Dolly Parton Biography

Perhaps as much known for her physical traits as she is her phenomenal country-western voice, Dolly Parton is one of the most well-respected female country stars in music history. During her career, she has had 25 #1 hits on the country charts, 41 top 10 country albums and 110 charted singles during her 40 year career. She has garnered seven Grammy Awards, while receiving 42 Grammy nominations.


Born Dolly Rebecca Parton in January 1946 in Sevierville, Tennessee, Parton grew up with little money as the fourth of 12 children. In fact, Parton and husband Carl Dean, ended up raising five of her younger brothers and sisters. She has been well-known throughout much of her career for her surgically-enhanced bust and sometimes flamboyant personality.

She began singing as a child on local radio stations and by the age of 12, was doing regular appearances on local television outlets. She started recording at the age of 13 with a small record label and making appearances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. After graduating from high school, Parton moved to Nashville and officially signed with Monument Records as a pop singer; however, after limited success, she switched genres to country music and began her rise to the top. Parton's voice was tailor-made for country radio, with its upbeat soprano lilt and her natural Tennessee twang.

Her first country single, Dumb Blonde, went to #24 on the charts. That same year, she joined the Porter Wagoner syndicated TV show and recorded duets for seven years before pursuing a solo career. In fact, her 1974 hit I Will Always Love You, which was a #1 hit on the country charts was covered by Whitney Houston for the 1992 movie The Bodyguard, starring Houston and Kevin Costner. Parton says she received $6 million in royalties from Houston’s cover of the tune.

Parton released a successful pop album in 1977 and began to pursue an acting career that same year. She saw acting success with her appearance in the 1980 movie 9 to 5, alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda; however, her acting career took somewhat of a nosedive after that, seeing Parton only appear in bit parts in movies and TV shows. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984.

After 20 years of recording music, Parton switched to Columbia Records in 1987, where she remained until 1995. In addition to her entertainment career, Parton also still runs a theme park in Tennessee dubbed Dollywood (founded in 1961). She also owns a restaurant just outside the theme park called “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede” and runs a production company with former manager Sandy Gallin. Sandollar Productions is responsible for hit movies like Father of the Bride I and II and the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She is currently recording with Sugar Hills Records.
Parton is set to release a second live DVD and record Live From London in October 2009. She is working on a dance album entitled Dance with Dolly as well.