Dolly Parton(1946 — ?)
Dolly Parton
États-Unis
7 min read
American singer, songwriter, and actress born in 1946, icon of country music. Author of classics like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You", she is also a philanthropist, founder of a children's literacy program.
Frequently asked questions
Famous Quotes
« If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.»
« Find out who you are and do it on purpose.»
Key Facts
- 1946: born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, into a poor Appalachian family
- 1973: release of "Jolene", a country anthem that became a global standard
- 1980: role in the film 9 to 5 and its title song, worldwide success
- 1986: opening of Dollywood, a theme park honoring her Appalachian roots
- 1995: founding of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program providing free books to children
Works & Achievements
Written in 15 minutes, this melancholic ballad became one of the greatest classics of country music. Covered by hundreds of artists, it remains one of her most iconic creations.
This timeless ballad had moderate initial success, but exploded in 1992 when Whitney Houston recorded it for "The Bodyguard." It became one of the greatest songs in music history.
A musical autobiography of Dolly's poor childhood. This touching song tells how her mother made her a coat from colorful scraps, symbolizing love in poverty.
Song and film of the same name where Dolly stars alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award and proved her talents as an actress and songwriter.
Philanthropic program founded by Dolly to distribute free books to poor children. This initiative has distributed over 100 million books and represents her commitment to education.
Theme park created by Dolly in Tennessee to revitalize the economy of her native region. The park combines Appalachian history with modern attractions and generates thousands of local jobs.
Musical film where Dolly stars alongside Burt Reynolds. This performance demonstrates her versatility as an actress and her ability to shine in dramatic roles.
Anecdotes
Dolly wrote "Jolene" in just 15 minutes, inspired by a woman trying to seduce her husband Carl Dean. Written in 1973, this song became one of the greatest country music classics and has been covered by hundreds of artists worldwide.
At just 10 years old, Dolly performed on local Tennessee radio and was already dreaming of becoming a music star. She left home at 18 with only $10 in her pocket to go to Nashville and chase her dream, a bold act that marked the start of her legendary career.
"I Will Always Love You", written in 1974, remained unknown for 18 years until Whitney Houston used it in the film "The Bodyguard" in 1992. That version became one of the greatest ballads in pop music history, proving Dolly's timeless genius.
Dolly founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to combat illiteracy among poor children. This program sends free books each month to hundreds of thousands of children across the United States and around the world, reflecting her commitment to education.
In 1980, Dolly won a Grammy Award and starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the film "9 to 5". She also performed the film's title song, which became a hit, proving she could succeed in movies as well as music.
Primary Sources
I wrote this song in 15 minutes. It was about a real woman who was trying to seduce my husband. I gave her the name of a pretty redhead who worked at the cash register of a local store.
My mama made a coat for me from colorful scraps. Each color came from friends who couldn't afford to help us any other way.
I've spent my life telling stories through songs. Every song comes from a true experience, an honest emotion, a life lived fully.
I was born in a cabin in Sevier County, Tennessee. My family was poor, but we had a lot of love. That's where all my music comes from.
Key Places
Dolly's birthplace in 1946. This small rural community in Tennessee, marked by poverty and simplicity, deeply influenced her music and philanthropic values.
The heart of American country music where Dolly moved in 1964. She recorded her greatest hits there and became a living legend of this iconic city.
Theme park created by Dolly in 1987 to boost the economy of her home county. The park blends Appalachian history with modern attractions and symbolizes Dolly's return to her roots.
Historic country music venue where Dolly performed regularly. This legendary hall hosted her greatest triumphs and cemented her as a living legend.
Where Dolly pursued her film career, starring in “9 to 5” in 1980. Though she remained true to her country roots, she ventured to Hollywood and found success there.
