There is no denying the fact that Dolly Parton is an extraordinary country musician. It is clear how she was able to attain the status of a legend with her sweet voice and winning personality. From a young age, she already possessed wonderful musical gifts and these were later honed to perfection. However, did you ever notice how she always wore long sleeves regardless of the weather? Why does the singer always cover her arm? Keep reading to learn the reason and more.
It all started when she was young
Just about everyone interested in music is familiar with Dolly Parton, though rarely do people know about the details of her life. The way she grew up definitely helped shape her personality, including some of her secrets and her quirks. She is passionate about feminism, refuses to wear garments that show off her arms, and keeps her private life low-key amidst the level of success she has seen. It is important to go back to her roots if you want to understand this artist on a more in-depth level. Let’s get to it.
It All Started When She Was Young
She Has 11 Siblings
Before she became famous, Dolly Parton came from a “dirt poor” family. Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946 in the state of Tennessee. Her parents had a total of 12 children all together! Her father was a construction worker and a farmer. Meanwhile, her mother took care of her and her siblings. Together, the family lived in a one-room cabin.
She Has 11 Siblings
The Church Was Her Stage
The Partons were regulars at the church, and this tradition played a huge part in her childhood. At the age of 6, she started performing for the congregation. After two years of this, she received a gift in the form of a guitar from her uncle. This is where it all began! Not long after, she began performing on radio shows and on local television.
The Church Was Her Stage
Johnny Cash Gave Her Advice
When Dolly was 13 years old, she performed at the Grand Ole Opry Hotel, the iconic country music performance venue itself. Now, you will never guess who the teenage girl met backstage. Yup, it was none other than Johnny Cash. The singer-songwriter told young Dolly not to give up on her dreams, regardless of how huge they were. He also advised her to trust her own gut and not let music industry executives push her around.
Johnny Cash Gave Her Advice
Moving to Nashville
In 1964, Dolly Parton graduated from Sevier County High School. This was when she moved to Nashville, the center of country music. She might have a wonderful voice, though she had a rough time starting out. At the time, she was not even singing. Back then, she was writing songs for other people together with Bill Owns, her uncle. They collaborated and composed two songs that made it to the top 10 charts!
Moving To Nashville
She Gets a Record Deal
When you are as talented as Dolly, it was never going to take long before you got a record deal. At the tender age of 19, she was signed by Monument Records! However, their vision and Dolly’s were not completely aligned, if at all. The studio wanted her as a squeaky-clean pop star whose main fan base would be teenagers! She recorded several singles, though none of them proved to be successful.
She Gets A Record Deal
She Makes a Change
Well, we have to say that it was pop music’s loss when they snubbed her works! Let’s just say that their loss was a huge win for country music. After she composed what would become Bill Phillips’ biggest hit, she sang him some simple harmonies. This would mark the beginning of her long-deserved switch to country music. When she released two country singles from the album “Hello, I’m Dolly!”, they turned out to be hits. They attained the 17th and 24th spots on the country music charts all the way back in 1967. Clearly, Dolly finally discovered her true calling, and she was well on her path to stardom.
She Makes A Change
On the Wagon
Now that her country music career was blossoming, she was invited to make an appearance on The Porter Wagoner Show. It was a musical variety show that many people believe launched Dolly’s successful career. The audiences did not actually like her right away, and she had to be replaced by Norma Jean. However, viewers later liked her a lot, and they were even vocal about this fact.
On The Wagon
Going Solo
It is certainly hard to imagine Dolly Parton as anything apart from a solo singer, though she and Wagoner actually recorded several songs together. This lasted until she decided to leave in 1974 and the label RCA Victor snapped her up right away. Her first single, “Just Because I’m A Woman,” was something of a disappointment for her. It only climbed to the 17th spot of the charts. While she came out with several solo singles during the late ‘60s, none became as successful as the ones she worked on with Wagoner.
Going Solo
At Last
Wagoner came up with a way to change things up, and he pretty much let Dolly Parton become the solo musician she always wanted to be. He advised her to release a cover of “Mule Skinner Blues,” an original hit by Jimmie Rodgers. At long last, her career as a solo artist was finally taking off – the song made its way to the 3rd spot on the charts! After this, she recorded “Joshua,” her first single to ever hit #1. She would keep topping the charts in the years that followed.
At Last
Tough Love
While there was no doubt that their collaborations were bound for success, Wagoner and Parton often argued about Dolly’s career. Their personalities were not compatible as the two of them were headstrong individuals. Eventually, Dolly had no choice but to leave. However, Wagoner filed a lawsuit against her, citing a breach of contract. In response to everything that was happening, she made him sit down as she performed “I Will Always Love You” to him.
