Dolly Parton

An internationally renowned icon of American music, Dolly Parton is one of her country's most versatile and best-loved entertainers. Born on a farm in the hardscrabble hill country of Eastern Tennessee, she sang and wrote songs from early childhood. By age ten, she was singing on a radio station in nearby Knoxville. The day after she graduated from high school, she headed for Nashville, with a portfolio of original songs. Her career took off when country star Porter Wagoner featured her on his syndicated TV show and in a memorable series of recorded duets. Parton quickly blossomed into one of the best-selling artists in country music history, writing such classic songs as "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene" and the mega-hit "I Will Always Love You." She moved from music to movies with acclaimed roles in the films Nine to Five and Steel Magnolias. She has also enjoyed success on television as host of her own weekly program and a popular series of Christmas specials. In 1986, she opened the amusement park Dollywood