Dolly Parton, born on Jan. 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, is a country music legend whose career in Hollywood flourished beginning in the 1970s with her first chart-topping hit, "Joshua."
Parton is also recognized for her widely popular songs "9 to 5," "Jolene," and "Islands in the Stream," which she often sang as a duet with the late country music star Kenny Rogers.
The "If You Hadn't Been There" singer has also penned a number of books, including "Good Lookin' Cookin'," which she coauthored with her sister, Rachel Parton George, "Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones," and the children's book "I Am a Rainbow," among other titles.
Among Parton's 10 Grammy Awards is her 1979 win for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, for "Here You Come Again," which marked her first time winning the prestigious gold statue.
In 1966, Parton married her husband Carl Dean in a Georgia ceremony. The couple was married for almost 60 years before Dean passed away in 2025 at 82 years old.
"Carl and I spent many wonderful years together," Parton said on social media. "Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."
In addition to Parton's successful country music and acting career, she jointly owns the theme park Dollywood, among other business ventures, including a line of baking kits and a dog clothing and accessories brand. Parton founded the Imagination Library, a charity that sends free books to children worldwide, in 1995.
