Dolly Parton: A life in pictures - BBC News
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In Pictures: Dolly Parton, a life in photos
Over a career spanning more than 60 years, Dolly Parton, the country music superstar from Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, sold over 100 million records, wrote thousands of songs, and won 11 Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement honor. She has always considered herself first and foremost a songwriter: "It's my way of expressing myself. It's my therapy."
Image source: Alamy
By Emma Lynch
Picture Editor
Early Life
Dolly Parton grew up in poverty in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Tennessee. She was one of 12 children. Her childhood was marked by performing on local radio and television, with her first single recorded at age 13.
Image source: Nancy Barr/MediaPunch via Alamy
Image caption: Dolly Parton, aged five
Image source: Nancy Barr/MediaPunch via Alamy
Image caption: Dolly Parton (upper right in the back) and family at Christmas in 1960
After graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville and scored her first solo hit with "Dumb Blonde" in 1966.
Image source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Image caption: Dolly Parton pictured in 1965
In 1967, country star Porter Wagoner invited Parton to join his show, giving her a platform on national television and in his touring acts.
Breakthrough
Her breakthrough came with the album Hello, I'm Dolly. She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 4, 1969, describing it as "the church of my heart."
Image source: Nancy Barr Brandon/MediaPunch/Shutterstock
Image caption: Parton performing at the Grand Ole Opry
In a single session in 1973, she wrote two iconic hits: "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." Throughout her career, songwriting has been her greatest form of artistic expression.
Image source: Harry Langdon/Getty Images
Image caption: Parton dressed as a playboy bunny in 1978
Parton's larger-than-life persona blended rhinestones with wit and charm, sustaining a career that bridged country to mainstream pop.
Image sources:
- Richard McCaffrey/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images (parton performing in 1978)
- Donaldson Collection/Getty Images (Parton's album The Fairest of Them All released in 1977)
- Ira Berger / Alamy (Parton meeting fans during her 1978 Midwest concert tour)
- PL Gould/IMAGES/Getty Images (Kenny Rogers performing with Parton in New York around 1985)
Image source: 20th Century Fox via Alamy
Image caption: Workplace comedy film poster featuring Dolly Parton