Tough Love
Please Don’t Take My Man!
For many people, “Coat of Many Colors” is Dolly Parton’s signature song. However, did you know that it only ever reached #4 on the charts? In the late 70’s, her biggest hit ever came out. It was none other than “Jolene”, obviously. Aside from rising all the way up to the top of the charts, it became a hit in the United Kingdom. How cool is it that Dolly Parton wrote and performed this song that has since been mentioned as one of the best songs of all time by the Rolling Stone magazine?
Please Don’t Take My Man
Back to Pop
While she did not experience much success after dipping her toes in the pop genre, she was not discouraged from trying. In the late ‘70s, the musician started working with Sandy Gallin, who ended up managing her for the following 25 years.
Back To Pop
Here She Comes Again
Dolly kept aiming to appeal to more than just the mainstream audience. She thus came out with “Here You Come Again,” which sold more than a million copies. It soared to the top spot on the country charts and the 20th spot of the pop charts. More success was on its way for Dolly. However, she did not actually compose one of her greatest songs – the credit for this one goes to Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
Here She Comes Again
Award Winning!
It was only during the late ‘80s that Dolly ended up becoming a big star. When she dropped the album titled “Trio,” it spent an impressive 5 weeks chilling at the top spot of the country charts. Don’t be fooled into thinking that her streak ends there. In 1999, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Apart from this achievement, she also created more Grammy Award-winning albums that smacked of her distinctive Bluegrass style.
Award Winning
We Will Always Love Her!
We already know that she started out as a songwriter, and maybe this is why it’s not surprising to hear how other big stars covered her songs throughout the years. Of course, we remember Whitney Houston’s amazing rendition of the song “I Will Always Love You” for the movie The Bodyguard. Aside from her, LeAnn Rimes and Kenny Rogers also have their own versions of the song.
We Will Always Love Her
The Oscars Come a Calling
Apart from her collection of music awards, Dolly Parton was also a nominee for the prestigious Academy Awards. The song “9 to 5” appeared on the soundtrack of the film of the same name. The film starred Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda. Isn’t that an impressive cast? She received an Oscar nomination for a song in the 2005 film Transamerica as well. It told the tale of a transgender woman when she embarks on a road trip with her teenage son.
The Oscars Come A Calling
Dinner With Dolly?
The song was, it goes without saying, about the 9 to 5 setup of work days. This might be why it comes as no surprise to hear how Dolly Parton is a great entrepreneur in her own right. The musician actually has numerous investments in Eastern Tennessee businesses. This includes her Dollywood theme park, of course! She also owns a dinner theatre show titled “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede,” which tours in and around the United States of America.
Dinner With Dolly@
Not Riding High
You might think that it is common sense for the owner of a theme park to at least like roller coasters. However, Dolly Parton herself has never hopped on any of the rides at Dollywood! She actually gets motion sickness, and it used to be so bad that she got sick when she had to ride the school bus as a kid.
Not Riding High
A Talented Actress
Aside from being a great songstress and composer, Dolly Parton is also quite the actress. She first started acting on The Port Wagoner Show, though that was far from her acting credit. She even starred in her very own show called Dolly. Meanwhile, her work on The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas opposite Burt Reynolds was met with great reception.
A Talented Actress
Signature Style
The fact that she was cast as Miss Mona in The Best Little Whorehouse was actually quite fitting. In the film, Dolly runs the Chicken Ranch brothel. The musician has explained how her trademark look had been inspired by an actual woman of the night! In an interview, she stated that as a kid, she once saw a woman with big yellow hair, red lipstick, and high heels. Even then, she knew that she wanted to look the same way!
Signature Style
Time for Love
It goes without saying that Dolly Parton’s life holds more than her career. She has always had an intriguing personal life. She and Carl Thomas Dean have been together since the year 1966! We daresay that’s a pretty long time together. The two got married in Ringgold Georgia and officially, the musician’s name is Dolly Parton Dean. However, she continues to perform using her maiden name. Meanwhile, her husband Carl prefers to keep out of the limelight, and he actually only saw her perform once!
Time For Love
True Romance
Apparently, the couple never actually spoke about the topic of kids and they simply let destiny take its course. Dolly Parton spoke candidly regarding the sensitive topic, saying perhaps she was not meant to be the mother of two kids – rather, she was destined to be the mother of everyone! The performer has also openly praised her husband and his romantic gestures. Recently, the two renewed their vows, and they continue to be one of the strongest couples in the industry. There have been many malicious rumors, though it seems like there is no truth to these.
