Dolly Parton

[Dolly photographed with Arnold Schwarzenegger

by Annie Leibovitz for Rolling Stone, 1977]

Dolly Parton (1946 - 2026)

American singer-songwriter, actress,

philanthropist, and businesswoman.

Dolly Parton rose from childhood poverty to become 

one of the most successful country music superstars.

Her long list of hit songs included Coat of Many Colors,

Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and 9 to 5.

In her lifetime career, she won 11 Grammy Awards,

10 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards,

13 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards,

and 3 American Music Awards (AMAs)

Dolly Parton also starred in several major movies,

including 9 to 5 (1980), The Best Little

Whorehouse in Texas (1982) and

Steel Magnolias (1989).

She was a major philanthropist through her

non-profit Dollywood Foundation which

promoted education via scholarships and support,

and through The Imagination Library which

promoted childhood literacy via provision of

books to children throughout the world.

Dolly Parton also raised and donated much money

for healthcare and medical research in

areas such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and the

development of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.

Disaster relief, community aid, animal welfare,

and environmental conservation were other causes

she generously supported and advocated.