She's released a whopping 91 albums, has won nine Grammys out of 50 nominations, and has generated millions in revenue for the city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, thanks to her theme park, Dollywood.
75 Years of Dolly Parton
There are few pop icons so universally adored as Dolly Parton. Equal parts country megastar, actress, and philanthropist, Parton has had a meteoric ascent throughout her six-decade career. In honor of Parton's 75th birthday, here's look at her incredible life so far.
Photo: i.insider.com
Private & Public PErsonal Ties
Dolly Parton's husband, Carl Dean, stays out of the public eye. But her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, has been in the spotlight for years.
Dean, a retired businessman who operated an asphalt-laying company, is famous for, well, not being famous.
Billy Ray Cyrus first met Dolly when he toured with her after the release of his single "Achy Breaky Heart" in 1992.
Her History of Philanthropy
In 1995, Parton founded the Imagination Library which gives free books to children up through the age of five. It now operates in five countries and donates 1 million books per year.
Who could forget the meme?
Dolly Parton nearly broke the internet last time this year.
Dolly Parton shared four photos of herself to Instagram last year and labeled them "LinkedIn," "Facebook," "Instagram," and "Tinder."
'I Will Always Love You' Isn't About a Romantic Partner
Despite all the documentaries, books, and podcasts made about her life, some Dolly facts aren't well known.
Before Whitney Houston's cover, Elvis Presley wanted to sing "I Will Always Love You." The deal fell through once Dolly learned she would have to relinquish 50% of the publishing royalties.
How to Live like Dolly
"We can't save the world, but we can save the world we're living in," Parton said about the political climate in a November 2020 interview. "Maybe I"m dreaming, but I don't think so."