Dolly Parton, born January 19, 1946, is a legendary American singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. With a career spanning over 60 years, she has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Known for hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Parton has earned 11 Grammys, 25 No. 1 country singles, and numerous awards. She co-owns Dollywood and leads charitable efforts, notably the Dollywood Foundation, which focuses on education and poverty relief in East Tennessee.
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Dolly Parton’s Net Worth
Dolly Parton has a net worth of $650 million. In the early 1990s, she earned $10 million from Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You,” equivalent to about $20 million today. She joked it was enough to “buy Graceland.”
As the song’s owner, she still earns 8 cents per radio play and $2 per album sold. Dolly owns the 60+ acre Willow Lake Plantation in Brentwood, Tennessee, featuring a 23-room mansion and vast grounds.
Early life
Dolly Parton was born in a one-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee, the fourth of twelve children. Raised in poverty, her father was a farmer and her mother, of Welsh descent, taught her Smoky Mountain folklore and songs.
Music was central to her childhood, and by age 13, Parton was recording and performing. After high school, she moved to Nashville, where she initially found success as a songwriter. In 1967, she released her debut album Hello, I’m Dolly, launching her iconic country music career.
Career
In 1967, Dolly Parton joined The Porter Wagoner Show, replacing singer Norma Jean. Initially, fans resisted her, but Wagoner helped her gain acceptance. They recorded successful duets, leading RCA to sign Parton.
Despite struggling with solo hits, her 1971 song “Joshua” reached number one, followed by her signature hit “Jolene” in 1973. In 1974, she left Wagoner’s show and released “I Will Always Love You,” becoming a major solo star. Throughout the late 1970s and ’80s, she crossed into pop music and achieved massive success.
Personal life
Dolly Parton is the fourth of 12 siblings, including Willadeene, Stella Mae, and twins Floyd Estel and Frieda Estelle. She married Carl Thomas Dean on May 30, 1966, in Ringgold, Georgia.
Though Dean avoids the public eye, their marriage remains strong, and they renewed their vows for their 50th anniversary in 2016. While Parton has no children, she helped raise her younger siblings, earning the nickname “Aunt Granny.” Parton is also Miley Cyrus‘s godmother and jokes that Dean has only seen her perform once.
Is Taylor Swift richer than Dolly Parton?
Taylor Swift is currently richer than Dolly Parton. Swift’s net worth surpassed $740 million and continues to rise due to the success of her Eras Tour. Meanwhile, Dolly Parton’s net worth is slightly lower, at $650 million.
Although both women have built incredible fortunes through their music and business ventures, Swift’s recent earnings put her ahead of Parton financially. However, both remain icons in the music industry with impressive legacies.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s net worth is a testament to her unparalleled talent, hard work, and savvy business decisions. Beyond the numbers, it’s her generosity and immense contribution to music and society that truly define her legacy.
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FAQs about Dolly Parton’s Net Worth
- What’s Dolly Parton’s net worth in 2023?
- An estimated $650 million.
- How did Dolly Parton amass her fortune?
- Primarily through her music career, songwriting royalties, and business ventures like Dollywood.
- Is Dolly Parton the richest country singer?
- Yes, she’s often ranked as the wealthiest in the country music scene.
- Has Dolly Parton made significant charitable contributions?
- Absolutely! She’s known for her generous donations, including towards coronavirus research and flood relief efforts.
- How many children does Dolly Parton have?
- Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, do not have any children of their own.
