Musicheads Essential Artist: Dolly Parton
by Jill Riley
March 02, 2020
Dolly Parton was born in rural Sevier County. In fact, if you ever make the trip to Dollywood, you're not far from Dolly's childhood home — which she sings about in her song "My Tennessee Mountain Home."
Dolly grew up poor, with hardworking parents, a big family, and a passion for writing and performing music. Her song "Coat of Many Colors"? That's a true story about her mother literally sewing together rags to make a coat. Who knew at the time that would symbolize Dolly's life, a rags-to-riches story?
After high school, Dolly moved to Nashville and she quickly found success as a songwriter. Her country career picked up steam when she joined Porter Wagoner as his duet partner: a partnership that lasted six years and spawned hit after hit on the charts.
When their partnership dissolved, she wrote "I Will Always Love You" — famously covered by Whitney Houston, almost famously covered by Elvis. Well, Elvis's manager Col. Tom Parker thought he was a wise guy and tried to convince Dolly to give away half the publishing of that song to Elvis if Elvis recorded the song. Dolly, a brilliant businesswoman, said no. Dolly said no to Elvis, a smart decision on Dolly's part since "I Will Always Love You" has made her millions over the years.
Dolly has led a fascinating life, fought through stereotypes of how women are perceived in the entertainment industry. She even famously turned down Playboy in the '70s. She made her own way through a male-dominated industry and continues to prove that she's no dumb blonde.