Dolly Parton was born in a one room cabin in the great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. Parton has described her family as being "dirt poor". With 14 mouths to feed and no electricity, or indoor plumbing Dolly’s home held few luxuries. occasionally, when they could afford a battery for the radio, they would listen to the Grand Ole Opry out of Nashville and the Lone Ranger show.
Dolly was delivered by a Christian missionary. Her parents paid the missionary one sack of cornmeal as payment for the service.
When Dolly was asked how many wigs she owns, she said she could wear a different wig every day for a year, “So, at least 365!”. A stylist who has worked with Parton guessed the star owns 900 wigs.
11 diamonds on Dolly’s hoops represent her 11 siblings who were raised with her in a one room cabin. When speaking of her family’s poverty, she concludes they always had what is most important. Each other and love.
Music was always a part of Dolly’s life, from singing in the church and at home with her mom. Dolly was known to put a tin can on a stick and sing into it like a microphone. At 7 years old Dolly fashioned her own guitar.
While starring in the 1980 movie 9-5, Dolly wrote the award winning and chart topping hit of the same name. While on set she didn’t have a guitar, so she used her long acrylic nails to keep the beat like a washboard. She liked it so much she recorded that sound and includes the nails in the credits of the album.
Opal snaps were used on western wear because they would hold up against the rough lifestyle better than a button and thread. Similar to Dolly’s life in the mountains, these snaps are industrious, hardworking all while being beautiful.
Dolly loves to use butterflies (like the ones on her classic country belt buckle) in her representation. She has said, “Butterflies don't sting, they don't bite, and they are so beautiful.”
Denim has been a staple in the country music style. Denim is built for durability and hard work. No matter how many rhinestones are at a Country Music event, you know Denim is not far away. Like country music, jeans capture the American spirit; true, blue and able to weather anything.
Dolly is never without her .38 pistol. She has a permit to carry and says, “I feel safer when I got it”. While out on the town in New York Dolly had cause to pull the pistol on a man who was grabbing at her “I wouldn’t have shot him in the stomach or nothin’, but I would have shot his feet off...
“If I have offended anybody with any of my language, all I can say is tough titty”- - Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has 2 stars on the Hollywood walk of fame.
Dolly First performed at the Grande ‘Ol Opry when she was 13. That night she met Johnny Cash who advised her to remain her unique self.
Dolly married Carl Dean in 1966. This year they will celebrate their 57th year together. Their secret? An open marriage.