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Dolly Rebecca Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. Widely considered one of the most iconic figures in country music, she has enjoyed a beloved and influential career spanning several decades. She is married to Carl Thomas Dean since 1966, a famously private and enduring partnership. Her estimated net worth is around $650–700 million.
Dolly Parton has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists in music history. She has released 48 studio albums, including fan favorites like Jolene and Coat of Many Colors. In 2023, she surprised audiences with Rockstar, her first-ever rock album. Over her career, she has earned 25 number-one country hits and has been inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her signature songs include “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Dolly has also built a successful acting career, starring in hit films such as 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Her warmth, humor, and charisma have made her a favorite in both movies and television. In 1986, she opened Dollywood, now one of Tennessee’s biggest attractions, drawing millions of visitors annually and serving as a major pillar of her business empire.
Dolly Parton is widely admired for her philanthropy. In 1995, she launched the Imagination Library, a free-book program for children that has, by 2025, distributed more than 230 million books globally. She donated $1 million to support Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine research and provided major relief to families affected by the 2016 Tennessee wildfires. Her generosity has earned her respect far beyond the entertainment world.
Dolly wrote two of her most famous songs—“Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”—on the same day. She once turned down Elvis Presley’s request to record “I Will Always Love You” because his manager demanded half the publishing rights. She is also known for her iconic wigs, sharp wit, and classic saying: “The higher the hair, the closer to God.” Early in her career, she even wrote songs under a secret pen name.
Dolly Parton remains a global symbol of creativity, resilience, kindness, and authenticity. With her unmatched musical legacy, beloved films, transformative philanthropy, and enduring charm, she continues to stand as one of the most influential and adored cultural figures of the 20th and 21st centuries.
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