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 acclaimed American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. Known as the "Queen of Country," she launched her solo career in 1967 with the album 'Hello, I'm Dolly,' after initially writing songs for other artists. Her career spans 60 years and includes 50 studio albums. She has earned numerous awards, including eleven Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and nominations for Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award, solidifying her status as one of the most honored female country performers.

Sections (5)

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

1970: Construction of Brentwood Home Started

In 1970, Parton's uncle, Dot Watson, and Dean started constructing their home in Brentwood, Tennessee.

1971: Construction of Brentwood Home Continued

In 1971, Parton's uncle, Dot Watson, and Dean continued constructing their home in Brentwood, Tennessee, with Parton's brothers Denver and Randy also working on the structure.

1972: Moved into Brentwood Home

In 1972, Dean and Parton moved into their long-term home on 75 acres in Brentwood, Tennessee.

1990: Honorary Doctorate 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 and discussed her cosmetic surgery.

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May 8, 2009: Commencement Speech and Honorary Doctorate

On May 8, 2009, Dolly Parton gave the commencement speech at the graduation ceremony for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Arts and Sciences, and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university.

2009: Publicly Supported Same-Sex Marriage

In 2009, Dolly Parton publicly came out in support of same-sex marriage.

2012: Entered a Dolly Parton drag queen lookalike contest

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

2016: Telethon and "My People Fund" for Wildfire Victims

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

2016: Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires

In response to the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, Parton organized a telethon to raise money for victims of the fires.

April 2017: University of Tennessee College of Social Work professor Stacia West surveyed recipients of emergency relief funds

In April 2017, University of Tennessee College of Social Work professor Stacia West surveyed 100 recipients of the emergency relief funds to study the impact of cash transfers on poverty alleviation.

December 2017: Follow-up survey to study impact of cash transfers on poverty alleviation

In December 2017, there was a follow-up survey to the recipients of emergency relief funds in topics including housing, financial impact, physical and emotional health and sources of support.

March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination

In March 2021, Dolly Parton was vaccinated against COVID-19 at Vanderbilt University, encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and performing a song celebrating her vaccination.

2021: Rejection of Statue Proposal

In 2021, Dolly Parton asked the Tennessee legislature to remove a bill from consideration that proposed erecting a statue of her, stating that it was not appropriate given the current world events.

2023: Voiced Support for the Trans Community

In 2023, Dolly Parton voiced her support for the trans community after a series of anti-trans measures came into law in Tennessee.

March 7, 2025: Release of "If You Hadn't Been There" as tribute to husband

On March 7, 2025, Dolly Parton released the single "If You Hadn't Been There" as a tribute to her husband, who had passed away a week prior.

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December 2025: Postponement of Las Vegas residency

In December 2025, Dolly Parton's Las Vegas residency, initially scheduled for that month, was postponed until September 2026 due to health procedures.