Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, aka Dolly Parton, was an influential American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. Born in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Parton would go on to become one of the most successful artists in the history of country music.

Parton’s music career began as a child, singing locally on radio and television programs, before eventually recording the single Puppy Love at age thirteen. Dolly began a more professional music career after moving to Nashville as a songwriter. However, in 1965, Parton signed with Monument Records as a bubblegum pop singer and released several singles. Parton eventually transitioned into country music, joined the label RCA Victor, and released her first single with the label, a duet with label owner Porter Wagoner in 1967.

Her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 marked the start of her solo career. Parton would go on to write thousands of noteworthy songs, many of which still chart on modern music charts, including Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5, and more. Parton released 49 in her entire music career and has earned numerous awards, including 11x Grammy Awards and 3x Emmy Awards, honors on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honor, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

That said, Parton’s most notable works have also been outside her music, including her numerous philanthropic achievements towards causes such as childhood literacy, animal welfare, and LGBTQ+ support.