Dolly Parton: The Unstoppable Icon At 75

Is it just me or does it seem like Dolly Parton, age 75, is absolutely everywhere right now? She had a Christmas special on Netflix, appeared in a Super Bowl ad, and even partially funded the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. On Sunday, March 14th, she won the Grammy Award for Contemporary Christian Music for her song "There Was Jesus." It feels like Dolly is on a mission to unify the United States, helping us all recover from the struggles of the pandemic. Thanks to her efforts, we can look forward to returning to normal life. Truly, she is a national treasure, and without a doubt, one of the biggest stars in the country music scene.

Dolly Parton has sold around 200 million records, written and composed over 3,000 songs, and has an impressive 110 charted singles to her name. Her accolades include 44 Top 10 country albums, 10 Grammy Awards from 50 nominations, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. She is one of only seven women to win the CMA's Entertainer of the Year Award. With a net worth of $600 million, Dolly has come a long way from her humble beginnings.

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. She was one of 12 children in a family so poor that they lived in a single-room cabin. Many of her songs, like "Coat of Many Colors," reflect her family's struggles. Music played a vital role in her life from a young age, with many performances taking place in church alongside her musical family. Dolly's first dream was to perform on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.

Table of Contents

• Dolly Parton's Early Life
• Rise to Stardom
• Cultural Impact and Legacy
• Philanthropic Efforts

Dolly Parton's Early Life

Parton's angelic voice and beauty caught the attention of many as a child. She began performing on local television and radio shows in Eastern Tennessee, marking the beginning of her journey. At just 10 years old, she started appearing on "The Cas Walker Show" in Knoxville. By 14, she achieved her dream of performing at the Grand Ole Opry, where she met the legendary Johnny Cash.

Johnny encouraged her to trust her instincts, which she took to heart. After graduating high school in 1964, Dolly packed her bags and moved to Nashville. It was on her first day there that she met Carl Dean, whom she would marry just two years later. They are still happily married today, nearly 57 years later.

Rise to Stardom

In Nashville, Dolly quickly found success as a songwriter. She signed with Combine Publishing and penned several hit singles, including two top ten hits. At just 19, she signed with Monument Records, releasing her first single "Put It Off Until Tomorrow," which reached number six in 1966.

Her first country single, "Dumb Blonde," hit No. 24, followed by "Something Fishy," which climbed to No. 17. The late 1960s marked a turning point in her career, especially after she began performing on "The Porter Wagoner Show." This collaboration produced multiple hits, including her first No. 1 country hit, "Joshua," in 1971.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The 1980s were incredibly fruitful for Dolly Parton. She starred in the film "9 to 5," contributing to its soundtrack, which became another number one hit. This song even earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Dolly's influence extended beyond music; she starred in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and recorded the duet "Islands in the Stream" with Kenny Rogers.

Moreover, Dolly launched her theme park, Dollywood, in 1986. With over three million guests annually, it has become the largest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee, offering a waterpark and resort on its sprawling 290 acres. Her ability to continually reinvent herself and reach new audiences showcases her lasting impact on the music industry.

Philanthropic Efforts

Dolly Parton is not only a gifted artist but also a generous philanthropist. In April 2021, she donated $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which has been working on one of the Covid-19 vaccines. Her foundation, the Dolly Parton COVID-19 Research Fund, was even mentioned in the New England Journal of Medicine for its contributions to vaccine research.

Additionally, Dolly's fun and engaging personality shine through in her public appearances. She famously adapted the lyrics to "Jolene" to promote vaccination, singing, "Vaccine vaccine vaccine vaccine, I begging everyone don’t hesitate." This playful approach shows her commitment to public health and her ability to connect with fans on important issues.