Dolly Parton: Bio, Facts, Lessons 2024 [UPDATED]
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Dolly Parton Biography: Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer, songwriter, actress, author, and humanitarian, best known for her country music.
Today, we’re going to dig deep into the young Dolly Parton’s life…
Most people think only those with great gifts reach success; but this worldwide icon of music and acting, this country legend started out small and young.
Table of Contents
When Dolly received her first guitar from a relative, she began to pen her own tunes. With her talent and a lot of hard work, performing professionally at the age of 10 was no surprise.
Parton appeared on local television and radio shows.
Today, we’re going to dig deep into the young Dolly Parton’s life…
Most people think only those with great gifts reach success; but this worldwide icon of music and acting, this country legend started out small and young.
When Dolly received her first guitar from a relative, she began to pen her own tunes. With her talent and a lot of hard work, performing professionally at the age of 10 was no surprise.
Parton appeared on local television and radio shows.
Three years later, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
With her hopes and dreams on the line, Dolly moved to Nashville after she finished high school. She managed to capture the appeal of many listeners; she captured the hearts of audiences across generations with her music.
With her big blonde hair, and angelic notes, people took notice of her.
In her search for greener pastures, Parton began to make a name for herself. With her grit and tenacity, Dolly marked the beginning of her unprecedented career.
The messages she portrays that ask for inclusion and understanding drew people to her. Coupled with skilled jokes she unified everyone and kept them on-side.
Who Is Dolly Parton?
Dolly Rebecca Parton is a well-known American Country Music Singer-songwriter, Actress, and a 9-time Grammy awards winner.
Dolly Parton Education
Even at an early age, Dolly already loved country music.
How old is Dolly Parton in the world when she first took her leap to fame?
Well, after graduating from Sevier County High School in the year 1964, at the age of 18 Dolly Parton immediately moved to Nashville the next day. Shortly after her arrival, Parton signed a record contract with Combine Publishing.
According to the fan site Dollymania, Parton was bullied by her schoolmates. They locked her in a closet because they were jealous of Dolly’s popularity.
Dolly was a persona that people wanted to get to know as she explored her world of music (and great hair.)
Interesting Facts About Young Dolly Parton
But wait – let me tell you some facts you might find interesting…
- Parton and her family only had a sack of oatmeal to pay the doctor during her birth. Being the 4th of 12 children wasn’t easy, especially when you’re from a poor family. Clearly enough, being poor didn’t stop her desire to become the star her family is so proud of. And her love for country music made the way possible.
- Parton was bullied in school. Her schoolmates were so jealous of her fame that they locked her in a closet. Dolly has known her best friend since 3rd grade. Judy Ogle was her partner through the good days and the bad. They’ve been the closest of friends and Dolly loves her with all her being.
- Dolly and her first crush. Parton told Nightline; “I was sitting in the audience and that’s when I first knew about sex appeal, he had this tick when he moved his shoulder… and it was still sexy. It still got to me.” It was Johnny Cash.
- Parton wanted to look like the town tramp. Dolly got her look inspired from a very unlikely model. “I had never seen anybody, you know, with the yellow hair all piled up and the red lipstick and the rouge and the high heeled shoes, and I thought, ‘This is what I want to look like,'” Dolly said in a 2012 interview.
- Singing ran in her blood. Dolly’s siblings and relatives were Musicians too. They’ve had singing careers and starred in Dollywoods’ “My People.” It is evident that country music influenced their lives completely.
- Singing ran in her blood. Dolly’s siblings and relatives were Musicians too. They’ve had singing careers and starred in Dollywoods’ “My People.” It is evident that country music influenced their lives completely.
- Dolly turned down an offer from Elvis Pressly. Part of the deal was for Parton to surrender half of the publishing rights of the song. It just didn’t sit well enough for her and so she declined. It may have been for the best I guess…
- Dolly Parton is Miley Cyrus’ Godmother. Dolly and Miley are so close that they’ve done concerts together. Their love for music tied their bond. Fun Fact: Parton also played Cyrus’ godmother in the hit TV show, Hannah Montana. With Dolly and her appearance, it boosted both their popularity and fan base.
- Dolly describes her early works as “sad ass songs.” The songs she used to write were about the incredibly troubled life of a young teen. Parton mentioned in an interview, “That was really, really early on in those early, early days.” She continued, “Oh, I used to write a lot of sad a** songs.” I wonder if she’d look back and cringe at herself?
- Dolly’s doggie friend stopped her from a suicide attempt. Parton struggled with depression. It was during these dark days that Parton actually contemplated suicide. She got so far as to pick up a handgun. But Popeye, her furry friend, had other plans. The dog ran up to Dolly and that was when she had a revelation. “I put the gun down. Then I prayed. I kinda believe Popeye was a spiritual messenger from God,” Dolly said.
- She had a baby-in-a-box experience. “I have a farm in Nashville and one day in the ’60s we came home and there was a box near our gate with a baby in it. I had just recorded the song ‘Jolene’ and the note said, ‘Her name is Jolene. I named her after you, so please keep her.'” Yep, no mistake there— a real human baby! Parton responded “I called child services. “Immediately!” It’s crazy to what extent people would go! I would’ve named her Parton. Dolly. Or Rebecca!
