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 multifaceted American entertainer, known for her success as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Her career launched in 1967 with her debut album and has spanned over six decades, resulting in 50 studio albums. Widely recognized as the "Queen of Country," Parton has received numerous awards, including eleven Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards, alongside nominations for Academy, Golden Globe, and Tony Awards.

Sections (5)

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

1921: Robert Lee Parton Sr. Birth

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

1923: Avie Lee Caroline Birth

In 1923, Dolly Parton's mother, Avie Lee Caroline, was born.

July 20, 1942: Carl Thomas Dean's Birth

On July 20, 1942, Carl Thomas Dean, who would later become Dolly Parton's husband, was born.

1942: David Wilburn Parton Birth

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

1953: Randle Huston "Randy" Parton Birth

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

1955: Larry Gerald Parton Birth

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

1957: Twins Frieda Estelle and Floyd Estel Parton Birth

In 1957, Dolly Parton's twin brothers Frieda Estelle and Floyd Estel Parton were born.

May 30, 1966: Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean's Wedding

On May 30, 1966, Dolly Parton married Carl Thomas Dean in Ringgold, Georgia. She does not professionally use his surname, but her passport reads "Dolly Parton Dean".

1970: Construction of Brentwood Home Begins

In 1970, Dolly Parton's uncle, Dot Watson, and her husband, Carl Dean, began constructing their home in Brentwood, Tennessee. Parton's brothers Denver and Randy also assisted with the construction.

1971: Brentwood Home Construction Completed

In 1971, the construction of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean's home in Brentwood, Tennessee, was completed after beginning the previous year.

1972: Move to Brentwood Home

In 1972, Dolly Parton and Carl Dean moved into their current home on 75 acres in Brentwood, Tennessee, while retaining ownership of their prior home in Antioch for several years.

1990: Honorary Doctorate from Carson-Newman College

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

1998: Discovery of Asteroid (10731) Dollyparton

In 1998, the asteroid now known as (10731) Dollyparton was discovered and initially designated 1998 BL3.

1999: False Claims about Brentwood Home Purchase

Since the 2010s, many clickbait articles and videos incorrectly claim that in 1999 Dean and Parton purchased their current home in Brentwood.

2000: Robert Lee Parton Sr. Death

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

2003: Discussion of Cosmetic Surgery on The Oprah Winfrey Show

In 2003, Dolly Parton discussed her cosmetic surgery experiences on The Oprah Winfrey Show, stating it was imperative in keeping with her image.

2003: Avie Lee Caroline Death

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

May 8, 2009: Honorary Doctorate from University of Tennessee

On May 8, 2009, Dolly Parton gave the commencement speech at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from 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.

2011: Comments on Marriage

In 2011, Dolly Parton commented on her marriage with Carl Thomas Dean, stating that they are proud and that it is the first and last marriage for both of them.

February 11, 2012: Statement on Whitney Houston's Death

On February 11, 2012, Dolly Parton expressed her sadness and gratitude for Whitney Houston's performance of "I Will Always Love You" after Houston's sudden death.

2012: Dolly Parton Drag Queen Lookalike Contest

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

2015: Japewiella dollypartoniana

In 2015, a newly discovered species of lichen found growing in the southern Appalachians was named Japewiella dollypartoniana in honor of Dolly Parton's music and her efforts to bring national and global attention to that region.

May 6, 2016: Vow Renewal Announcement

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

2018: Twins Frieda Estelle and Floyd Estel Parton Death

In 2018, Dolly Parton's twin brothers Frieda Estelle and Floyd Estel Parton passed away.

2020: Publication of 'Songteller: My Life in Lyrics'

In her 2020 book, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, Dolly Parton wrote about her family and community influences, highlighting her mother's folk songs and her Aunt Dorothy Jo's musical talents.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

Check it on Amazon

March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination

In March 2021, Dolly Parton was vaccinated against COVID-19 at Vanderbilt University, labeling it "Dolly gets a dose of her own medicine" and encouraging others to get vaccinated. Parton performed a song celebrating her vaccination, set to the tune of her song "Jolene".

Loading Video...

2021: Rejection of Statue Proposal

In 2021, Dolly Parton requested the Tennessee legislature to remove a bill from consideration that proposed erecting a statue of her, stating that it was not appropriate at the time.

2021: Randle Huston "Randy" Parton Death

In 2021, Dolly Parton's brother Randle Huston "Randy" Parton passed away.

2022: Asteroid Named After Dolly Parton

In 2022, Asteroid (10731) Dollyparton, was named in honor of Dolly Parton.

2024: David Wilburn Parton Death

In 2024, Dolly Parton's brother David Wilburn Parton passed away.

March 3, 2025: Death of Carl Thomas Dean

Carl Thomas Dean, husband of Dolly Parton, passed away on March 3, 2025.

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.

Loading Video...