Biography:
Born in a one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton was the fourth of twelve children in a poor farming family. Music was an integral part of her upbringing, with her family singing and playing instruments. She began writing songs at a young age and by the time she was ten, she was performing on local radio and television. After graduating high school in 1964, she moved to Nashville the very next day to pursue her dream of becoming a country music star.
Career:
- Early Days in Nashville: Parton’s early years in Nashville involved songwriting for others, with her compositions being recorded by artists like Bill Phillips and Kitty Wells. She gained national exposure as a featured singer on “The Porter Wagoner Show” starting in 1967, where her duets with Wagoner became popular.
- Solo Breakthrough: While working with Wagoner, Parton also pursued her solo career. Her 1971 single, “Joshua,” became her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This marked the beginning of her ascent as a major solo artist.
- String of Iconic Hits: The 1970s saw Parton release a remarkable string of hit songs that showcased her exceptional songwriting talent and distinctive soprano voice. These included “Coat of Many Colors” (1971), “Jolene” (1973), and “I Will Always Love You” (1974). The latter became a global phenomenon twice, first with her original country version and later with Whitney Houston’s iconic rendition for the movie “The Bodyguard.”
- Crossover Success: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Parton successfully crossed over into mainstream pop music with hits like “Here You Come Again” (1977), “9 to 5” (1980) – the theme song for the movie of the same name in which she also starred – and “Islands in the Stream” (1983), a duet with Kenny Rogers.
- Acting Career and Dollywood: Parton has also had a successful acting career, appearing in films like “9 to 5,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “Blue Valley Songbird.” In 1986, she opened her own theme park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which has become a major tourist attraction and a source of pride for her home region.
- Continued Musical Innovation: Throughout her career, Parton has remained musically active, exploring various genres including bluegrass, gospel, and even rock. She has collaborated with numerous artists across different musical landscapes and continues to release new music and tour.
Achievements:
Dolly Parton is one of the most honored and beloved figures in music and entertainment. Her numerous accolades include:
- Awards:
- 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
- 10 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, including Entertainer of the Year (1978 and 1979) and multiple Female Vocalist of the Year awards.
- 7 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, including multiple Entertainer of the Year and Top Female Vocalist awards.
- 3 American Music Awards.
- Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1999).
- Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2001).
- Kennedy Center Honors (2006).
- National Medal of Arts (2005).
- Polar Music Prize (2023).
- Chart Success:
- 25 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, a record for a female artist.
- 41 Top 10 country albums.
- Numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certified records.
- Other Recognition:
- Her songwriting is highly acclaimed, with “I Will Always Love You” becoming a global standard recorded by numerous artists.
- Her philanthropic efforts, particularly her Imagination Library which provides free books to children, have earned her widespread admiration.
- She has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2022).
Dolly Parton’s enduring talent, business acumen, philanthropic work, and down-to-earth personality have made her a true icon, beloved by millions around the world.
All-Star Dolly Parton Musical Tribute Full Closing Performance | Opry 100: A Live Celebration 2025