We can’t deny that Dolly Parton is an extremely talented lady. This country musician was able to become a legend thanks to her sweet voice. Of course, we also have to consider the fact that she has a wonderful personality to go with it! She was already talented at a young age, and she honed these musical gifts to perfection later on. However, there are many things we are sure you don’t know about the musician. For example, did you notice that she never failed to wear long sleeves no matter what the weather is like? We’ll talk about this soon enough, so keep reading to learn this and more!
It all started when she was young
Anyone who even has a passing interest in music knows the name Dolly Parton. However, few people know the intimate details of her personal life. The way she was raised definitely molded her into the person she is now, quirks and secrets included. She is someone who is passionate about feminism, prefers keeping her personal life private, and dislikes wearing clothes that put her arms on display. If you want to truly understand where she comes from, it is important to go all the way back to her childhood. Let’s dive in, shall we?
It All Started When She Was Young
She Has 11 Siblings
You might be surprised to hear that Dolly Parton came from a family that can be described as “dirt poor.” Her given name is Dolly Rebecca Parton, and she was born on January 19, 1946 in the Tennessee town of Pittman Center. Did you know that there were 12 kids in the family? Her father worked in construction and farming, whereas her mother took care of the children full-time. The whole family lived together in a single-room cabin.
She Has 11 Siblings
The Church Was Her Stage
The Parton family was a regular sight at the church and attending mass was a huge part of her childhood. When she was 6 years old, she began performing for the entire congregation. Two years after she started doing this, her uncle gave her a guitar as a gift. This is where her successful music career began. It did not take long before she began singing on both the radio and the local TV.
The Church Was Her Stage
Johnny Cash Gave Her Advice
Dolly was only 13 years old when she performed at an iconic country music venue. Yes, we are talking about the Grand Ole Opry Hotel! Can you guess who the teenage Dolly Parton met backstage? Uh-huh, she got to meet the singer-songwriter Johnny Cash himself! He told Dolly to follow her dreams no matter how big they might be. He also told her that it was important to trust her instincts, and she shouldn’t let music industry execs push her around.
Johnny Cash Gave Her Advice
Moving to Nashville
Dolly Parton left Sevier County High School in 1964. After her graduation, she decided to pack her things and move to Nashville. The city was then considered the center of country music. We all know that she has a fantastic voice, though she still had a difficult time in the beginning. During the start of her career, she wasn’t even singing as she was busy writing songs for other performers with her uncle, Bill Owns. The two worked together to write many songs, two of which landed in the top 10 charts.
Moving To Nashville
She Gets a Record Deal
When you have the tremendous talent that Dolly did, it was only a matter of time before you landed a record deal. At 19 years old, Dolly was snapped up by Monument Records. However, it seemed like the company and Dolly did not agree on many important things. The studio wanted her to be a clean pop star with a teenage fan base. She made several singles for them, though none of these were successful.
She Gets A Record Deal
She Makes a Change
We bet the pop world now feels sorry about snubbing Dolly Parton and her works! Their loss ended up being a big win for country fans. After composing the hit that turned out to be Bill Phillip’s biggest song, she performed simple harmonies for him. This was the beginning of her transition into the world of country music. When she came out with two country singles from her album “Hello, I’m Dolly!”, they were instant hits. The songs even made it to the 17th and 24th spots of the country music charts in 1967. Dolly found her one true calling, and she was soon on her way to fame and success.
She Makes A Change
On the Wagon
Now that her country music career was unfolding before her, she received an invitation to appear on The Porter Wagoner Show. The musical variety show can be considered the launchpad of what would become one of the most successful careers in country music. You might be surprised to hear that the audiences did not like her immediately. She even had to be replaced by the band Norma Jean! However, viewers later warmed to her, and they expressed their appreciation vocally.
On The Wagon
Going Solo
It is pretty hard to think of Dolly Parton as anything aside from a solo performer, but she did work on several songs with Wagoner before. This partnership lasted until she made the decision to leave in 1974, and she was soon signed onto RCA Victor. However, the first single she released, “Just Because I’m A Woman,” proved to be a bit of a disappointment. It was decently successful, though it never went past the 17th spot on the charts. She did release numerous solo singles during the late ‘60s, although none turned out as successful as her previous work with Wagoner.
