On this page, you can find information about Dolly Parton’s net worth, biography, age, height, weight, and other details. Dolly Parton is an American singer-songwriter, and actress, who has a net worth of approximately US$ 650 million as of 2023. Read this post for more details about Dolly Parton.
Who is Dolly Parton?
Dolly Rebecca Parton popularly known as Dolly Parton is an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. She is best known for her extensive career in country music, spanning several decades. Initially gaining recognition as a songwriter for other artists, Parton ventured into the music industry with her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967.
Throughout the late 1960s, she achieved success both as a solo artist and through collaborations with Porter Wagoner, with whom she released a series of duet albums. Her popularity peaked during the 1970s and continued into the 1980s. Although her albums in the 1990s didn’t perform as well commercially, Parton experienced a resurgence in the new millennium and has since released albums on various independent labels, including her own imprint, Dolly Records.
| Who is Dolly Parton in a Nutshell | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dolly Rebecca Parton |
| Celebrated Name | Dolly Parton |
| Date of Birth | Jan 19, 1946 |
| Age | 77 years old |
| Place of Birth | Pittman Center, Tennessee, U.S |
| Gender | Female |
| Height | 4 ft 11 in (1.524 m) |
| Profession | Businessperson, Author, Singer-songwriter, Actor, Musician, Composer, Multi-instrumentalist, Record producer, Film Producer, Philanthropist |
| Nationality | United States of America |
Dolly Parton Net Worth
Dolly Parton’s estimated net worth is approximately $650 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. Her remarkable success in music is a significant contributor to her wealth, with an impressive record of 41 top-10 country albums and 25 number-one singles.
One of her most iconic songs, “I Will Always Love You,” was initially released in 1974 but gained even more popularity when Whitney Houston recorded her own rendition for the film “The Bodyguard” in 1991.
Forbes states that due to Houston’s version, which remains the best-selling single by a female artist of all time, Parton earned $10 million in royalties. To this day, Celebrity Net Worth indicates that Parton continues to earn approximately “8 cents per radio play and $2 per album sold” for Houston’s version.
Parton revealed the story behind Houston’s rendition during a conversation with Kelly Clarkson in December 2022. Initially, a different song was chosen as the theme for “The Bodyguard” movie. However, as Parton explained, Kevin Costner and his secretary suggested using her song, “I Will Always Love You,” describing it as a beautiful country song.
When they approached Parton for permission to use it, she gladly agreed. Parton recounted the experience of hearing Houston’s version for the first time while driving in Los Angeles, sharing that she had no prior knowledge or preview of the recording. Overwhelmed by the impact of the song, she had to pull over to the side of the road to process her emotions.
Additionally, Parton’s catalog continues to generate substantial income, with estimated annual royalties of $6 million to $8 million, as reported by Fox Business. The value of her catalog is estimated to be around $150 million, further contributing to her overall net worth.
| Dolly Rebecca Parton Networth | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dolly Rebecca Parton |
| Net Worth | $650 Million |
| Music Royalty Income | $8 Million |
| Assets | $73 Million |
| Investments | $26 Million |
| Loans & Liabilities | $11 Million |
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Dolly Parton Assets & Investments
Dolly Parton possesses a diverse portfolio of assets, which includes various real estate properties, cars, luxury yachts, cash reserves exceeding $20 million, and an investment portfolio consisting of 15 stocks valued at $26 million. Some of the notable stocks owned by Dolly Parton are:
- Johnson & Johnson
- Boeing
- Amazon
- Mastercard
- Starbucks
These stocks form a part of her investment holdings and contribute to her overall financial portfolio.
How much does Dolly Parton make from Dollywood?
According to estimates as of August 2021, Dollywood, the theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, was generating approximately $3 million in annual revenue. As reported by Fox Business, the overall value of the park is estimated to be around $165 million.
