Dolly Parton, the iconic country music star, has been a shining light in the industry for decades. Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Dolly grew up in a large, impoverished family. Despite their struggles, her love for music and fashion shone through.

Inspired by a local figure, Dolly faced hardships, including physical abuse from her grandfather over her appearance. Nevertheless, she remained devoted to music, performing in church and receiving a guitar from an uncle. By age 10, she was already making waves on TV and radio in Knoxville, and by 13, she was debuting on the Grand Ole Opry, earning around $20 a week.

Today, Dolly is celebrated for her enduring talent and fashion sense, continuing to inspire with her music and vibrant style.

As a young girl, Dolly Parton admired a local woman known for her flashy style—tight skirts, high heels, and glamorous accessories. Inspired by her, Dolly loved dressing up and sought to emulate that beauty.

However, not everyone supported her glamorous look. Her grandfather disapproved and physically punished her for it, while her father and a preacher were also critical. Despite the challenges and discipline, Dolly remained determined to stay true to herself. This struggle was reflected in her 2011 song, “The Sacrifice,” where she sings about the personal cost of pursuing her dreams and the worth she found in it.

LOS ANGELES – 1978: Country singer Dolly Parton poses as a Playboy Bunny, capturing her signature flair in this 1978 portrait. Even when her record label sought to control her private life, Dolly remained steadfastly true to herself.

“My mom always told me to be true to myself,” Dolly said. She believed in following her own path, which gave her the confidence to stand by her choices. Despite caring about others’ opinions, she never let it deter her from being authentic.

After finishing high school as the first in her family to do so, Dolly pursued her music career with determination. At 18, she moved to Nashville, the epicenter of country music, with a dream and talent she firmly believed in. Her career took off quickly as she collaborated with Porter Wagoner on The Porter Wagoner Show and signed with RCA Records. In 1971, Dolly scored her first No. 1 hit with “Joshua,” followed by the iconic “Jolene” and many other successes.

The song “Jolene,” though just 200 words long, became a monumental hit in the 20th century. Dolly Parton’s iconic track reached No. 1 on the charts and earned two Grammy nominations for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, both for its studio and live versions. It also made a significant impact by landing at No. 217 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2004.

Dolly Parton, a prolific songwriter with over 3,000 songs to her name, has created many other famous hits, including “I Will Always Love You,” “The Seeker,” “Love Is Like a Butterfly,” and “All I Can Do.” Her remarkable career includes a Grammy win in 1977 for “Here You Come Again,” and she continued to achieve success in the 1980s with roles in films like “9 to 5” and the opening of her amusement park, Dollywood, in 1986.

With over 100 million albums sold, 25 No. 1 country hits, and eight Grammy Awards, Dolly remains a global superstar. Despite her immense success, she stays creatively active, constantly coming up with new song ideas. She embraces a youthful spirit, claiming to be 35 in mind and heart, reflecting her ongoing passion for music.

Dolly Parton found the love of her life more than 55 years ago. In 1964, at 18, she met Carl Dean outside a Nashville laundromat. Carl, then 21, was instantly smitten.

“When I first saw her, I thought, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,’” Carl recalled. “And my second thought was, ‘Lord, she’s good lookin.’ That was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for anything.”

Dolly remembered Carl hollering at her from his pickup truck, but she initially turned down his invitation. A few days later, she invited him over while babysitting her nephew, marking the start of their enduring romance.

In May 1966, Dolly and Carl married in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, despite her record label’s request to wait due to her music career. Their wedding was a quiet affair, attended only by Dolly, Carl, and her mother, ensuring their special day remained intimate.

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean have enjoyed a deep and lasting love for over 55 years. While Carl typically avoids the spotlight—rarely joining Dolly on the red carpet or at charity events—he did make an exception when Dolly received her first songwriting award at 20. After the event, Carl famously told her, “Dolly, I want you to have everything you want, and I’m happy for you, but don’t you ever ask me to go to another one of them dang things again!”

In 2016, to mark their 50th anniversary, Dolly and Carl renewed their vows in a small chapel on their property. They then took their RV to Ringgold, Georgia, where they had first married. Dolly described the ceremony as “sweet and special,” filled with fun and beautiful moments.

Despite their high-profile careers, Dolly and Carl have maintained a private and strong bond. They’ve always enjoyed each other’s company and respected their unique partnership. Dolly, who has been in the entertainment business her entire life, has appreciated Carl’s unwavering support.

The couple chose not to have children, with Dolly citing her career as the primary reason. Now 77, Dolly continues to perform and create music, and fans hope she will do so for many more years to come.