Going Solo
At Last
Wagoner found a way to change the music industry, and he helped Dolly Parton turn into the solo performer that she always dreamed of becoming. He recommended her to record and release her own rendition of “Mule Skinner Blues,” a song originally performed by Jimmie Rodgers. This piece of advice proved effective, and her solo career finally took off when the single ended up in the 3rd spot of the charts. After this, she came out with “Joshua,” and it ended up in the top spot! She would soon produce chart-topping hits in the following years.
At Last
Tough Love
Although their collaborations seemed destined for success every single time, Parton and Wagoner actually fought about Dolly’s career plenty of times. They were both headstrong individuals, and their personalities were simply not compatible with each other. Dolly knew she had to leave eventually. However, Wagoner issued a lawsuit against her for breaching their contract. Despite everything that was going on between them, Dolly sang “I Will Always Love You” to express everything she was feeling.
Tough Love
Please Don’t Take My Man!
For plenty of fans, Dolly Parton’s trademark song is none other than “Coat of Many Colors.” However, you might be surprised to hear that it only ever climbed to #4 spot of the charts. During the late 70’s, she came out with what ended up becoming her biggest hit. It was “Jolene,” of course. Apart from reaching the top spot of the charts, it also became a huge hit in the United Kingdom. Isn’t it amazing that this song, which she composed and performed, was called one of the best songs in history by the Rolling Stone?
Please Don’t Take My Man
Back to Pop
Although she did not become a successful music artist on her first try, she did not feel discouraged and gave it another shot. During the late 70’s, Dolly Parton began working with Sandy Gallin, and they ended up working together for the next 25 years.
Back To Pop
Here She Comes Again
Dolly continued to make attempts to get to fans who were not part of the mainstream audience. Her efforts resulted in “Here You Come Again,” a song that sold over a million copies overall. It climbed to the top spot of the country charts and ranked 20th on the pop charts. More success was in store for Dolly, and we daresay she deserved it! However, one of her biggest songs was written by someone else. Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil deserve credit for penning “Here You Come Again.”
Here She Comes Again
Award Winning!
Dolly only ended up becoming a huge star when the late 80’s rolled in. This was the time she released the album “Trio,” which spent a total of 5 weeks at the highest spot of the country charts. Her lucky streak did not end there, however. In 1999, she was also inducted into the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame. Apart from this, she also came out with several Grammy Award-winning albums full of her unique Bluegrass style.
Award Winning
We Will Always Love Her!
Now, we already know that she began her career as a songwriter. Perhaps this is the reason that it is no longer a surprise to learn that her songs were covered by several big stars over the years. We are sure you are familiar with Whitney Houston’s impressive rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” performed for the thriller The Bodyguard. Apart from her, Kenny Rogers and LeAnn Rimes also released their own renditions of the song.
We Will Always Love Her
The Oscars Come a Calling
Dolly Parton is the recipient of various music awards, but did you know she was also nominated for the Academy Awards? Her song “9 to 5” was featured in the film with the same title. It starred Dolly Parton herself together with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. What a talented cast! She also received an Academy Award nomination for the song “Travelin’ Thru,” written and performed for comedy-drama film Transamerica. The movie told the story of a road trip taken by a transgender woman and her young son.
The Oscars Come A Calling
Dinner With Dolly?
The song was all about the 9 to 5 arrangement by which most people live their lives. Perhaps, this is why it is not surprising to learn that Dolly Parton is a successful entrepreneur as well. The musician actually invested in various businesses based in Eastern Tennessee. Of course, this also includes the creation of her Dollywood theme park. Apart from this, she is the owner of a dinner theatre attraction called “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.” It has been going on tours in and around the United States since 1988.
Dinner With Dolly@
Not Riding High
If you thought that all theme park owners are huge fans of roller coasters, you might be wrong. Dolly Parton has admitted that she has never gone for a spin on any of the Dollywood rides! She suffers from motion sickness. Case in point? Her motion sickness was so bad that she actually became sick when she took the school bus as a kid.
Not Riding High
A Talented Actress
Apart from working as a composer and performer, the songstress is quite a talented actress as well. She began acting when she was on The Port Wagoner Show, and this was not her last acting credit. She actually starred in her own show, Dolly. Her performance in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas opposite Burt Reynolds was met with great acclaim as well.
A Talented Actress
Signature Style
We daresay that it was perfect that she was cast to play Miss Mona in The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. In the movie, her character runs the brothel called Chicken Ranch. Dolly Parton explained that her signature appearance was actually inspired by a working girl. During one interview, she talked about how she saw a woman with red lipstick, high heels, and big yellow hair when she was a child. Even at such a young age, she knew that this was what she wanted to look like.
