Born in 1946, Dolly Parton grew up in Pittman Center, Tennessee, in a one-bedroom cabin, as she often said.
From those humble beginnings, Parton built an entertainment empire that spanned 60 years. She sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Her top songs include “Jolene,” recorded in 1973, and “I Will Always Love You,” a 1974 farewell ballad that became a major hit for Whitney Houston. In addition to her successful singing career, Parton was a celebrated actress. She starred in several films, including “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Joyful Noise.”
Parton also was a businesswoman and philanthropist. She co-owned Dollywood, an amusement park that bills itself as the most-visited theme park in Tennessee.
On May 4, Parton said in a light-hearted social media post that “kidney stones” and “digestive” issues would force her to miss planned public appearances.
In a statement from the family, Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew, said Parton’s ability to open doors for other artists “made many believe anything was possible.”
Final arrangements have not been announced.
