Featured Artist
Dolly Parton
Born 1946
From an early age, Dolly Parton showed a remarkable talent for music. At eight years old, she received her first guitar and soon began writing her own songs. By the age of 10, she was performing regularly on local radio and television programs. At just 13, she made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most prestigious platforms for country music. After graduating from high school in 1964, Dolly moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue her dream of becoming a professional musician.
Biography
Dolly Parton was born in Sevier County, Tennessee, as the fourth of twelve children in a humble, hardworking family. She grew up in Locust Ridge, a rural area near the Great Smoky Mountains, where her musical talent became apparent early on. Influenced by her family’s deep appreciation for music, she began writing her own songs as a child and soon started performing on local radio and television programs.
Dolly Parton’s solo career began with the release of her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967, which featured several charting singles and helped establish her as a rising star in country music. Later that same year, she joined The Porter Wagoner Show, a nationally syndicated television program that gave her widespread exposure. Her partnership with Wagoner led to a contract with RCA Records in 1968, and the two recorded numerous successful duets, further cementing her place in the country music industry.
A hall of fame career
Dolly Parton has earned numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career, including 10 Grammy Awards, 13 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, and 9 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Her exceptional contributions to music have also led to her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and, more recently, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