Signature Style
Time for Love
Dolly Parton’s life goes further than just her career, of course. The musician always did lead a fascinating personal life. Did you know that she has been married to Carl Thomas Dean since 1966? That’s an impressively long time for a couple if we may say so ourselves. The couple exchanged their vows in Ringgold, Georgia, and her name is officially Dolly Parton Dean. Regardless, she has chosen to keep performing under her maiden name. Her husband Carl seems to prefer living outside of the spotlight, and he apparently only watched his wife perform once.
Time For Love
True Romance
The couple has never actually talked about having kids as they wanted destiny to take its own course. Dolly Parton was very candid when she spoke about this sensitive topic, simply lamenting that maybe she just wasn’t meant to be a mom of two kids. Perhaps, rather, she was fated to become everyone’s mother! She also praised her husband’s romantic gestures in public. The two recently renewed their vows, and they remain one of the strongest couples the industry has ever seen. The rumor mills might come up with terrible gossip, there appears to be no truth to them.
True Romance
A Family Affair
We bet you will be interested in this next tidbit we have about Dolly Parton! Did you know that she is actually the godmother of Miley Cyrus? The two actually collaborated in the past. They worked together on a cover of “Jolene,” and Parton always has the younger artist’s back. She always defends her godchild whenever the media is on Miley’s back!
A Family Affair
Forever Young
Dolly Parton sure looks amazing for a 72-year-old woman, doesn’t she? Well, her excellent genes play a role in it and so does plastic surgery. Apparently, she goes for a nip and tuck procedure whenever she notices that something is beginning sag. She has talked about this and explained that while she might look fake, she is always real “where it counts.” The musician is a firm believer that women can do everything they want to make themselves feel and look good.
Forever Young
Not Herself?
We bet you will agree with us when we say that she is one of the greatest personalities the music industry has ever seen. Her animated nature is also accompanied by her unique look! However, did you know that she once participated and lost in a Dolly Parton lookalike competition? She said, “I didn’t even come close.” Perhaps the wildest thing about the whole affair is that many of the other participants were men!
Not Herself@
Just Friends
Did you know that some people believe Parton is a closeted lesbian? The rumors began when people noticed that she rarely made public appearances with her husband and had a special friendship with a female friend from her childhood. You will even find pictures of her holding hands with Judy Ogle. They have been best friends since Dolly was in the third grade! She explained that she does love Judy, though their relationship was only platonic.
Just Friends
Building Bridges
Although Dolly and Porter Wagoner fell out many years ago, she did not hesitate to rush to his bedside the moment she learned he was gravely ill. Her former partner died of lung cancer at 80 years old. Dolly was there to help him through the ordeal and bid him a proper goodbye. In one interview, she talked about how difficult an experience it was and how she prayed for him.
Building Bridges
The Feud That Never Was
The media painted Dolly Parton in a bad light when Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” came out with great success. However, her fans should know that there was no truth to this. The two performers always talk about how much they like each other. Whitney even thanked Dolly for letting her cover the song, and Dolly replied that it was her honor to grant her permission! Aww.
The Feud That Never Was
Book Days!
Her family’s financial situation when she was younger has shaped her into a person who will not hesitate to help children in need. She launched the Dollywood Foundation that helps kids by providing them a book every single month. The program spans the time the children were born to the moment they go into kindergartner. We bet many kids have to thank her for the bedtime stories they heard growing up!
Book Days
Teaching Tolerance
Apart from this effort, Dolly Parton holds an annual charity event called Gay Day at Dollywood. For her, anyone who judges is committing a sin. How admirable is that? She has also said, “I try to love everybody.” What a great role model she is. We love you back, Dolly!
Teaching Tolerance
She Once Tried to Commit Suicide
From the point of view of an outsider, Dolly appears like a happy-go-lucky person with everything she wants and needs. However, success does not grant people immunity from hardships. Dolly actually attempted suicide at one point in her life. This happened when she and her husband tried out an open relationship arrangement. She went on a downward spiral when she broke up with her lover – she tried to take her life, though her Boston Terrier named Popeye came to her rescue. He made her realize that this was a mistake, and she eventually put down the gun.
She Once Tried To Commit Suicide
President Parton
Dolly Parton has never revealed who she voted for during the 2016 elections. A lot of people are convinced that she supported Hillary Clinton after she made some implications about it. However, she did quip that she might run for the head of state herself as she has the hair for it. Hey, we’ll definitely support her if she decides to run!
