Dolly Parton
Who is Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a well-known American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She has made significant contributions to the country and pop music genres with hits like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5.” Dolly Parton is also a successful businesswoman, having diversified her career by investing in various ventures, including the Dollywood theme park, a successful line of merchandise, and her philanthropic efforts, like the Imagination Library, which provides books to children.
Full name – Dolly Rebecca Parton, (born January 19, 1946, Locust Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.),
Parton was born into a poor farming family, the fourth of 12 children.
Early Musical Career
Dolly began singing in church at a young age and showed a natural talent for music.
She made her debut on a local television program as a child, and her musical career took off from there.
At the age of 13, she recorded her first single for Goldband Records, and by the time she was 18, she had moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career in country music.
Breakthrough and Success
Dolly’s career took a significant turn when she signed with Monument Records and released her first single for the label, “Happy, Happy Birthday Baby.”
She gained wider recognition with her partnership with Porter Wagoner, a popular country artist, and their successful duets.
Dolly’s solo career skyrocketed in the late 1960s and 1970s, with hit songs like “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colors.”
In 1974, she wrote and recorded “I Will Always Love You,” which became one of her signature songs.
Dolly Parton’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to diversify her career. She became involved in various business ventures, including owning the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
She also developed a successful line of merchandise, including books, music, and other products.
Dolly Parton has been married to Carl Thomas Dean since 1966. They had a simple and private wedding ceremony. Her husband, Carl, is known for his privacy and has largely stayed out of the public eye. Despite being married for many years, they have maintained a strong and lasting relationship.
Official website of Dolly: https://dollyparton.com/
Dolly Parton’s music career
Dolly Parton is a highly acclaimed and influential singer. Her musical career spans several decades, and she’s known for her distinctive voice, heartfelt songwriting, and impressive versatility in multiple music genres.
Dolly Parton is often considered one of the most significant figures in country music. Her early career was primarily rooted in traditional country, and she has remained a prominent figure in the country music scene.
Dolly Parton has released numerous hit songs, including classics like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “Islands in the Stream.” Many of these songs have become timeless classics and have earned her critical acclaim and commercial success.
While best known for her contributions to country music, Dolly Parton’s music spans various genres, including pop, folk, and bluegrass. Her ability to adapt and experiment with different styles has garnered her a wide-ranging fan base.
Dolly Parton is a gifted songwriter and has penned many of her own songs. “I Will Always Love You,” which she wrote, has been covered by numerous artists, most famously by Whitney Houston, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Her music career has earned her numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. She is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Dolly as a songwriter
Dolly Parton is not only a remarkable singer but also an extraordinarily talented songwriter. She has written a vast number of songs throughout her career, many of which have become iconic in the world of music.
Here are some of the notable songs written by Dolly Parton:
- “I Will Always Love You”: This song, originally recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, is one of her most famous compositions. It became a massive hit and was later famously covered by Whitney Houston for the movie “The Bodyguard.” Dolly’s original version is a heartfelt declaration of love and farewell.
- “Jolene”: “Jolene” is another Dolly Parton classic. This song, with its distinctive and haunting melody, tells the story of a woman pleading with another woman named Jolene not to take her man.
- “Coat of Many Colors”: This song is a touching and autobiographical tale from Dolly Parton’s childhood. It describes a coat her mother made for her out of rags, and the love and warmth it represented, despite their impoverished circumstances.
- “9 to 5”: Written for the movie of the same name, “9 to 5” is a catchy and empowering anthem about the daily grind of working life. The song became a chart-topping hit and earned Dolly an Academy Award nomination.
- “Here You Come Again”: This song blends elements of pop and country and was a significant crossover success for Dolly Parton in the late 1970s.
- “Islands in the Stream”: This duet with Kenny Rogers is a beloved classic and showcases Dolly’s versatility as a songwriter. The song topped the charts and is a testament to her ability to create memorable melodies.
- “The Bargain Store”: This song is another example of Dolly’s storytelling prowess, describing a romantic relationship in terms of a discount store.
- “Love Is Like a Butterfly”: The title track of one of her albums, this song compares love to a butterfly with fragile beauty.
Dolly Parton’s style is defined by her distinctive voice, exceptional songwriting skills, and her ability to seamlessly transition between different musical genres. This versatility is one of the reasons for her enduring popularity and success in the music industry.
Dolly Parton as an actress
Dolly Parton is indeed a talented actress in addition to her music career. She has appeared in a variety of films over the years.
Here are some of the notable movies in which she has acted:
9 to 5 (1980): Dolly Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in this classic comedy film. She played the role of Doralee Rhodes, a secretary who joins forces with her colleagues to seek revenge on their oppressive boss.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982): In this musical comedy, Dolly Parton portrayed the character of Miss Mona Stangley, the madam of a brothel in a small Texas town. The film features her singing talents and comedic acting.
