Born in 1946 in the Tennessee highlands, Dolly Parton, one of twelve siblings, was born into poverty but cherished by her family.

Though she claimed hardship, neighbors disputed it, saying their situation wasn’t exceptional. Parton inherited her parents’ traits, her father’s business acumen, and her mother’s creativity and spirituality, which she credits for her success.

Discovering her singing talent in church as a child, she pursued it relentlessly, encouraged by her mother’s resourceful outfits despite her father’s disapproval of her expressive clothing choices.

Dolly’s journey led her to country music stardom. Her achievements include an amusement park, philanthropy, and a vast musical catalog. Even at 77, she continues to write songs and shares a loving marriage with Carl Dean since 1966.