True Romance
A Family Affair
Here’s something interesting that would interest members of the younger generation: Miley Cyrus is Dolly Parton’s godchild! The pair has actually worked together before. They collaborated on a rendition of Jolene and Parton never fails to support the younger woman. When the media criticizes Miley, the older performer always comes to her defense.
A Family Affair
Forever Young
Do you want to know how Dolly manages to look amazing at her age? Well, she has to thank her good genes, though plastic surgery also plays a part in it. She gets a nip and tuck when something sags. She has joked about this, and she explained that her appearance might look fake, though she is real “where it counts.” For her, every woman can do whatever they want and need in order to look and feel good.
Forever Young
Not Herself?
Dolly Parton is certainly one of the most distinctive personalities in the music industry. With her blonde hair, large bosoms, and vivacious personality, it is hard to miss her! Once, she competed in a Dolly Parton lookalike contest and, get this, she actually lost! She lamented, “I didn’t even come close.” Apparently, many of the participants in the contest were men!
Not Herself@
Just Friends
The media once accused Parton of being a lesbian since she rarely appeared in public with her husband but maintained close ties with a female childhood friend. You will find plenty of pictures of her and Judy Ogle holding hands. They have been the best of friends since the performer was a 3rd grader. Dolly has admitted that she loves Judy a lot, though she clarified that it was purely platonic between them.
Just Friends
Building Bridges
They might have had a terrible falling out all those years before, but Dolly nonetheless rushed to Porter Wagoner’s bedside when he was sick. He succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 80 years old. Dolly had been there to help him through it and to properly say goodbye. In an interview, she described how difficult it was, and how she prayed for her former partner.
Building Bridges
The Feud That Never Was
According to the media, Dolly Parton was jealous of Whitney Houston’s success with her version of “I Will Always Love You.” True fans will know that this was not close to the truth at all! The two talked openly about how much they admired each other. Whitney also thanked Dolly for granting her permission to use her song. In return, Parton told her it was her honor. How adorable is that?!
The Feud That Never Was
Book Days!
Her family’s financial situation when she was a child has made her the type of person who helped kids in need. She started the Dollywood Foundation that granted kids a new book every single month from the time they were born until the moment they stepped into kindergarten. We’re sure many bedtime stories were told thanks to her efforts!
Book Days
Teaching Tolerance
Aside from this, Dolly Parton also holds a Gay Day charity event every year at Dollywood. According to her, anyone who judges in Dollywood is actually committing a sin. She also mentioned, “I try to love everybody.” How awesome is this? We love you too, Dolly!
Teaching Tolerance
She Once Tried to Commit Suicide
From an outsider’s point of view, Dolly might look like a happy person who has everything she could ever wish for. However, fame and success do not make one immune to hardships. Dolly has actually tried to take her life at some point. Once, she and her husband decided to open their relationship. However, breaking up with her lover sent her on a downward spiral. She tried to commit suicide, but it’s certainly a good thing Popeye, her Boston Terrier Popeye, was there to show her she was making a mistake. She ended up putting the gun away.
She Once Tried To Commit Suicide
President Parton
Dolly Parton still has yet to reveal which candidate she voted for during the 2016 presidential race. Some people believe she implied her support for Hillary Clinton, however. She has also joked about running for the position herself since she does have the hair for it! We have to say that she will definitely make for a great presidential candidate.
President Parton
She’s More Relevant Than Ever
Dolly might be growing older, though she is certainly not showing any signs of slowing down. Most recently, she had one of her biggest tours in the United States. She also appeared on The Voice to perform with Miley! Moreover, she was chosen as the recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award during the Country Music Awards. We’re glad to hear that good things are coming her way!
She’s More Relevant Than Ever
Rags to Riches
Even though Dolly Parton grew up “dirt poor,” things are definitely different now. She is believed to have a net worth of $500 million! A huge chunk of her wealth comes from the royalties she earns courtesy of Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” It is a true rags-to-riches tale, and we can’t be more proud!
Rags To Riches
A Tattooed Lady?
There has been some speculation that the country musician has secret tattoos. After all, you don’t really see Dolly in low cut or sleeveless shirts, do you? The truth is that she does sport some sweet ink. On her cleavage is a tiny heart. Roseanne Barr has also mentioned that Dolly once showed her a pastel bow tattoo.
A Tattooed Lady@
It’s All in the Hair
Dolly Parton’s hair definitely has something to do with her legendary image. Did you know that she actually owns and dons several wigs? She started doing this when she was a younger woman. She appreciated how they made it easier to experiment with different styles and shapes. According to her, she never steps out of her house without a wig. We think she looks fantastic, no matter what she does with her hair!