Steel Magnolias (1989): Dolly Parton had a significant role in this drama-comedy film, where she played the role of Truvy Jones, a hair salon owner and one of the “Steel Magnolias.” The movie explores the bonds of friendship among a group of Southern women.
Rhinestone (1984): This musical comedy features Dolly Parton as a country singer who takes on the challenge of turning Sylvester Stallone’s character into a successful country performer in a short amount of time.
Straight Talk (1992): Dolly Parton played the lead role of Shirlee Kenyon, a woman who becomes a popular radio talk show host by offering frank and direct advice to her listeners.
Joyful Noise (2012): In this musical comedy, Dolly Parton starred alongside Queen Latifah. She played the character of G.G. Sparrow, a member of a church choir striving to win a national competition.
Coat of Many Colors (2015) and Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (2016): These television movies are based on Dolly Parton’s life and her hit song “Coat of Many Colors.” Dolly played herself in a voice-over role as well as making appearances in the films.
Interesting facts about Dolly Parton
1. Dolly Parton is known for often wearing gloves
Since 2010, Dolly has worn fingerless gloves for virtually every public appearance or photoshoot, or instead long sleeves which cover the top of her hands.
Although the gloves and long sleeves are a style choice, the country crooner admitted she wants to cover up some tattoos in those areas on her body.
Dolly originally got the tattoos to cover up scar tissue that Parton has opened up about.
Parton confessed: “Most of the tattoos, when I first started, I was covering up some scars that I had, ‘cause I have a tendency to have keloid scar tissue.
“I have a tendency where if I have any kind of scars anywhere, then they kind of have a purple tinge that I can never get rid of.
2. Dolly is an honorary godmother to Miley Cyrus
She assumed this role because she and Miley’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, have been friends and collaborators for many years. Dolly has described her relationship with Miley as being like a second mother.
Dolly and Miley share a deep connection through music. They have performed together on various occasions, including duets and special performances. Their musical collaborations have received much attention and have been well-received by fans.
3. Dolly has three Guinness World Records
She’s a true record breaker! The singer holds three Guinness World Records: One for “Most Decades With a Top 20 Hit on the US Hot Country Songs Chart,” one for “Most Hits on US Hot Country Songs Chart By a Female Artist,” and one for “Most No. 1 Hits on the US Hot Country Songs Chart by a Female Artist.”
Gift ideas of Dolly Parton fans
Gift ideas for Dolly Parton fans can range from her music and merchandise to items that celebrate her iconic style and personality. Here are some Dolly Parton gifts:
Dolly Parton’s Albums: Consider gifting her classic albums or even her latest releases on CD or vinyl for those who appreciate the nostalgia of physical music.
Dolly Parton Merchandise: Look for merchandise featuring Dolly’s image, quotes, or iconic looks. This can include t-shirts, mugs, posters, and more.
Biographies and Autobiographies: Books that explore Dolly Parton’s life and career, including her own autobiography “Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business,” make for interesting and thoughtful gifts.
Dolly Parton Concert Tickets: If she’s on tour, tickets to a Dolly Parton concert are a dream come true for a fan.
Dolly Parton’s Cookbook: Dolly Parton released a cookbook called “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Fixin’s: Love, Laughter and Lots of Good Food.” It’s a great gift for those who love her as a person, not just as a performer.
Dolly Parton-themed Jewelry: Look for jewelry with symbols or quotes associated with Dolly Parton. Her signature butterfly, for example, is a popular choice.
Dolly Parton Wall Art: Posters, prints, or even custom artwork inspired by Dolly’s music and style can be a unique gift.
Dolly Parton Vinyl Record Clock: These clocks are made from vintage vinyl records with Dolly Parton’s album art, combining music and functional décor.
Country Music Memorabilia: If the person is a country music enthusiast in general, consider vintage country music memorabilia or items related to Dolly’s collaborations with other country artists.
Dolly Parton Perfume: Dolly Parton has her own signature fragrance called “Scent from Above.” It’s a unique gift for those who want to capture her essence.
Dolly Parton Puzzle: A Dolly Parton puzzle featuring a classic album cover or iconic image can be a fun and engaging gift.
Dolly Parton Quote Book: A book filled with Dolly’s witty and inspirational quotes can be a delightful and uplifting present.
Dolly Parton Fashion Items: Accessories or clothing items that capture Dolly’s flamboyant style, like wigs, cowboy boots, or sequined pieces.
Dolly Parton Documentary or DVD Collection: Collections of her movies or documentaries about her life and career.
Remember to consider the individual tastes and preferences of the Dolly Parton fan you’re shopping for. These gift ideas can be tailored to their specific interests and level of fandom.