- Parton can play a lot of instruments. The list includes the dulcimer, banjo, guitar, piano, recorder, pipes, and saxophone. Dolly is proficient at all of them.
- Roger Ebert once said Parton had “Healing Powers.” “Here’s what I remember,” Ebert wrote on his website. “I had a one-on-one interview with Parton in a hotel suite. As we spoke, I found myself enveloped by her presence. This had nothing to do with sex appeal. Far from it. It was as if I were being mesmerized by a benevolent power. I left the room in a cloud of good feeling.” Ebert then admitted he told his partner Siskel of Parton, “I almost felt like she had healing powers.” the following day. An impression only the famous Dolly Parton can pull off.
- Dolly Parton wears long sleeves to hide her tattoos. Most of them are all about her husband. Dolly mentioned in an interview that each one is an attempt to cover up her scars.
- Dolly likes to spend time in cemeteries. “Yeah, I love cemeteries, they’re so quiet,” she told Flippo in an interview. “You know, people are dying to get into ’em. Really, I write in cemeteries a lot; nobody bothers you there.”
Songs (Dolly Parton and her discography)
Top 3 Quotes From Young Dolly Parton
Parton’s contributions do not limit itself to just music and films. She also gave people the inspiration they needed. She became a model to some because of her view of life. Her humility attracted the right set of fans and will continue to do so as more people learn about the great Dolly Parton.
Check out the top 3 quotes from Dolly Parton herself.
They’ll be an eye opener for some and a new perspective for others.
Because of her encompassing love for humanity and life, her words of realization are very poignant. She’s a true pioneer that has stood the test of time.
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“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life,”
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“I’m not going to limit myself just because people won’t accept the fact that I can do something else,”
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“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain.”
Top 3 Memes – Young Dolly Parton
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5 Lessons From Dolly Parton
- “I look like a woman, but I think like a man. I’ve done business with men who think I’m as silly as I look. By the time they realize that I’m not, I’ve got the money and gone. “ There are times being underestimated becomes an advantage. Dolly Parton turns every liability into an opportunity. She knows her worth, protects her interests, and never settles for less.
- “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” Her famous line teaches humility. Dolly decided to model herself on a lady of the night in her hometown. She has made a lasting impression and is famous for not taking herself too seriously. Even after all that she’s accomplished, Dolly Parton never forgot to look back at her roots. She served her home town with all her being. She gave back to the poor. Dolly Parton and her philanthropy is better known than all her music awards combined.
- Always have a sense of humor. Every Parton fan knows how funny Dolly can get. Criticisms and negativity are always thrown out the door when she makes fun of herself. She never shies away from a good joke and her quick wit can take you by surprise. Even a country singer has her ‘ways’. And this country singer has superb humor. Fans will always love her wit!
- “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose” Dolly Parton might not be an all natural girl, but this Barbie has always been authentic to herself on the inside. Quite ironic, isn’t it?
- “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” In other words, no matter what comes to you, you can always do something about it. The problem might not be your choice, but what you do about it always is. You can adjust your attitude. You can adjust your actions. This music awards winner is always a fighter. It has been a tough ride for Parton.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Were Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers lovers?
They never dated. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were longtime collaborators and friends for decades. They explained in a 2017 interview why not. “I’m a believer that tension is better if you keep it than if you satisfy it,” Rogers joked during an interview on the Today show.
Why did Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner break up?
Although they never had romance, Dolly wrote her famous “I Will Always Love You” as a way of saying goodbye to her long time manager and professional partner. They have been estranged for a few years now after Wagoner filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Parton for leaving their show.
How many children does Dolly have?
Dolly and her husband, Carl Dean, do not have any children. Although they’ve been married since 1966, they chose not to have any for various reasons. In 2014, Parton said “If we’d had a girl, she was gonna be called Carla… Anyway, we talked about it, and we dreamed it, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Is Dolly Parton related to Billy Ray Cyrus?
They are not related. They have close familial ties between them. The pair met on a tour and have been friends ever since.
Where is Dolly Parton now?
Always… always in her home state Tennessee. Dolly refuses to go anywhere else.
Summary: Dolly Parton Bio, Facts, & Lessons
Who wouldn’t love her really?
In her recent years, for her remarkable music career, Parton received many awards and was recognized in the Guinness World Records 2018 edition for her accomplishments of most decades with a Top 20 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and most hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, by a female artist.
Bottomline…
…Dolly Parton is amazing! Her real life story of rags-to-riches has become a source of inspiration for many. Her journey has led her to many places; she has met so many people, and learned so many things.
Dolly and her hard work made all this possible.
And she never kept her success to herself. She shared it with her community, donated cash, and helped those who had no hand to hold on to.
Dolly Parton proved herself to be a great role model.
As a woman of faith, she trusted God and His plans for her life. She stuck to her virtues and she dug her way into what she deserved.
Dolly made it gloriously to the top!
Her ups and her downs, the stories you hear…
They all add up to this one big ball of wow.
Dolly Parton, young as she once was, has grown up to be a very outstanding woman.
Are you a fan of Dolly Parton? We hope so!
Why not check out our other BounceMojo articles about her here…