton with guitar]. Library of Congress.
Dolly Parton as Uncle Sam
[Dolly Parton as Uncle Sam]. Library of Congress.
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee. The Partons were a farming family, and Dolly had eleven siblings.
From a young age, it was clear that Dolly had a talent for music. After she received a guitar when she was eight, she started writing her own music. She sang and played the guitar on local radio and television from the age of 10. When Dolly was only 13 years old, she first performed at the Grand Ole Opry, a famous weekly radio broadcast for country music. After graduating from high school in 1964, Dolly moved to Nashville, the country music capital, to start a career as a musician.
On her first day in Nashville, Dolly met Carl Dean. It was love at first sight for Dolly. They quickly grew close, but after a few months of dating, Carl joined the army. They agreed to get married when he returned. While Carl was away, Dolly focused on her music career. When they married on May 30, 1966, she made it clear that she would not become a housewife and would continue her music career.
Porter Wagoner, a country music star, recognized Dolly’s talent. She appeared on his television show, which aired all over the United States. This helped her land her first record deal with RCA Records, releasing songs with Porter.
Dolly started her solo career in 1974 and quickly produced hit songs like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” She famously wrote those two songs on the same day. The Country Music Association named her Female Vocalist of the Year in 1975 and 1976.
From the start of her career, Dolly showed she had a strong sense for business. She always owned the rights to the music she produced, earning millions of dollars in royalties.
In 1977, Dolly made the crossover to pop music. Her song “Here You Come Again” reached number three on the pop music charts, as well as the number one spot in the country music charts. She won her first Grammy Award that same year for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
Dolly’s public image was as famous as her music, with platinum-blonde dyed hair and a large bust. She was open about the adjustments she has made to her appearance, including plast