Dolly Parton is a philanthropist, wealthy businesswoman, fashion icon, and formidable vocalist. The vocalist of country music was born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, on January 19, 1946. She was the fourth child born into an expanding family of twelve.
At the age of 13, Parton made her stage debut at the Grand Ole Opry in 1959, marking the beginning of her performance career. When Parton took over for Norma Jean on "The Port Wagoner Show" in 1967, her career truly took off.
Following a few years on the show, Parton was offered a record deal by RCA to perform as a solo artist and in a duo with Wagoner. "Joshua," Parton's first No. 1 hit song, was released in 1971.
In 1974, she formally began her solo career. That year saw the publication of her well-known song "Jolene." She also published the ballad "I Will Always Love You," which Whitney Houston later covered.
Parton's famous song of the same name was written for the film "9 to 5," which she starred in in 1980. For the song, Parton received an Oscar nomination. Her other acting credits include "Steel Magnolias" (1989) and "Rhinestone" (1984) with Sylvester Stallone.
Parton won the title of Female Vocalist of the Year from the Country Music Association in both 1975 and 1976.
She was honored with the U.S. Library of Congress' Living Legend Award in 2004 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.