10 Things You Should Know About Dolly Parton

10 Things You Should Know About Dolly Parton
The country music icon was celebrated for music, acting and philanthropy.
Parton leaves behind a lasting legacy across entertainment and charitable work.

Country music icon, singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, bringing an extraordinary career that spanned more than six decades to an end.

Contents

1. She was born into a large family
2. She started performing as a child
3. The Porter Wagoner Show brought her national attention
4. She wrote Jolene and I Will Always Love You
5. She became one of the bestselling musicians in history
6. She was also a successful actress
7. She became closely associated with Dollywood
8. She founded the Imagination Library
9. She was inducted into major music halls of fame
10. She was married to Carl Dean for almost 60 years

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video shared on social media. Her representatives later said she had died at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center following a brief battle with cancer.

Parton was one of the most successful figures in country music and built a lasting legacy through her music, acting, business ventures and philanthropic work.

Here are 10 things to know about the late singer.

1. She was born into a large family

Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in rural Tennessee. She was the fourth of 12 children raised by Robert and Avie Lee Parton.

She grew up in modest circumstances in the Tennessee mountains before eventually becoming one of the biggest names in country music.

2. She started performing as a child

Parton began performing at a young age and appeared on local television when she was 10.

She recorded her first song at 13 and continued developing her music career before moving into the Nashville music scene.

3. The Porter Wagoner Show brought her national attention

Parton gained wider recognition in 1967 after joining The Porter Wagoner Show.

Her appearance on the programme introduced her to a much larger country music audience and helped establish her as a rising star.

4. She wrote Jolene and I Will Always Love You

Parton famously wrote two of her most recognised songs, “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” on the same day.

“I Will Always Love You” later became a global hit after Whitney Houston recorded her version for the 1992 film The Bodyguard.

The song became one of the biggest hits of Houston’s career and further cemented Parton’s reputation as a songwriter.

5. She became one of the bestselling musicians in history

Parton sold more than 100 million records worldwide and won 11 Grammy Awards during her career.

She also earned numerous other honours and became one of the most influential figures in country music.

6. She was also a successful actress

Parton expanded her career beyond music and appeared in several successful films.

Her notable acting credits included 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Her work in film helped establish her as a major entertainment figure beyond the country music industry.

7. She became closely associated with Dollywood

Parton became closely associated with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that adopted the name in 1986.

The attraction developed into a major tourist destination and became an important part of Parton’s business legacy.

8. She founded the Imagination Library

Parton launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in 1995 to provide free books to children from birth until age five.

The programme later expanded beyond the United States and became one of her most recognised philanthropic initiatives.

Her charitable work extended beyond literacy, with Parton also supporting medical research and other causes.

9. She was inducted into major music halls of fame

Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

She was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, recognising her broad influence on music and popular culture.

She also received major honours for her contributions to the arts and philanthropy throughout her career.

10. She was married to Carl Dean for almost 60 years

Parton married Carl Dean in May 1966.

Their marriage lasted for almost six decades before Dean died in March 2025. Parton continued to speak about their long relationship after his death.

Parton’s death came after health challenges that had led her to postpone or cancel some performances. She had remained a prominent figure in music and entertainment until her final months.

10 Things You Should Know About Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that spans country music, film, business and philanthropy, with generations of fans familiar with songs including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”