It’s All In The Hair
Dolly the Sheep
Did you know that one of the most famous scientific experiments paid tribute to her? Yes, we are talking about none other than the sheep called Dolly. In 1995, this group of scientists cloned a sheep with the use of a somatic cell. It’s pretty amazing how the scientists paid homage to her, though there was more than admiration at play. Apparently, they were reminded of the country musician thanks to the sheep’s large bust!
Dolly The Sheep
The Lookalike Contest Fail
Dolly Parton is also known for being a risk-taker. One Halloween in Santa Monica Boulevard, she entered a transgender lookalike contest. How it was possible for her to lose, we don’t know. Though we are sure the audience had a blast when she revealed that she was actually the real deal.
The Lookalike Contest Fail
Recreating Fond Memories
Like we previously mentioned, Dolly was raised in a poor household with 12 children. The house she grew up in did not come with a good plumbing or electrical system. When she made it big, she handed her brother Bobby some money to improve their home. Apparently, she wanted it to look the same as before but with better plumbing and electricity.
Recreating Fond Memories
Barbie Influence
For a huge chunk of her life, Dolly aspired to be as beautiful as Barbie. This is partly due to the fact that she grew up in a low-income household. She wanted to be a beautiful woman her whole life, and this came through in her song “Backwards Barbie.” Here is an excerpt from the song: “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
You already know that rumors were floating around regarding her body art. The media had been speculating that she is covered in tats, and this is why she never goes out without covering her arms. She revealed that “I have a few little tattoos, but they were mostly done to cover scars because I’m so fair.” Did this answer finally put a stop to all the rumors?
Body-Art
Corn Song
Before Dolly could even write, her mother was already helping her write her own songs. At such a young age, the lyrics were simply spilling out of little Dolly. Her first song was called “Little Tiny Tasseltop.” Here is an excerpt from her earliest work: “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 have any idea how many songs she has written? We bet you did not even come close. Dolly Parton has penned over 5,000 songs! Only a fraction has been released, though Dolly tries to compose new ones every two to three days. Wow!
5000-Songs
Same-Same
What would you say are Dolly Parton’s greatest hits? If we’re going by popularity, you can’t beat “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene.” However, we bet you had no idea they were both written in 1973!
Same-Same
Islands in the Stream
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers worked together on the song “Islands In The Stream,” and it naturally soared to the top of the charts in no time. Moreover, it actually became the #1 duet in history according to the CMT 100 greatest country duets. Here’s another interesting fact: the Bee Gees wrote that song!
Islands-in-the-Stream
Nothing But A Rumor
Did you know that Billy Ray Cyrus claims Dolly Parton kick-started his own career? After he came out with his first album, Dolly got him as an opening act for several of her concerts. When he began working with her, his career took off. According to the grapevine, they were more than friends. Billy Ray tried to apologize to Dolly for all the rumors, though Dolly only told him, “Honey, that sh*t sells records!”
Nothing-But-A-Rumor
Not Far Off
A lot of people have mentioned the physical similarities between Dolly and her younger sister Stella. We certainly see it! Stella is a singer herself, and she recently released the Dolly-inspired album entitled “Mountain Songbird.”
Not-Far-Off
Huge Fan
In 1998, actress Drew Barrymore talked about Dolly Parton before her movie Home Fries came out. In the drama film, Barrymore played a character who was a big fan of Dolly Parton. She told the country musician that some of her works would be included in the film. However, the movie was not actually as focused on her as she thought! There were several references to Dolly, as well as some pictures and posters of her, though that was about it.
Huge-Fan
Having A Laugh
Another attribute that makes Dolly so famous is her fantastic sense of humor. She simply has a knack for making people burst into laughter. Once, she quipped, “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.” Oh, and how can we forget this one: “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 were able to successfully clone the first mammal. How is this relevant? Well, you should know that they named the sheep clone Dolly! Here is what Ian Wilmut, the lead scientist behind the experiment, had to say about the matter: “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
Dolly was actually delighted when she knew the sheep was named after her. She said, “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
It must be nice having a sheep named after you and your bosom, though did you know that there are other things named in her honor? Take the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge for example. This structure can be found in Mobile, Alabama, and it is also known as the Dolly Parton bridge.
A-Bridge-Too
Nicknames-a-plenty
Dolly Parton has plenty of nicknames as well! She has been called Aunt Granny, The Backwoods Barbie, The Book Lady, The Iron Butterfly, The Leading Lady of Country, The Queen of Country, The Queen of Nashville, and The Smoky Mountain Songbird. That’s quite the list, huh?
