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Dolly Parton Timeline
(1946 - Present)This timeline chronicles the remarkable life of Dolly Parton, the iconic American singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. From her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to becoming one of the most celebrated figures in country music history, the timeline highlights key milestones including her hit songs, business ventures, charitable work like the Imagination Library, and her enduring cultural influence. More Less
Early Life
Dolly Parton is born in Sevierville, Tennessee
Jan 19, 1946
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Sevierville, Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children born to Robert Lee Parton, a sharecropper and construction worker, and Avie Lee Owens. Her upbringing in rural poverty deeply shaped her music and persona.
Image source: Dolly Parton
Begins performing as a child on radio and television
1956
At age ten, Dolly began performing on local radio and television programs in East Tennessee. She appeared on The Cas Walker Show and made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 13 in 1959, where she met Johnny Cash, who encouraged her to pursue her career in music.
Moves to Nashville after graduating high school
1964
The day after graduating from high school in 1964, Dolly Parton moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of becoming a country music star. She initially found success as a songwriter, penning hits such as Bill Phillips' "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" and Skeeter Davis' "Fuel to the Flame."
Publishes memoir Songteller: My Life in Lyrics
Nov 2020
Parton released Songteller: My Life in Lyrics in November 2020, a large-format book exploring her life story through the lyrics of her songs, accompanied by personal photographs and anecdotes.
Image source: Dolly Parton
Music Career
Joins The Porter Wagoner Show
1967 - 1974
In 1967, Dolly Parton joined Porter Wagoner's syndicated television show and began recording duets with him. Their partnership produced numerous hit singles, including "Please Don't Stop Loving Me," and helped launch Parton's national profile before she embarked on a solo career.
Image source: Porter Wagoner
Releases debut album Hello, I'm Dolly
Feb 1967
Dolly Parton released her debut studio album, Hello, I'm Dolly, in February 1967 on Monument Records. The album featured the top-ten country hit "Dumb Blonde" and established Parton as a promising new voice in country music.
Image source: Hello, I'm Dolly
Scores first solo number-one with Joshua
Nov 1970
In late 1970, Dolly Parton earned her first solo number-one country single with "Joshua," a storytelling song about an old recluse. It marked her emergence as a successful solo artist independent of her duet work with Porter Wagoner.
Image source: Joshua (song)
Releases Coat of Many Colors
Oct 1971
Parton released the album Coat of Many Colors in 1971, featuring its title song about her impoverished childhood. Though it was not a major chart hit at the time, the song became one of her signature works and was later adapted into an NBC television movie in 2015.
Image source: Coat of Many Colors
Leaves The Porter Wagoner Show and writes I Will Always Love You
1974
Parton left Wagoner's show in 1974 to pursue her solo career. She wrote "I Will Always Love You" as a farewell to her professional partner; the song topped the country charts twice for Parton and later became a global smash for Whitney Houston in 1992.
Image source: I Will Always Love You
Crosses over with Here You Come Again
Oct 1977
Released in October 1977, Here You Come Again brought Parton crossover pop success. Its title track reached the Billboard Hot 100's top five, won her a Grammy Award, and solidified her status as a mainstream superstar.
Image source: Here You Come Again
Key Facts
- Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, as the fourth of twelve children.
- She rose to fame in 1967 through 'The Porter Wagoner Show,' before launching a hugely successful solo career with hits like 'Jolene' (1973) and 'I Will Always Love You' (1974).
- Parton founded the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1986, which became one of the state's most visited attractions.
- In 1995, she launched the Imagination Library, a literacy program that has gifted over 200 million books to children worldwide.
- She has won multiple Grammy Awards, been nominated for two Academy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Source
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