Dolly Parton’s story goes far beyond the rhinestones, hit songs, and unmistakable voice that made her a country music legend. From growing up in poverty and overcoming heartbreaking personal struggles to building an extraordinary career and becoming one of the music world’s most generous phi…
Dolly Parton's Chicken and Dumplings came to market in 2025, along with other single-serve frozen meals: Beef Pot Roast, Country Fried Steak and Shrimp & Grits.
Dolly Parton attended Sevier County High School in Tennessee.
Provided by Pigeon Forge Public Library
Dolly Parton prepares backstage for an RCA Records breakfast and show at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in 1973.
Joe Rudis, The Tennessean
Dolly Parton sings June 28, 1987, at Summerfest in Milwaukee.
Larry Mishkar, Milwaukee Journal
Dolly Parton grew up with music. "My mother's people were musical, mostly gospel, but my mother and all of her people play some musical instruments, and some of my daddy's people."
Mike DuBose / The Tennessean
Dolly Parton performs Oct. 12, 2019, at her 50th Grand Ole Opry Membership Anniversary at the Opry House in Nashville.
Larry McCormack, The Tennessean
Dolly Parton reads her children’s book, “Coat of Many Colors,” to a group of kids during an event announcing her first children’s album, “I Believe In You,” in 2017.
Shelley Mays/The Tennessean
A young resident of Asheville, North Carolina, leaves her copy of "Lily's Cat Mask," the last book she received from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, beneath a mural of Dolly Parton painted by artist Gus Cutty as an offering in the hours following Parton's death on Aug. 25, 2026.
Casey Blake/USA TODAY
Singer Dolly Parton performs with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders during halftime in the game between the Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium.
Dolly Parton’s story goes far beyond the rhinestones, hit songs, and unmistakable voice that made her a country music legend. From growing up …
Dolly Parton's Chicken and Dumplings came to market in 2025, along with other single-serve frozen meals: Beef Pot Roast, Country Fried Steak and Shrimp & Grits.