How Dolly Parton Won Our Hearts

Dolly Parton. The name conjures up images of towering blonde hair, dazzling rhinestones, and a voice that can melt hearts and belt out a powerful anthem. But Dolly is far more than just a country music legend. She's a songwriter extraordinaire, a savvy businesswoman, and a philanthropist with a heart of gold. So, what is it about Dolly Parton that makes her so universally adored? Let's take a look at some of the reasons she has become a beloved icon.

Music Icon

Dolly Parton found success with a country star, Portor Wagoner, in the 1960s before she struck out on her solo career. She is a thoughtful songwriter and singer with hits like "Jolene," "Here You Come Again," and "9 to 5." With 10 Grammys^® under her belt, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

Not just a musical icon, Dolly Parton has also showcased her talent on the silver screen. Her roles in a variety of movies, including the unforgettable "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias," highlight her versatility and add another layer to her already impressive career.

Fresh off her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly, now 78 years old, has created her latest album called "Rockstar," featuring covers and collaborations with various well-known names. She continues to tour and spread her love of music.

Southern Charm With a Side of Individuality

In 1946, Dolly Parton was born in a small town in Tennessee. She lived in a one-bedroom cabin with her parents, six brothers, and five sisters. Dolly married her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, in 1966. The two are still happily married, though Dean is rarely photographed publicly.

Dolly's charm lies in her warm personality and razor-sharp wit, often directed at her own appearance. According to Biography.com, she once quipped, "I'm not offended by dumb blonde jokes because I know that I'm not dumb. I also know I'm not blonde." This self-assured humor is a hallmark of her character.

She is outspoken about her love for everyone and is known not to comment on politics, sharing that she has fans on both sides and doesn't ever want to isolate anyone. With that said, Dolly is a big supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and donated $1 million to Moderna's effort to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.

Savvy Businesswoman

Beyond her musical career, Dolly is a businesswoman who in 1986 opened Dollywood, her theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Close to her hometown, Dolly expressed if she ever made it big, she wanted to give back to her community by bringing jobs to the area. Today more than three million people visit Dollywood per year.

She's co-owner of The Dollywood Company which owns a variety of entertainment venues and properties. Dolly's 50% stake in the Dollywood theme park is said to be worth $165 million on its own. Dolly also retained her rights to her music catalog, which has considerably boosted her net worth over her career.

Philanthropist With a Heart of Gold

Dolly is also a philanthropist who actively supports causes like education and literacy in her home state of Tennessee. In 1996 she established her Dollywood Foundation. Intending to improve literacy among young children, she also created Dolly's Imagination Library, a program that donates more than 10 million books to children annually.

After the town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, was devastated by wildfires in 2016, Parton helped raise $12.5 million for the victims and to help rebuild the area.

Though many of her charitable contributions are anonymous, Dolly is passionate about using her success to give back by providing scholarships for children, donating to hospitals, and even providing technology and supplies for classrooms that need it.

From Dolly's unique look and style to her musical hits and philanthropic efforts, she embraces who she is and isn't afraid to be different. She is beloved because Dolly simply loves everyone, and it shows.

All these elements combine to create a powerful image of Dolly Parton as a talented, caring, and successful individual. She uses her wealth and fame to make a positive difference for the people and causes she cares about.

References: Dolly Parton | How Dolly Parton became the world's best-loved celebrity | How Dolly Parton became a secular American saint