Parton’s business ventures extend beyond Dollywood and encompass Splash Country water park, the DreamMore Resort and Spa, as well as eight restaurants located near Dollywood. The collective value of these additional enterprises is estimated to be at least $35 million.
Dolly Parton Biography
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee. She grew up in a one-room cabin situated on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. From a young age, Parton showcased her talent and passion for singing by appearing on local radio and television programs in the East Tennessee region. After graduating from Sevier County High School in 1964, she wasted no time and immediately moved to Nashville.
In 1967, Porter Wagoner, a prominent musician and country music entertainer, extended an invitation to Parton to join his organization. He offered her a regular spot on his syndicated television show, The Porter Wagoner Show, as well as a place in his touring lineup. Parton accepted the offer, and her association with Wagoner helped elevate her career.
In 1974, Parton’s song “I Will Always Love You,” which she wrote about her professional departure from Wagoner, reached the top position on the country music chart. This significant achievement further solidified her status as a talented songwriter and performer.
| Dolly Parton Biography Overview | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dolly Rebecca Parton |
| Age | 77 years |
| Date of Birth | 19 January 1946 |
| Birthplace | Sevier County, Tennessee, United States |
| Spouse | Carl Thomas Dean (m. 1966) |
| Parents | Avie Lee Owens, Robert Lee Parton |
| Siblings | Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Robert Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randel Huston (deceased), Larry Gerald (deceased), twins Floyd Estel (deceased) and Frieda Estelle, and Rachel Ann |
| Height | 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m) |
| Weight | 110 lb (50 kg) |
| Net Worth | $650 Million |
Early Life and Family
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born in 1946 in Sevier County, Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children in her family. Her father worked as a tobacco farmer, and their financial situation was quite modest. Parton often described her family as being “dirt poor.” It is said that her father paid the doctor who assisted with her birth with a bag of oatmeal.
Early Musical Influence
Music held great significance in Parton’s life from an early age. She grew up singing and performing in church, where her passion for music blossomed. Even as a young child, her talent was evident, and she began making appearances on The Cas Walker Show at the age of nine. Parton’s musical abilities continued to develop, and by her teenage years, she had started recording music with the small Louisiana label, Goldband Records.
Move to Nashville and Songwriting Success
Shortly after graduating from high school in 1964, Parton made the pivotal decision to move to Nashville, Tennessee. The city’s thriving music scene provided the perfect platform for her budding career. Parton’s songwriting talent quickly gained recognition, and she formed a successful collaboration with her uncle, Bill Owens. Together, they wrote several singles that achieved chart success.
Signing with Monument Records and Genre Transition
In 1965, at the young age of 19, Dolly Parton signed a record deal with Monument Records. Initially, the label aimed to market her as a bubble gum pop singer. However, her early pop songs failed to gain significant traction or success in the industry.
Career
Recognition in Country Music:
A turning point came when one of Dolly’s country songs, performed by Bill Phillips with Dolly providing harmony vocals, reached an impressive number six position on the country charts. Monument Records finally recognized the potential in Dolly’s country music abilities and shifted their focus away from the pop genre.
Debut as a Country Artist :
Dolly’s first single as a country artist, titled “Dumb Blonde,” made its mark on the country chart, reaching number 24. Interestingly, Dolly did not write this particular song, as it was one of the few non-self-composed songs she recorded during this period. Her second single, “Something Fishy,” achieved a higher position on the chart, peaking at number 17.
Debut Studio Album :
These two singles were included on Dolly’s debut studio album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” released in 1967. The album showcased Dolly’s own interpretations of several songs she had written, which had already gained fame through other artists’ performances. “Hello, I’m Dolly” reached a respectable position, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Albums chart.
Joining “The Porter Wagoner Show” and Signing with RCA Victor:
In the same year, Dolly Parton received an invitation to make regular appearances on the widely syndicated television show “The Porter Wagoner Show.” Recognizing her immense talent and untapped potential, Porter Wagoner, impressed by Dolly’s abilities, successfully convinced RCA Victor, his own label, to sign her as an artist. Additionally, Porter became her producer and acquired a 50% stake in Owe-Par, the publishing company Dolly had founded alongside her uncle Bill Owens. Porter Wagoner had a vested interest in Dolly’s success.
