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 highly successful American singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, primarily recognized for her contributions to country music. Beginning her career in 1967 with "Hello, I'm Dolly", she has released 49 studio albums over six decades, achieving significant commercial success. Her 2023 album, "Rockstar," peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, marking her highest-charting album to date.
1921: Birth of Robert Lee Parton Sr.
In 1921, Robert Lee Parton Sr., Dolly Parton's father, was born. He worked as a sharecropper and later tended a tobacco farm.
1923: Birth of Avie Lee Caroline Owens
In 1923, Avie Lee Caroline Owens, Dolly Parton's mother, was born. She later married Robert Lee Parton Sr.
January 19, 1946: Dolly Parton Born
On January 19, 1946, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean was born. She is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, primarily known as a country musician.
1964: Move to Nashville
In 1964, Dolly Parton moved to Nashville after graduating from Sevier County High School to pursue her music career.
1990: Honorary Doctorate from Carson-Newman College
In 1990, Dolly Parton received an honorary doctorate degree from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
1991: Public Support for LGBTQ Families in "Family"
In 1991, Dolly Parton first publicly showed support for LGBTQ families in her song "Family".
1994: Autobiography Documenting Initial Audience Resistance
In 1994, Dolly Parton's autobiography documented the initial resistance from much of Wagoner's audience to her replacing Norma Jean.
2003: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show
In 2003, Dolly Parton appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, discussing her cosmetic surgeries.
2009: Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In 2009, Dolly Parton publicly came out in support of same-sex marriage.
2012: Drag Queen Contest
In 2012, Dolly Parton revealed that she had entered a Dolly Parton drag queen lookalike contest and lost.
2016: Participating in Telethons for Wildfire Victims
In 2016, Dolly Parton participated in a telethon to raise money for victims of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires and hosted her own telethon, raising around $9 million. She also created the "My People Fund" to provide financial assistance to affected families.
2016: "My People Fund" established
In 2016, Dolly Parton's "My People Fund" was established in response to the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, providing monthly financial assistance to affected families.
April 2017: Survey of "My People Fund" Recipients
In April 2017, a University of Tennessee professor surveyed 100 recipients of the "My People Fund" emergency relief funds, focusing on housing, finances, health, and support sources.
December 2017: Follow-Up Survey of "My People Fund" Recipients
In December 2017, a follow-up survey was conducted with recipients of the "My People Fund" to assess the long-term impact of the financial assistance.
2019: Parton Describes Composing Jolene and I Will Always Love You
In 2019, on Brian Johnson: A Life on the Road, Dolly Parton described realizing she had composed both "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" in the same songwriting session.
2020: Publication of Songteller: My Life in Lyrics
In her 2020 book, "Songteller: My Life in Lyrics", Dolly Parton credits much of her inspiration to her family and community. She wrote about her mother's influence and her Aunt Dorothy Jo, who inspired her.
March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination
In March 2021, Dolly Parton received her COVID-19 vaccination at Vanderbilt University, encouraging others to get vaccinated and performing a song to celebrate.
2021: Request to Remove Statue Bill
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.
2024: Donation to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
In 2024, Dolly Parton announced a $2 million donation to relief efforts for Hurricane Helene, with $1 million coming from her personally and another $1 million through her businesses and the Dollywood Foundation.
2024: Publication of Good Lookin' Cookin'
In 2024, Good Lookin' Cookin', a cookbook co-written by Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel, was published.