Nicknames-a-plenty
Thick And Thin Skin
Now, there are many things and lessons we can learn from her. She has certainly provided evidence that it is necessary to have a thick skin if you want to lead a happy life. For her, being tough is a way to keep the bad vibes out. Also, she believes in the power of love!
Thick-And-Thin-Skin
Greatest Love
In a recent interview, Dolly Parton 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.” Her passion for music is as clear as day.
Greatest-Love
Big Spender
She had to learn to not care about what other people think of her fashion style. It goes without saying that she loves the way she looks. Dolly Parton is a confident woman, and this is one admirable thing about her.
Big Spender
Regrets
Dolly has talked about she regrets not having any children of her own. During an interview with ABC news, she revealed, “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
All right, did you know that there was a steamy story about Dolly Parton, her best friend Judy Ogle, and actor Sylvester Stallone? Allegedly, they had a wild threesome together! Do you believe this piece of rumor? We might never know the truth as they have never confirmed this.
Three’s Company
Besties For Life
This was not the only rumor circulating about Dolly Parton and Judy Ogle. A lot of people have been wondering if the two were more than just best friends! Some have even asked Dolly if she identified as bisexual. Here was what Dolly told everyone: “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 it’s out of the way, a lot of people also wanted to hear the dish about her marriage to Carl. Dolly told the Daily Mail, “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
Dolly has had her large breasts for 30 years, and we’re sure they have caused her a lot of pain. She once told Contact Music that she was under plenty of pain due to the size of her breasts. In the interview, she said, “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
Do you know the height of Dolly Parton! She is actually only 4 feet and 9 inches tall if you can believe it. You wouldn’t have guessed she was so tiny when you know that she is larger than life! Her chest size, meanwhile, is 40DD. Can you believe they are ensured? The girls are insured for $300,000 each. Whoa.
Digits Please
That Famous Bust
Dolly is popular for chest size in addition to her appearance, singing, and songwriting. Did you know what else? She is not afraid of her bountiful bosoms. In one interview, she said, “My boobs are fake, my hair’s fake but what is real is my voice and my heart.”
That Famous Bust
Busted
Sometimes, children have the ability to pick up on things that adults don’t even notice. In one interview, Dolly Parton recounted a funny anecdote: “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 added, “I said something, and this group of kids said, ‘You’re Dolly Parton in a black wig!” Apparently, her voice gave her way.
Busted
Disguises, Disguises
Interestingly, there was a point in her life when she needed to put on a disguise whenever she steps out in public. Even celebrities want to go about their lives in peace and quiet sometimes! Dolly tried all sorts of things in order to hide her identity. She tried various wigs and makeup styles. Sadly, nothing was effective as she was a completely recognizable celebrity!
Disguises, Disguises
The Imagination Library
Did you know that Dolly Parton launched a book distribution company named “The Imagination Library?” Apparently, her father’s illiteracy inspired her to get this project in motion. The drive began in the year 1995,u and books were donated to kids under 5 years old. The goal of the program was to introduce the wonders of reading to young children, so that they can start the lifelong habit!
The Imagination Library
Business Savvy
Dolly is actually a highly successful businesswoman herself. During the early moments of her career, she launched Velvet Apple Music. It allowed to own and publish all of her songs by herself. Moreover, she also launched a record label named Dolly Records in 2007. When the label first started out, she was the only one who appeared on the label and she did all the branding on her own. Good job, Dolly!
Business Savvy
Crushing
True Dolly Parton fans will already know this, though it is still worth mentioning if you ask us! Johnny Cash actually had a big influence on Dolly Parton. He was her first crush, and he advised her to pursue a music career. This was the way she recounted the time she saw him as a young girl: “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
Ever since she was a little girl, Dolly Parton already knew she was going to become a star. At the age of 13, she recorded a song called “Puppy Love”. However, things truly changed when she performed at the Grand Ole Opry and met Johnny Cash backstage.
Dream Big
Stormzy Speaks
The English hip-hop artist Stormzy once went on Twitter to express her thoughts on the Dolly Parton hit “Jolene.” She posted, “And Jolene sounds like she’s the baddest b to ever walk this planet.”
Stormzy Speaks
First, I’m A Songwriter
Dolly Parton is a talented musician, no doubt about that. She has composed well over 3,000 songs. Of course, this includes the classic “I Will Always Love You” recently popularized by Whitney Houston. She has also been nominated for numerous Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tony’s. We’re truly lucky to have her!
First, I’m A Songwriter