Reference
- Parton, Dolly: Credo ReferenceBorn in Sevier County, Tennessee, the fourth of twelve children, she was a child television star, and moved to Nashville immediately after graduating from high school. Her breakthrough came when she joined singer Porter Wagoner (1927- ) on his television show in 1967. A string of hits followed, but their duo ended acrimoniously in 1974. Shrewdly manipulating her "dumb blonde" image, she went on to become an international celebrity well beyond country music, as a pop singer (for example of 1976's "Jolene"), songwriter (her "I Will Always Love You" became a record-breaking hit for Whitney Houston) and actress (debuting in the 1980 film 9 to 5, whose theme song she also wrote and sang). She returned to country music with Grammy award-winning Trio (1987, with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt), which was followed by albums such as Eagle When She Flies (1991), Hungry Again (1998) and Backwoods Barbie (2008). Her marriage to builder Carl Dean has lasted since 1966, and remains intensely private. She published her autobiography, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, in 1994.
- Dolly Parton's Official WebsiteLATEST NEWS, TOUR SCHEDULE & HISTORY
Online Resources
- Dolly PartonDOLLY PARTON ALREADY KNOWS HOW she will spend her 75th birthday on Jan. 19, 2021: As she does every year to mark the occasion, she will write a song. "It's a commemorative thing to write something on my birthday--it's what I do and what I am," she says. "I just think it's my gift to myself."
- Icon and Identity: Dolly Parton's Hillbilly Appeal"They portray mountain people like we are all these dumb barefoot hillbillies. I think country people are the smartest people in the world, and I've been everywhere."--Dolly Parton (1) Asheville, NC, 2008.
- Making sense in the city: Dolly Parton, early reading and educational policy-makingIn this paper, we present a case study of a philanthropic literacy initiative, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a book‐gifting scheme for under 5s, and consider the impact of the scheme on literacy policy in the English city where it was introduced. We bring four lenses to bear on the case study. First, we analyse the operation of the scheme in the community it was intended to serve; second, we consider the case study as an early literacy intervention aimed at promoting reading development; then we consider it from the perspective of theories about marketing and branding; and finally, we analyse it from the perspective of new philanthropy theory. We use these lenses to help us make sense of the current pressures on educational policy‐making in English cities, as city officials struggle to manage competing political agendas, to initiate reforms in situations where they have significant responsibilities but reduced power, and to maintain the distinctiveness of the places they represent. We argue for the need to reassess our understandings of the ways that literacy policies are made at the local level within this rapidly changing context.
Streaming Media
- Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (1973-1983)Defining country music is debated as never before, and the argument sparks a vibrant era. Dolly Parton crosses over to mainstream success. Willie Nelson finds creative freedom in Texas. Emmylou Harris influences a new generation of artists.
- Dolly Parton Reveals Why She Wrote Hit Song "Jolene"60 Minutes reporter Ray Martin speaks exclusively to the Queen of Country music, Dolly Parton (2013).
- The Library That Dolly BuiltA feature-length documentary focusing on the history, impact and future of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a global book gifting program. With guest narrator, actress and author, Danica McKellar and the music of Dolly Parton.
- Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the OpryDolly Parton, the undisputed Queen of Country Music, celebrates 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Recorded live in Nashville, this incredible concert pays tribute to her songs and career with special performances from Dolly and her guests, including Emmylou Harris, Toby Keith and Hank Williams, Jr., bringing together five decades of hits & memories into one unforgettable evening.
Perspectives
The Words and Music of Dolly Parton
This insightful biography provides a closer look at one of the entertainment world's biggest stars, with a focus on what got her to the top--and what has kept her there. * Rare photographs of Parton's early career from legendary photographer Les Leverett, retired staff photographer for the Grand Ole Opry * Interviews with many of Parton's collaborators over the years, including producers, engineers, and other artists * A discography of Dolly Parton's albums and hit songs and a list of her awards