President Parton
She’s More Relevant Than Ever
Dolly might be getting older, though she has yet to show any signs of taking it easy. She actually went on a huge tour of the United States recently! Let us not forget that she also went on The Voice to sing with Miley Cyrus either. She was also the recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achieve Award, an accolade given to her during the Country Music Awards. She definitely deserves all this and more.
She’s More Relevant Than Ever
Rags to Riches
Dolly Parton might have grown up “dirt poor,” though things definitely improved for her in this sense. Her net worth is estimated to be $500 million! A portion of this fortune can be traced back to the royalties she gets through Whitney Houston’s cover of “I Will Always Love You”. Her life story definitely looks like something out of a fairytale!
Rags To Riches
A Tattooed Lady?
Some people believe that Dolly Parton’s body is full of secret tattoos. We have never seen her wearing sleeveless shirts or low cut tops, after all. Apparently, she does have some neat ink on her body. A tiny heart can be found on her cleavage. According to Roseann Barr, Dolly once showed her a tattoo of a pastel bow.
A Tattooed Lady@
It’s All in the Hair
We are sure you will agree with us when we say that her hair has helped her earn her legendary status. However, you might not know that she owns and wears numerous wigs! This was something she started doing when she was younger. She liked how easy they made it to experiment with different looks. She has said that she never goes out without wearing a wig. No matter what she chooses to do with her hair, we think she looks amazing!
It’s All In The Hair
Dolly the Sheep
You might be shocked to hear the next bit of information that we have for you. One of the most significant experiments in scientific history made a reference to her. Yes, we are talking about the first successful cloning. In 1995, scientists were able to clone a sheep by using a somatic cell. The scientists named the sheep Dolly as a homage to her. Apparently, the sheep’s impressive bust reminded them of the country musician!
Dolly The Sheep
The Lookalike Contest Fail
Dolly Parton is also a pretty big risk-taker. During one Halloween, she decided to enter a transgender lookalike contest happening in Santa Monica Boulevard. We’re still not sure how she could have lost her own lookalike competition, though that was what happened. We bet the audience got a kick out of the whole thing!
The Lookalike Contest Fail
Recreating Fond Memories
Like what we mentioned earlier, Dolly grew up in a low-income household with 11 other children. Back then, the house they lived in did not have a good electrical and plumbing system. When she finally made it big, she gave Bobby, her brother, some money so that they could improve the house. She wanted it to look exactly the same, though she wanted to install better electricity and plumbing to make it more livable.
Recreating Fond Memories
Barbie Influence
For most of her life, Dolly wanted to look as pretty as Barbie. This was partly because she grew up in a poor household. She simply wanted to be a beautiful lady her entire life, and we are sure that this had something to do with her hit song “Backwards Barbie.” The following lyrics might ring a bell if you need a little reminder: “I wanted to be pretty more than anything in the world, like Barbie. From rags to wishes in my dreams I could have it all. I’m just a backwoods Barbie, too much makeup, too much hair. Don’t be fooled by thinkin’ that the goods are not there.”
Barbie-Influence
Body Art
We have already discussed that the rumor mills were saying about her body art. The media believed that the country musician has a body full of tattoos, and this is why she never wears anything that did not cover up her arms. The musician had this to say about the speculation: “I have a few little tattoos, but they were mostly done to cover scars because I’m so fair.” We hope this stopped all the rumors!
Body-Art
Corn Song
Did you know that Dolly was already coming up with song lyrics before she could even write? Back then, her mother helped her put them down in writing. She was full to brimming with lyrics even when she was a little girl. Her first song is named “Little Tiny Tasseltop.” Here is an excerpt from her adorable song: “Little tiny tasseltop, I love you an awful lot. Corn silk hair and big brown eyes, How you make me smile.”
Corn-Song
5,000 Songs
Do you know how many songs she has composed over the years? Whatever answer you gave, we are sure you did not come close to the actual number. Dolly Parton has written more than 5,000 songs in her lifetime! She apparently writes new songs every few days. However, only a fraction of this has ever been released.
5000-Songs
Same-Same
What do you believe are her greatest hits? If we are going by mainstream appeal, the answer is definitely going to be “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” Interestingly enough, both songs were written in 1973.
