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 an American singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and philanthropist, primarily recognized as a country musician. Her career began with her debut album, Hello, I'm Dolly, in 1967, and spans 60 years, encompassing 49 studio albums. Notably, her forty-ninth solo studio album, Rockstar (2023), achieved a peak position of number three on the Billboard 200, marking her highest-charting album to date.

Sections (5)

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

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.

2003: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

In 2003, Dolly Parton appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she discussed her cosmetic surgery and its importance in maintaining her famous image.

May 8, 2009: Honorary Doctorate from University of Tennessee, Knoxville

On May 8, 2009, Dolly Parton delivered the commencement speech at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Arts and Sciences graduation ceremony and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university. This was only 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, solidifying her long history of openly supporting the gay community.

2012: Dolly Parton Drag Queen Lookalike Contest

In 2012, Dolly Parton entered a Dolly Parton drag queen lookalike contest and lost.

2016: Participation in telethon and hosting of 'My People Fund' for Great Smoky Mountains wildfire victims

In 2016, following the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, Dolly Parton participated in a telethon and hosted her own telethon to raise money for victims. She established the "My People Fund", providing financial assistance to affected families.

2016: Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires

In 2016, the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires prompted Dolly Parton's philanthropic efforts to aid the victims.

July 2019: Unannounced Appearance at Newport Folk Festival

In July 2019, Dolly Parton made an unannounced appearance at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, where she performed several songs with the Highwomen and Linda Perry.

May 27, 2020: Release of "When Life Is Good Again"

On May 27, 2020, Dolly Parton released a brand new song called "When Life Is Good Again" to help keep the spirits up of those affected by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

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2020: Release of "Songteller: My Life in Lyrics"

In her 2020 book Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, Dolly Parton credits her mother and Aunt Dorothy Jo as significant influences on her music.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

Check it on Amazon

March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination at Vanderbilt University

In March 2021, Dolly Parton received her COVID-19 vaccine at Vanderbilt University, documenting the event on social media with the caption "Dolly gets a dose of her own medicine." She also strongly encouraged others to get vaccinated and performed a song set to the tune of "Jolene" celebrating her vaccination.

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2021: Request to Remove Statue Proposal

In 2021, in response to a proposal by the Tennessee legislature to erect a statue of her, Dolly Parton released a statement asking the legislature to remove the bill from consideration.

2024: Donation to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

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