Dolly Parton

Assembled and edited

By

Martin Francis

JosslynMartinArt.com

"At the moment, with all the Hype tied to Beyoncé's country album

Cowboy Carter, I thought I could talk about another Icon Dolly Parton."

Feature Artist or Album

Jolene

Yes, “Jolene” is based on real events from Dolly’s own life. The song was mainly inspired by a red-haired bank teller who flirted with her husband,

Carl Thomas Dean, all the way back at the beginning of their marriage.

"She had everything I didn't, like legs you know, she was about 6 feet tall. And had all that stuff that some little short, sawed-off honky like me don't have," Dolly revealed in a 2008 NPR interview.

But the name "Jolene" was inspired by another redhead: a young girl she met in the autograph line at one of her concerts.

"I said, 'Well, you're the prettiest little thing I ever saw. So what is your name?' And she said, 'Jolene,'" Dolly said. "And I said, 'Jolene... That is pretty. That sounds like a song. I'm going to write a song about that.'"

Accessed (1/4/2014) Country Life BY Maria Carter Updated Nov 12 2019

Dolly Parton is an iconic American singer, songwriter, actress, author, and philanthropist, known for her larger-than-life personality, distinctive voice, and prolific career spanning several decades.

She was the fourth of twelve children born to Avie Lee Caroline and Robert Lee Parton Sr. Parton's childhood was spent in a small one-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Growing up, the Parton family lived in poverty, and they relied on farming and other manual labour for their livelihood. Despite the financial struggles, Dolly's parents were hardworking and instilled values of resilience and determination in their children.

Music played a significant role in Dolly Parton's upbringing. She began singing at a young age, and her talent was evident early on. As a child, Parton learned to play the guitar, performing on local radio and television programs. Her musical abilities provided an outlet for her creativity and helped her cope with the challenges of her upbringing.

Despite facing adversity, Dolly Parton has often spoken fondly of her childhood, emphasising the love and closeness of her family. Her experiences growing up in rural Tennessee influenced much of her music and shaped her into the beloved cultural icon she is today.

Parton's music career began in the mid-1960s, and she gained recognition as a songwriter for other artists before achieving success as a solo artist. She is best known for her country music hits, including "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colours," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You." Parton's music transcends genre boundaries, appealing to audiences across the country, pop, and even gospel music. She has recorded numerous albums and has earned numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards.

Despite her glamorous image, she is known for her down-to-earth personality and wit. Parton has been married to Carl Thomas Dean since 1966, and they have no children.

Beyond music, Dolly Parton has had a successful acting career. She starred in several films, including "9 to 5" (1980), "Steel Magnolias" (1989), and "Joyful Noise" (2012). She also appeared in television shows and specials.

Being a savvy entrepreneur, she has built a business empire that includes theme parks, dinner theatres, and various merchandise bearing her name and likeness. However, she is also a philanthropist and is widely admired for her philanthropic efforts, particularly her Imagination Library program, which provides free books to children from birth to age five. She has also supported numerous charitable causes, including disaster relief efforts and healthcare initiatives.

In conclusion, Dolly Parton is a multifaceted talented artist whose influence extends far beyond the realm of music, making her one of the most revered and respected figures in entertainment history. Dolly Parton's impact on American culture is profound. She is celebrated for her authenticity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her roots. Her songs and persona have made her a beloved figure around the world.

Dolly and her former musical partner, Porter Wagoner. The pair performed together for more than seven years on The Porter Wagoner Show and recorded several albums together.