Dolly Parton: A Legacy of Positivity, Talent, and Generosity
It’s no surprise that the 77-year-old icon rose from one of the most modest backgrounds we’ve ever heard of…
Dolly Parton has consistently remained a down-to-earth star. Famous for her sharp business sense, captivating vocals, and charitable efforts, she has made a significant impact. Her determination and generosity have paved the way for her remarkable success across music, film, and television.
It’s the memory of her modest origins with her large family that drove her to become the star she is now.
Dolly, born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, grew up in a one-bedroom cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee, nestled on Locust Ridge near the Great Smoky Mountains.
Her father, Robert Lee Parton, worked as a sharecropper and also took on construction jobs to support his children. Due to limited access to education, he was unable to read or write.
Growing up in a family of 11 siblings, Dolly definitely encountered obstacles. Yet, she was constantly surrounded by music from an early age.
Avie Lee Owens, Parton’s mother, was a talented performer who introduced her daughter to the art of singing. The family frequently sang together, with Owens passing down songs ranging from church hymns to Elizabethan ballads, a tradition carried through the generations.
Moreover, Parton’s grandfather, Jake Robert Owens, was a preacher and the creator of the hymn “Singing His Praise.” Her uncle, Sam Owens, was a musician and songwriter who recognized Dolly’s gift and potential early on.
Eventually, Dolly received a guitar from her uncle. It didn’t take long before she began composing her own songs.
“Music was a huge part of our entire family,” Parton remembered. “Everyone on my mama’s side was musical. They all played some instrument. Of course, I took my music seriously, and I was always fiddling with someone’s instrument — whatever was left around or when my family would visit. But I’ve always had a special love for the guitar.”
Dolly Parton had several siblings: Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, twins Freida Estelle and Rachel Ann, Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Bobby Lee, Robert, and Larry. Robert passed away in 2021 after fighting cancer, and Larry tragically died as an infant.
As the fourth of 12 siblings, she frequently assisted her parents in looking after the younger children in their cramped home. The family shared a single bedroom and living room, and they had neither electricity nor running water.
The family’s log cabin still stands today, and Parton has always been candid about her modest beginnings there. In fact, her upbringing has deepened her empathy for those in need and has been a driving force behind her extensive philanthropy.
Flickr / Tennessee Wanderer
In a 2016 interview with The Guardian, Parton reflected on her rural upbringing and shared her experiences growing up the way she did. She said,
“Of course, not everything was ideal, but I choose to remember the best moments.”
She reminisced about singing in church, playing games with her siblings, and doing chores she wasn’t fond of to help out. She also recalled the constant laughter that filled their home, shared by her family.
Her siblings would often sing, as she explained, but they refused to be her “backup” singers when she wanted to take the spotlight.
Getty Images
Their home was, naturally, chaotic, but the love they shared made it all worthwhile for the country music legend.
The family spent a lot of time outdoors, as their cabin barely offered enough space for them to sleep, let alone play games or cook.
Despite their struggles, Parton explained that her parents would often remind them of how fortunate they were to have a roof over their heads and food to eat. She recalled,
“We Were Poor, But I Never Felt Poor” – Dolly Parton’s Reflection on Her Humble Beginnings
In a March 1978 interview with Playboy journalist Lawrence Grobel, Parton revealed that she didn’t encounter a toilet or other basic bathroom items until she was eight, during a visit to her aunt’s house. She was fascinated by them.
Flickr / Joe Shlabotnik
Without access to running water or a proper bathroom, the family couldn’t bathe regularly. Instead, they frequently crafted their own soap and traveled to the nearby river to clean themselves.
Remembering how much of their homemade soap would wash down the river and how dirty the kids would get, Parton joked that they’d leave a ring around the Little Pigeon River, comparing their river bath to a “bathtub.”
During the winter, the river would become too cold or frozen to use, so the family would save a pan of water to use sparingly. When Grobel asked how often she and her family would bathe in the winter, Parton responded.
”Well, we bathed once a week whether we needed it or not, as the saying goes.”
As she got older, bathing became more important to her. As a high school student, Dolly made an effort to wash up nearly every night, observing the habits of the younger children. She shared.
“The kids would wet on me every night. We slept three or four in a bed. I’d wash up every night, and as soon as I’d get into bed, the kids would wet on me again. Then I’d have to get up the next morning and do it all over again.”
Parton didn’t show any signs of disgust while sharing her story, explaining that, in fact, the situation brought a sense of warmth during the cold winter months.
Flickr / Alan Light
Reflecting on her humble beginnings, Parton has made it her mission to support those in need. Each year, she donates millions of dollars, always keeping her family’s values close to her heart.
Her philanthropy is deeply rooted in the love she feels for her family. She remarked,
“My family will forever be my greatest love. It may sometimes get overlooked, but there’s always a part of my family in everything I do.”
In 2022, Forbes estimated Parton’s net worth at $375 million, solidifying her status as a self-made millionaire. Her theme park, Dollywood, along with her ownership of song rights, played a significant role in building this remarkable fortune.
She channels much of her wealth into supporting various causes, ranging from animal welfare to childhood literacy. The star also participates in charity events and leverages her platform to assist those in need in any way she can.
Flickr / Eva Rinaldi