Same-Same
Islands in the Stream
Did you know that Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton collaborated on the hit “Islands In The Stream?” Considering the amount of the talent they have between them, it’s no surprise to learn that it became a chart-topping hit almost immediately. It even became the top duet in history according to the list of 100 greatest country duets released by CMT. We’re sure it also didn’t hurt that the song was written by the Bee Gees.
Islands-in-the-Stream
Nothing But A Rumor
Apparently, Billy Ray Cyrus thanks Dolly Parton for kick-starting his career. After he released his very first album, Dolly hired him to open for some of her concerts. It was during this time that the Achy Breaky Heart singer’s career truly took off. However, the grapevine speculated that the two had an intimate relationship together. Billy Ray Cyrus apologized to Dolly Parton for the gossip, though she only replied, “Honey, that sh*t sells records!”
Nothing-But-A-Rumor
Not Far Off
Country music fans have also noted the physical likeness shared by Dolly and her younger sibling Stella. We definitely see what they’re on about. Stella is also a singer and she released an album inspired by her talented singer. It’s called “Mountain Songbird.”
Not-Far-Off
Huge Fan
In 1998, Drew Barrymore talked about Dolly Parton while promoting her new movie Home Fries. In the drama film, the actress played a character who was a huge fan of Dolly Parton. She even told the musician that some of her songs would be included in the romance film. However, the movie did not actually focus on it as much as Barrymore made it out to be. There were indeed some references to Dolly in the form of posters and pictures, though that was the extent of it.
Huge-Fan
Having A Laugh
Another admirable thing about Dolly is her excellent sense of humor. The songstress simply knows how to make people laugh. She once said, “I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb…and I also know that I’m not blonde.” What a champ! She also came up with this hilarious one-liner: “I was the first woman to burn my bra – it took the fire department four days to put it out.”
Having-A-Laugh
Baaaaaaaa
In 1995, scientists successfully cloned the first mammal. You might be wondering how this is relevant to Dolly Parton! Well, we will have you know that the sheep clone, Dolly, was named after her. The lead scientist of the experiment, Ian Wilmut, explained what happened: “Dolly is derived from a mammary gland cell and we couldn’t think of a more impressive pair of glands than Dolly Parton’s.”
Baaaaaaaa
Baaad Publicity
How did Dolly feel when she found about about this? She was delighted, actually! She stated, “She was called after me because she had big mammary glands. She gave me a lot of competition…but I always said there’s no such thing as baaad publicity.”
Baaad-Publicity
A Bridge Too
She might have been glad to have a sheep named after her and her bosom, though there were other things dedicated in a similar fashion. Case in point? The General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge. This is a structure found in Mobile, Alabama. It also goes by the name Dolly Parton bridge because it resembles her bosom!
A-Bridge-Too
Nicknames-a-plenty
Dolly Parton has also been called by plenty of monikers. Among other things, she has been referred to as The Backwoods Barbie, The Book Lady, The Leading Lady of Country, The Queen of Country, The Queen of Nashville, Aunt Granny, The Iron Butterfly, and The Smoky Mountain Songbird.
Nicknames-a-plenty
Thick And Thin Skin
There are many lessons we can learn from Dolly Parton. She has shown that anyone who wants to have a happy life must have a thick skin to get it. For her, toughness is an effective way to shut out the bad vibes. She is also a big believer in the power of love.
Thick-And-Thin-Skin
Greatest Love
During a recent interview, Dolly Parton expressed just how passionate she is about music. She said, “My music is what took me everywhere I’ve been and everywhere I will go. It’s my greatest love. I can’t abandon it. I’ll always keep making records.”
Greatest-Love
Big Spender
It must have been difficult to teach herself not to care about what people say of her fashion style. Regardless, this is something she lives by. She truly likes the way she looks. Dolly Parton is confident, and we love that about her.
Big Spender
Regrets
Dolly once talked about how she sometimes regrets not having her own children. When she appeared on the NBC news, she told the interviewer, “I used to think I should regret it. Early on, when my husband and I were dating, and then when we got married, we just assumed we would have kids. We weren’t doing anything to stop it. In fact, we thought maybe we would. We even had names if we did, but it didn’t turn out that way.”
Regrets
Three’s Company
Once upon a time, there was a speculation that Dolly Parton, actor Sylvester Stallone, and her best friend Judy Ogle once participated in a steamy threesome! Whoa. We might never find out if this actually happened as none of them ever verified or denied it. What do you think?
