Dolly Parton facts: Singer's age, husband, family and net worth revealed

7 March 2025, 10:57

Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic and successful country singers of all time.

Even if you're not a massive country fan, you'll no doubt have heard of Dolly Parton. And chances are, you love her.

Here are all the big facts about Dolly that all fans should know:

Dolly Parton songs: What are her biggest hits?

Dolly Parton - Jolene 19880110

Dolly has composed over 3,000 songs, including 'I Will Always Love You', which became a huge hit for Whitney Houston in 1992.
- Dolly Parton's 10 greatest songs ever, ranked
- Watch Olivia Newton-John's stunning posthumous 'Jolene' duet with Dolly Parton
Her other big hits include 'Jolene', 'Coat of Many Colours', 'Islands in the Stream' (with Kenny Rogers), and '9 to 5'.
Dolly Parton age: How old is she?

Dolly was born on January 19, 1946.
She celebrated her 79th birthday in 2025.
Dolly Parton husband: Who was Carl Dean?

Dolly Parton On Husband Carl Dean: The Rumors Aren’t True!

In 1966, Dolly married Carl Dean, a retired asphalt road-paving businessman who preferred to stay out of the limelight.
While Dolly does not use Dean's surname professionally, she has said that her passport says 'Dolly Parton Dean'. She has also said that he has seen her perform only once.
In 2016, the pair renewed their vows to mark their 50th wedding anniversary.
Carl Dean passed away on March 3, 2025.
Paying tribute to her husband of almost 60 years, Dolly shared on social media: "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years."
On March 7, 2025, Dolly released a moving tribute song to Carl, called 'If You Hadn't Been There'.

Dolly Parton - If You Hadn’t Been There (Official Audio)
Dolly Parton children: Does she have any kids?

Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus perform 'Jolene' at the Grammys

Dolly and Dean helped raise several of Dolly's younger siblings in Nashville, with her nieces and nephews referring to her as 'Aunt Granny', which became the name to one of the singer's Dollywood restaurants.
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- Dolly Parton reveals regretful reason behind why she never had children with husband of 57 years
The couple have no children of their own, but Dolly is the godmother of singer Miley Cyrus.
Who were Dolly Parton's parents and family?

Dolly is the fourth of 12 children born to Avie Lee Caroline (née Owens, 1923 – 2003) and Robert Lee Parton Sr (1921 – 2000).
Her father was a subsistence farmer and construction worker, and her mother was a homemaker for their large family. Her 11 pregnancies between 1939 and 1959 made her a mother of 12 by the age of 35.
- Dolly Parton talks Elvis, 9 to 5, MeToo and what she'd tell Jolene today
Dolly's middle name comes from her maternal great-great grandmother, Rebecca. She has described her family as being "dirt poor".
What was Dolly Parton's relationship with Porter Wagoner?

Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton - Just Someone I Used To Know

In 1967, country star Porter Wagoner invited Dolly to join his company, offering her a regular spot on his weekly TV series The Porter Wagoner Show, and in his live road show.
Wagoner convinced his label, RCA Victor, to sign her. They recorded several albums and singles together, and became one of the country's most popular and successful double acts.
Dolly had always wanted a solo career, and decided to leave Wagoner's company. Their last duet concert took place in April 1974, and she left his TV show in mid-1974. Their last album together was 1975's Say Forever You'll Be Mine.
Wagoner died in 2007 at the age of 80. Dolly was at his bedside alongside his family. 'I Will Always Love You' was written about her professional break up from Wagoner.
What and where is Dollywood?

Dolly at Dollywood in 1993. Picture: Getty

Dollywood is a theme park located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains metroplex in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in the state.
Originally called Rebel Railroad in 1961, and later Goldrush Junction and Silver Dollar City, it was renamed Dollywood after the singer bought an interest in 1986.
In 2010, Dolly said she became involved with the project because she "always thought that if I made it big or got successful at what I had started out to do, that I wanted to come back to my part of the country and do something great, something that would bring a lot of jobs into this area."
The park has several thrill rides, traditional crafts and music of the Smoky Mountains area, as well as concerts and musical events each year, including appearances by Dolly and her family, and other national and local musical acts.
What is Dolly Parton's net worth?

Dolly Parton is estimated to be worth a huge $500m (£367m).