Dolly Parton Biography: Dolly Rebecca Parton, born on January 19, 1946, is a renowned American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, best known for her legendary career in country music. Initially gaining recognition as a songwriter, she made her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967. Her success continued throughout the late 1960s, both as a solo artist and through collaborations with Porter Wagoner. However, her peak in sales and chart performance came in the 1970s and continued into the 1980s. While her albums in the 1990s saw a decline in sales, she regained commercial success in the 2000s, releasing albums under various independent labels, including her own label, Dolly Records.
Dolly Parton Biography 2024
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and raised in Sevierville, Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children born to Avie Lee Parton, a housewife, and Robert Lee Parton, a tobacco farmer. Dolly’s musical talent began to shine early, and by the age of 12, she was already appearing on Knoxville TV. At 13, she began recording for a small label and performing at the Grand Ole Opry. After graduating high school in 1964, Dolly moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music. In Nashville, Dolly met Carl Dean, who ran an asphalt-paving business. The two married on May 30, 1966, and have been together ever since. In 1967, Dolly’s singing caught the attention of Porter Wagoner, who hired her to join The Porter Wagoner Show (1961). Over the next seven years, Dolly’s duet performances with Porter became famous, and she performed with his group at the Grand Ole Opry, toured, and sold records.
Dolly Parton Biography 2024 Details
| Born | Dolly Rebecca Parton January 19, 1946 (age 78) Pittman Center, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| Occupations | - Singer
- songwriter
- musician
- actress
- philanthropist
- businesswoman
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| Years active | 1955–present |
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| Spouse | |
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| Relatives | - Bill Owens (uncle)
- Randy Parton (brother)
- Stella Parton (sister)
- Rachel Parton George (sister)
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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Dolly Parton Latest News
Dolly Parton’s impressive net worth reflects the immense success she has achieved throughout her career and the vast number of fans she has accumulated. While she is widely recognized for her iconic country hits, Dolly is also known for her generous philanthropy and her ability to turn her musical fame into ventures across various industries.
Known for classic songs like “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly Parton has made a lasting impact not just in country music, but in acting as well. She starred in films such as 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Steel Magnolias, and in 2023, she released her first-ever rock album, Rockstar. Clearly, there’s little Dolly Parton can’t do!
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About Dolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, known primarily for her decades-long career in country music.
- Born: 19 January 1946 (age 78 years), Pittman Center, Tennessee, United States
- Spouse: Carl Thomas Dean (m. 1966)
- Siblings: Rachel Dennison, Stella Parton, Randy Parton ·
- Height: 1.52 m
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Early Life and Career
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin on the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center, Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 children born to Avie Lee Owens and Robert Lee Parton Sr. Her father, who worked as a sharecropper and later managed a small tobacco farm, was illiterate but known for his sharp business skills. Parton credits her father for her entrepreneurial instincts and her mother for her musical talent. Avie Lee, despite being in poor health, entertained the children with Appalachian folklore and traditional ballads, influencing Parton’s own songwriting.
The family later moved to a farm on Locust Ridge, where Parton spent much of her youth. Many of her fond memories from this time inspired songs like “My Tennessee Mountain Home.” After the farm was sold, Parton bought it back in the late 1980s and restored the property with help from her brother Bobby. The cabin from this farm was later replicated at Dollywood, her namesake theme park.
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Dolly Parton’s Path to Fame
Parton’s journey began in humble surroundings. Born as one of 12 children, she grew up in a one-bedroom home on a tobacco farm in Tennessee. Dolly’s musical talents showed early on, and by the age of 10, she was already appearing on The Cas Walker Show, both on TV and radio. By age 13, she recorded her first single, “Puppy Love,” and performed at the Grand Ole Opry, where she met Johnny Cash, whose encouragement would greatly influence her career.
After graduating high school in 1964, Dolly moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of becoming a country music star. At 19, she signed with Monument Records but initially struggled to find success as a pop singer. It wasn’t until her song “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” was recorded by Bill Phillips in 1966 that the label recognized her country potential. Her breakthrough came in 1970 when she charted with “Mule Skinner Blues” and hit No. 1 with “Joshua” in 1971.
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Dolly Parton Net Worth in 2024
Dolly Parton’s net worth stands at a remarkable $650 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Her fortune is the result of her multi-faceted career, including her music, acting, songwriting, film production, and numerous business ventures. Given her vast influence and iconic songs, such as “I Will Always Love You”—a song that earned her an estimated $20 million from Whitney Houston’s famous cover—Parton’s wealth is a testament to her lasting impact on music and pop culture.
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Why Is Dolly Parton’s Net Worth So High?
Dolly Parton’s net worth is driven by her extensive music catalog, which includes 41 top-10 country albums and 25 No. 1 singles. In addition to her solo work, she has written countless songs for other artists. For instance, Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” became the bestselling single by a female artist and earned Parton millions. Her successful film career, which includes starring in and producing classics such as 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Steel Magnolias, also adds to her wealth.
In 1986, Parton co-founded Sandollar Productions, which produced films like Father of the Bride and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The latter film’s TV adaptation became a cult classic. Additionally, Parton has branched into various business ventures, including a fragrance line called “Scent From Above,” a partnership with Duncan Hines for baking mixes, and, of course, her renowned theme park, Dollywood.
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Dolly Parton’s Annual Earnings and Royalties
It is estimated that Dolly Parton earns over $85 million annually, largely through royalties from her songs and various ventures. Her music catalog alone brings in between $6 million and $8 million per year, and she also earns $2 per album sold and $0.08 for every radio play of her songs.
How Dolly Parton Uses Her Wealth
Dolly Parton is renowned for her philanthropy. One of her most notable contributions is the Imagination Library, a program that gifts free books to children from birth until they start school. She has also funded numerous educational initiatives, including scholarships and programs to combat high school dropout rates in her home state of Tennessee. In 2020, she donated $1 million to help fund the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, showing her commitment to making a positive impact. Parton also supports various charitable causes and invested in a Black community in Nashville to honor Whitney Houston.
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The Success of Dollywood
Dolly’s Dollywood theme park is another significant contributor to her wealth. She owns a 50% stake in the park, which is valued at $165 million. Dollywood remains a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and love for her Tennessee roots.
