Dolly Parton is an American singer-songwriter, musician, actress, author, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She has enjoyed success in each of these areas but remains most closely identified with her country-and-western musical roots. Parton is described as an icon variously for her music, fashion, feminism, and sexuality.

Parton was born on January 19, 1946, the fourth of 12 children. Her family lived in a rustic, one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. As a child, Parton taught herself how to play guitar, began performing on local radio and television shows when she was only 8 years old, and debuted on the Grand Old Opry at age 13. The first in her family to graduate high school, Parton immediately left for Nashville to pursue a musical career. There she ...