Early Life and Education of Dolly Parton: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Dolly Parton. From birth to education, explore key events.

Dolly Parton is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and philanthropist, prominently known for her contributions to country music. Her career began in 1967 with the release of her debut album, "Hello, I'm Dolly," and has since spanned 60 years and 49 studio albums. Parton's forty-ninth solo studio album, "Rockstar" (2023), marked a significant achievement, reaching number three on the Billboard 200, her highest charting album to date.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1921: Birth of Robert Lee Parton Sr.

In 1921, Robert Lee Parton Sr., Dolly Parton's father, was born.

1923: Birth of Avie Lee Caroline (Owens)

In 1923, Avie Lee Caroline (née Owens), Dolly Parton's mother, was born.

January 19, 1946: Dolly Parton's Birth

On January 19, 1946, Dolly Rebecca Parton was born in a one-room cabin. She is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and philanthropist.

1964: Move to Nashville

In 1964, after graduating from Sevier County High School, Dolly Parton moved to Nashville the next day to pursue her career.

1990: Honorary Doctorate Degree from Carson-Newman College

In 1990, Dolly Parton received an honorary doctorate degree from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee.

1994: Publication of Autobiography

In 1994, Dolly Parton's autobiography documented initial audience resistance to her replacing Norma Jean on The Porter Wagoner Show, but with Wagoner's help, she was eventually accepted.

2000: Death of Robert Lee Parton Sr.

In 2000, Robert Lee Parton Sr., Dolly Parton's father, passed away.

2003: Death of Avie Lee Caroline (Owens)

In 2003, Avie Lee Caroline (née Owens), Dolly Parton's mother, passed away.

2003: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

In 2003, Dolly Parton appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and discussed her cosmetic surgery.

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May 8, 2009: Honorary Doctorate from University of Tennessee

On May 8, 2009, Dolly Parton delivered the commencement speech at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Arts and Sciences graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university, the second honorary degree given by the university.

2009: Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage

In 2009, Dolly Parton publicly came out in support of same-sex marriage, adding to her long history of openly supporting the gay community.

2012: Drag Queen Contest

In 2012, Dolly Parton said that she had entered a Dolly Parton drag queen lookalike contest and lost.

2016: Creation of "My People Fund" in response to wildfires

In 2016, Dolly Parton created the "My People Fund" to provide financial relief to victims of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires.

2016: Response to the Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires

In 2016, Dolly Parton participated in a telethon to raise money for victims of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires held on December 9th. Parton hosted her own telethon on December 13 and reportedly raised around $9 million. Her "My People Fund" provided $1,000 a month for six months to over 900 families affected by the wildfires, culminating with $5,000 to each home in the final month for a total of $10,000 per family.

April 2017: University of Tennessee Study on "My People Fund"

In April 2017, University of Tennessee professor Stacia West surveyed 100 recipients of emergency relief funds from the "My People Fund" on topics including housing, financial impact, and health following the 2016 wildfires.

December 2017: Follow-up Survey on "My People Fund"

In December 2017, a follow-up survey was conducted regarding the "My People Fund", revealing that the monthly financial disbursements allowed participants to return to baseline financial stability reported prior to the wildfire, and improve their ability to set aside savings for future emergencies.

2019: Songwriting Session Revelation

In a 2019 episode of Brian Johnson: A Life on the Road, Dolly Parton described discovering old cassette tapes and realizing she composed both "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" in the same songwriting session.

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March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination and Encouragement

In March 2021, Dolly Parton was vaccinated against COVID-19 at Vanderbilt University after donating $1 million towards research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which helped fund the Moderna vaccine's early development. She labeled the social media accounts of the occasion "Dolly gets a dose of her own medicine" and encouraged everyone to get vaccinated when eligible, performing a song celebrating her vaccination.

2021: Rejection of Statue Proposal

In response to a 2021 proposal by the Tennessee legislature to erect a statue of Dolly Parton, she released a statement asking the legislature to remove the bill from consideration, stating she did not think it was appropriate at that time.

2024: Release of Cookbook

In 2024, Dolly Parton's cookbook, Good Lookin' Cookin', co-written with her sister Rachel, was released, recalling numerous family meals.

Good Lookin' Cookin': A Year of Meals - A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food [A Cookbook]

Check it on Amazon

2024: Donation to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, Dolly Parton announced a donation of $2 million to relief efforts, with $1 million coming from her personally and another $1 million through her various businesses and the Dollywood Foundation.