The fourth of twelve children, singer-songwriter and actress DOLLY PARTON was born on this date in 1946 in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and credits her mother for filling her childhood home with ”Smoky Mountain folklore and ancient ballads”. Growing up “dirt poor”, Parton received her first real guitar from her uncle at age eight and was appearing on local radio and TV by age ten. Moving to Nashville immediately after high school graduation, she had initial success as a songwriter, including recordings of her early songs by Hank Williams and Kitty Wells.
Over a lengthy period through the 60’s, Parton fought for solo recording recognition, eventually climbing the charts in 1971 with such records as “Joshua” and “Coat of Many Colors” before her smash “Jolene” (1973). Dolly Parton has received 11 Grammy awards, starred in numerous films, and has written over 3000 songs and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.