Dolly Parton

Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean (née Parton; January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026) was an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. Dubbed the "Queen of Country", Parton was one of the most successful performers in the history of country music. She was also known for her cultural influence, particularly through Dollywood and the Dollywood Foundation. With more than a hundred million records sold, Parton was among the best-selling music artists in history.

Born and raised in East Tennessee, Parton wrote her first song at age six, performed regularly on television by age ten, made her first recording a year later, and became a professional songwriter at sixteen. After writing songs for others, she released her debut album, Hello, I'm Dolly in 1967, starting her nearly sixty-year career. Parton released 49 studio albums and wrote more than 3,000 songs, including "I Will Always Love You" – a two-time US country chart-topper and an international success for Whitney Houston that became the best-selling single by a woman – "Jolene", "Coat of Many Colors", and "9 to 5". The lattermost, as well as the Kenny Rogers duet "Islands in the Stream", reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her final solo studio album, Rockstar (2023), became her highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, reaching No. 3.

Parton starred in the comedy films 9 to 5 (1980), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), Rhinestone (1984), Steel Magnolias (1989), Straight Talk (1992), and Joyful Noise (2012). She produced and starred in a series of Netflix features including Christmas on the Square (2021), which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award. She also played Aunt Dolly in Hannah Montana (2006–2010), hosted Saturday Night Live (1989), and guest-starred on Reba (2005) and Grace and Frankie (2022). She wrote the music and lyrics for Broadway's 9 to 5 (2009), which earned her a Tony Award nomination. Her life will be depicted in Dolly: A True Original Musical (2026).