Dolly Parton has been a country icon for decades. She has inspired millions, and has written songs that changed history.
No one doubts she’s an amazing artist, but she is also an incredible person.
Dolly Parton turns 76 years old on January 19th, 2022, and to celebrate we should get to know her better.
While she has been a staple of pop culture for decades, there are facts even Dolly’s most ardent fans don’t know about this timeless singer-songwriter.
She started when she was young.
Dolly wrote her first single at 11 years old. The legendary singer-songwriter wrote “Puppy Love” when she was just a pre-teen and released it at 13 years old.
And she has an iconic love story.
Don’t let Dolly’s flirtatious attitude confuse you, Dolly has been married to Carl Dean since 1966.
Her legal name is actually Dolly Parton Dean.
In fact, most of her songs are based on her relationship.
Her hit song “Jolene” is about a real red-headed bank teller that showed interest in Carl.
Speaking about the inside joke, Dolly teased Carl:
“You’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.”
She places a lot of importance on all her relationships.
Dolly’s marriage isn’t her only important long-term relationship.
Parton has had the same best friend since childhood.
“Our parents knew each other, we grew up together, we were like sisters, became best friends. She was very quiet, I was very outgoing. So we made perfect friends. We went all through school together.”
She woke up like this.
Dolly wakes up at 3am every morning to catch up on work and meditate.
But if she’s in a hurry in the morning it’s no problem. Dolly says she sleeps with makeup on and keeps an emergency wig by her bed.
Let’s talk about the wigs.
Dolly never has to worry about a bad hair day.
The country star estimates she has over 300 wings. “One for each day.”
And she supports all types of art.
What you wouldn’t know from looking at her is that Dolly has tattoos. Some suggest that this is why she always wears long sleeves but Dolly claims she only has a few tattoos, many of which cover up scars.
No one does Dolly better than Dolly.
Did you know that Dolly once entered a Dolly Parton drag queen look-alike contest and lost!?
For the Halloween contest in Los Angeles, Dolly over-exaggerated her own look failing to impress the judges.
But, she’s won other awards.
While she’s been nominated for 50 Grammy awards, Dolly has only won 9 times.
But she has impacted different industries.
Dolly’s legacy isn’t relegated to music and film; the first cloned sheep was named after her.
And has worked hard for her community.
Dolly also prioritizes giving back to her community and those in need. Dolly opened Dollywood in her hometown in an effort to reinvigorate the impoverished community.
Welcoming over 2 million guests a year, her amusement park is the largest employer in the county.
But you won’t see Dolly on any of the rides. She has an acute fear of roller coasters.
Dolly also created Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 1995 to promote literacy in Tennessee. Her program has now gifted over 100 million books to children around the world.
And she has won many honors.
In 2004, the Library of Congress officially honored Dolly with its Living Legend medal.
Deservedly so.
