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. Primarily known for her contributions to country music, she launched her solo career in 1967 with the album 'Hello, I'm Dolly'. Her career has spanned six decades and includes 49 studio albums. Notably, her 2023 album, 'Rockstar', achieved significant success, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 chart.

Sections (5)

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

1921: Robert Lee Parton Sr.'s Birth

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

1923: Avie Lee Caroline's Birth

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

1942: Birth of Carl Thomas Dean

In 1942, Carl Thomas Dean was born.

1942: Birth of Brother David Wilburn

In 1942, Dolly Parton's brother, David Wilburn, was born.

January 19, 1946: Dolly Parton's Birth

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee.

1953: Birth of Brother Randle Huston

In 1953, Dolly Parton's brother, Randle Huston (Randy), was born.

1955: Birth of Brother Larry Gerald

In 1955, Dolly Parton's brother, Larry Gerald, was born.

1957: Birth of Brother Floyd Estel

In 1957, Dolly Parton's brother, Floyd Estel, was born.

1964: Graduation and Move to Nashville

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

May 30, 1966: Marriage to Carl Thomas Dean

On May 30, 1966, Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean were married in Ringgold, Georgia.

October 1978: Playboy Cover Appearance

In October 1978, Dolly Parton appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine wearing a Playboy bunny outfit.

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.

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

In 2003, Avie Lee Caroline, Dolly Parton's mother, passed away.

2003: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

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

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January 2008: Closure of Dolly Parton's Stampede in Orlando

In January 2008, the Dolly Parton's Stampede venue in Orlando, Florida, closed after the land and building were sold to a developer.

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, where she also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university.

2012: Dolly Parton loses Dolly Parton lookalike contest

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

May 6, 2016: Vow renewal announced

On May 6, 2016, Dolly Parton announced that she and Carl Dean would renew their vows in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary later in the month.

2016: Participation in Telethons for Great Smoky Mountains Wildfire Relief

In 2016, Dolly Parton participated in a telethon to raise money for victims of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, held in Nashville on December 9. Additionally, Parton hosted her own telethon on December 13 and reportedly raised around $9 million. Her "My People Fund" provided financial assistance to affected families.

2016: Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires

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

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

In April 2017, University of Tennessee College of Social Work professor Stacia West surveyed 100 recipients of the 'My People Fund' emergency relief funds to study the fund's financial impact on wildfire victims.

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

In December 2017, a follow-up survey was conducted by University of Tennessee College of Social Work on recipients of the 'My People Fund' to study the fund's financial impact on wildfire victims.

2018: Death of brother Floyd Estel

In 2018, Dolly Parton's brother Floyd Estel died.

2020: Inspiration Credits in 'Songteller: My Life in Lyrics'

In her 2020 book 'Songteller: My Life in Lyrics', Dolly Parton credits her mother and Aunt Dorothy Jo for much of her musical inspiration.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

Check it on Amazon

March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination and Encouragement

In March 2021, Dolly Parton was vaccinated against COVID-19 at Vanderbilt University, labeling social media accounts of the occasion "Dolly gets a dose of her own medicine." Parton strongly encouraged everyone to get vaccinated when eligible and performed a song celebrating her vaccination, set to the tune of her song "Jolene".

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2021: Death of brother Randle Huston

In 2021, Dolly Parton's brother Randle Huston (Randy) died.

October 2022: Parton announces she will no longer tour

In October 2022, Dolly Parton stated in an interview that she would no longer tour, but would continue to play live shows occasionally.

January 2024: Parton Discusses Faith in New Humanist Magazine

In January 2024, Dolly Parton discussed her liberal approach to faith in the New Humanist magazine.

2024: Death of brother David Wilburn

In 2024, Dolly Parton's brother David Wilburn died.

2024: $2 Million Donation to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

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

March 3, 2025: Announcement of Carl Dean's death

On March 3, 2025, Dolly Parton announced on her social media that Carl Dean had died in Nashville at the age of 82.

March 7, 2025: Release of 'If You Hadn't Been There'

On March 7, 2025, Dolly Parton released the single "If You Hadn't Been There", as a tribute to her husband, who had died a week before; in the United Kingdom, single peaked at number 21 on the sales and downloads chart components.

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