Dolly Parton, a celebrated musician, businesswoman, and philanthropist, has remained humble despite her vast fame and fortune. Parton, who grew up in a large family, understands the struggles of poverty, having lived in a one-bedroom cabin with 11 siblings.
Her father, Robert Lee Parton, was a sharecropper who couldn’t read and supplemented his income by working in construction. Despite these challenges, Parton’s mother, Avie Lee Owens, was a performer who taught her daughter how to sing.
Parton’s grandfather, Jake Robert Owens, was a minister and the composer of the hymn “Singing His Praise.” Several Parton’s siblings became interested in music, and some worked in her family band.
As the fourth oldest of her siblings, Parton frequently helped her parents care for the younger children. The family lived under one little roof, in a log cabin with only one bedroom and one living room, and no running water or electricity. Parton is open about discussing her humble beginnings and how they influenced how she views life. Despite living in poverty, Parton has fond memories of her childhood.
In an interview with The Guardian in 2016, Parton reminisced about her early memories that brought her the most joy, such as singing at church and spending time with her siblings. She also remembers the tons of laughter she shared with her family.
However, growing up in poverty meant living in tough conditions. Parton shared in a Playboy magazine interview in March 1978 that she was only eight years old when she first saw a toilet and bathroom in her aunt’s home and was fascinated by them. Bathing every day was not a luxury for Parton and her family, and they would often make their own soap. On occasion, they would pile into the truck and drive to the river to wash in its waters.
Despite her family’s modest beginnings, Parton’s passion and musical talent would eventually lead her to become one of the most successful and beloved country music performers of all time. In addition to her music career, Parton is also a savvy businesswoman, with a successful theme park and production company, and a prolific philanthropist. Every year, Parton donates millions of dollars to various charitable causes, including the Dollywood Foundation, which provides books to children from low-income families.
Parton has never forgotten her humble beginnings and remains humble despite her enormous success. Parton’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one’s roots.
