Dolly Parton is an icon in the world of country music. She has been a staple in the industry for decades and has become known as the Queen of Country Music. Parton is not only a talented singer, but also a songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the life and career of this legendary musician.

Early Life

Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children in her family. From an early age, Parton showed an interest in music. She started singing in church when she was just a child, and by the age of ten she was performing on local radio and television programs.

Parton's family was poor, but they were a close-knit group. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and a love of music. They also encouraged her to pursue her dreams, no matter how big they might seem.

Early Career

At the age of eighteen, Parton moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. She signed with Combine Publishing and began writing songs for other artists. Her breakout moment came in 1967, when country singer Bill Phillips recorded her song "Put It Off Until Tomorrow."

Parton's own singing career took off in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her first single, "Dumb Blonde," was released in 1967 and reached the top forty on the country charts. She followed that up with a string of hits, including "Joshua," "Coat of Many Colors," and "Jolene."

Musical Success

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Parton continued to dominate the country music charts. She had hit after hit, including "Here You Come Again," "9 to 5," and "Islands in the Stream" (a duet with Kenny Rogers). In addition to her music career, she also appeared in films such as "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and "Steel Magnolias."

Parton's success wasn't limited to the country music world. Her music has crossed over into pop and even dance music with remixes of "Jolene" and "9 to 5." She has won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, Country Music Awards, and American Music Awards. Parton has also been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Philanthropy

Aside from her music and acting career, Parton is also known for her philanthropy. In 1986, she founded the Dollywood Foundation, which provides books to children from low-income families. The charity has distributed over 140 million books to children in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Parton also started the Imagination Library, which mails free books to children from birth until they start school. The program has expanded to 1,600 communities in four countries and has provided over 150 million books to children.

Personal Life

Parton has been married to her husband, Carl Dean, since 1966. The couple has no children, but Parton is godmother to singer Miley Cyrus. Parton is known for her flamboyant fashion sense, including her signature blonde hair and over-the-top outfits.

Legacy

Dolly Parton's impact on country music cannot be overstated. She has sold over 100 million records and has influenced countless musicians, both in country music and beyond. Her songwriting and singing abilities are truly remarkable, and she has become a cultural icon. Parton has paved the way for female artists in the country music industry and has shown that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

In conclusion, Dolly Parton is a legend in the world of music. Her contributions to country music and philanthropy are immeasurable. Parton has touched the lives of countless people with her music and her charity work. She truly is the Queen of Country Music.