Three’s Company
Besties For Life
This wasn’t the only speculation people had about Judy Ogle and Dolly Parton. Many people wondered if there were something else going on between the best friends. Some even straight up asked Dolly if she was bisexual. This is how Dolly responded to the allegations: “Judy and I have been best friends since we were like in the third and fourth grade. I mean, I love her as much as I love anybody in the whole world, but we’re not romantically involved.”
Besties For Life
Heart of the Matter
Now that we have that out of the way, let us talk about what her marriage is like. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Dolly said, “I love to flirt, and I’ve never met a man I didn’t like. Men are my weakness. Short, fat, bald or skinny – I’ve had crushes on some very unusual men but Carl knows I’ll always come home and I’m not having sex with these people – I’m just flirtin’ and having fun.”
Heart Of The Matter
C-C-C-Changes
For 30 years now, Dolly has had her big bust, and we are sure that it has caused her a fair amount of problems. Apparently, she once revealed to Contactmusic that she suffered some pain due to her cup size. She told the interviewer, “My boobs are killing me – and I don’t know if I can stand the pain any longer. My boobs have been a trademark for me – but I’ve paid one hell of a price.”
C C C Changes
Digits Please
Are you aware of how tall Dolly Parton is? She’s actually only 4 feet and 9 inches tall, though you would not have thought so. This petite woman is incredibly tiny for someone with a personality larger than life. Her chest size, on the other hand, is 40DD. Do you know that she got her breasts insured for $300,000 each?
Digits Please
That Famous Bust
Dolly’s chest size is another claim to fame in addition to her singing, songwriting, and appearance. She is not afraid to make the most out of her bountiful breasts. She once said, “My boobs are fake, my hair’s fake but what is real is my voice and my heart.”
That Famous Bust
Busted
Occasionally, children can catch onto things that even adults fail to notice. Dolly Parton once recounted a funny thing she experienced. “Once I was going Christmas shopping. I did my makeup completely different with dark eyebrows, and wore a short black wig, and wore different clothes than I would normally wear,” she explained, “I said something, and this group of kids said, ‘You’re Dolly Parton in a black wig!” She might have changed the way she looked, though her voice is just that distinctive.
Busted
Disguises, Disguises
There was another time when she had to wear a disguise when she has to go out in public. Hey, celebrities are just people too and everyone could use some anonymity ever now and then. Dolly actually tried many methods of hiding her identity. She once tried wearing different wigs and sporting various makeup styles. None proved to be effective, however, as she is far too famous.
Disguises, Disguises
The Imagination Library
We bet you have never heard about this next fun fact – Dolly Parton started a book distribution business called The Imagination Library! Her father was illiterate, and this inspired her to work on this project. The drive started in 1995, and she donated books to children under 5 years old. The program aimed to introduce little kids to reading, so that they will grow up to be readers!
The Imagination Library
Business Savvy
Apart from her great musical career, Dolly has also seen some success as a businesswoman. In the beginning of her career, she founded Velvet Apple Music. It gave her the ability to publish and own her songs without outside help. In 2007, she launched a label called Dolly Records. When the brand was starting out, Dolly Parton was the only performer on the label, and she worked on the branding by herself.
Business Savvy
Crushing
Big fans of Dolly Parton will likely know this already, though we still want to mention it anyway. Johnny Cash was a huge influence for Dolly Parton. Aside from serving as her first crush, he gave her some great advice about launching a music career. This was how she talked about the moment that proved to be a turning point for her: “I was sitting in the audience and that’s when I first knew about sex appeal…he had this tick when he moved his shoulder…and it was still sexy. It still got to me.”
Crushing
Dream Big
Even when she was just a young girl, Dolly Parton knew that she was meant for fame and stardom. When she was 13 years old, she recorded “Puppy Love.” However, the moment that truly set her up for success was her performance at the Grand Ole Opry where she was introduced to Johnny Cash backstage.
Dream Big
Stormzy Speaks
Did you know that Stormzy once praised Dolly Parton and her hit song “Jolene?” The English hip-hop artist talked about it on Twitter. Her post read, “And Jolene sounds like she’s the baddest b to ever walk this planet.”
Stormzy Speaks
First, I’m A Songwriter
Everyone know that Dolly Parton is a talented musical artist. It’s not even a question! Moreover, she has written more than 3,000 songs in her lifetime. Yes, the song “I Will Always Love You,” popularized by Houston, is included in the list. She has received numerous nominations for the Grammys, Oscars, Tonys, and Emmys. We are sure glad that we have someone like her to look up to!
First, I’m A Songwriter