Duet Albums with Porter Wagoner:
Dolly’s first single on her second studio album, titled “Just Because I’m a Woman” (1968), was a duet with Porter Wagoner. This marked the beginning of their fruitful collaboration as a duo. Between 1968 and 1980, they released a total of 13 studio albums together. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the production of 21 singles that charted on the country chart, including their number-one hit, “Please Don’t Stop Loving Me.”
Solo Success with “Jolene”:
Despite her continued partnership with Porter Wagoner, Dolly’s solo career initially struggled to gain momentum. However, in 1973, she achieved tremendous success with the release of the song “Jolene.” This captivating track reached number one on the country chart in February 1974 and enjoyed widespread popularity on non-country charts worldwide. “Jolene” received accolades and recognition, earning its place as the 217th song on Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Songs of All Time. Dolly herself has acknowledged that “Jolene” is the song she has written that has been most frequently recorded by other artists.
The transition from Porter Wagoner:
In April 1974, Dolly made the decision to part ways with Porter Wagoner for her solo endeavors, although he continued to produce her songs through 1975. This marked a significant turning point in Dolly’s career, allowing her to further establish herself as a remarkable solo artist in the music industry.
Creation and Success of “I Will Always Love You”:
In 1973, Dolly Parton began writing a heartfelt song that would eventually become known as “I Will Always Love You.” This composition served as a farewell tribute to her seven-year professional partnership with Porter Wagoner, signifying the end of their collaboration. The song caught the attention of Elvis Presley, who expressed interest in recording it. However, when Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, insisted on acquiring half of the song’s publishing rights, Dolly declined the offer and decided to prepare her own solo version.
Solo Success and Re-recordings:
Dolly released her solo rendition of “I Will Always Love You” on March 18, 1974. The song achieved remarkable success, reaching the coveted number-one spot on the Billboard Country chart. Impressively, it achieved this feat twice, with a second stint at the top in 1982 when Dolly re-recorded it for the movie “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
Whitney Houston’s Iconic Version:
In 1991, music producer Clive Davis, known for mentoring Whitney Houston, expressed disappointment after watching an early version of the film “The Bodyguard.” He felt that Whitney’s exceptional musical talents were underutilized and urged the producers, including actor Kevin Costner, to find a powerful song for her to perform in the movie’s climactic scene. Costner agreed with Davis’ feedback and independently selected “I Will Always Love You” as the ideal song.
Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” soared to tremendous heights, spending an astounding 14 weeks at the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time, exceeding 20 million copies sold. Whitney’s rendition holds the distinction of being the best-selling single by a female artist in history.
Financial Success of “I Will Always Love You”:
Dolly Parton experienced a substantial financial windfall in the early 1990s due to Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” During this period, Dolly earned approximately $10 million in royalties. When adjusted for inflation, this amounts to roughly $20 million. Humorously, Dolly remarked that she had made “enough money to buy Graceland” from the success of the song.
Ongoing Royalties and Earnings
As the owner of the song’s writing and publishing rights, Dolly continues to earn royalties to this day. For each radio play of “I Will Always Love You,” she receives approximately 8 cents, and for every album sold featuring the song, she earns about $2. This ongoing revenue stream has contributed to Dolly’s enduring financial success.
Country Hits and Variety Show
Between 1974 and 1980, Dolly Parton continued to achieve success on the country charts, with eight of her singles reaching the coveted #1 position. During this time, she also ventured into television and hosted her own variety show from 1976 to 1977, showcasing her talent and expanding her reach to a wider audience.
“New Harvest… First Gathering” and Pop Music
In 1977, Dolly took on a self-produced project with her album “New Harvest… First Gathering.” Departing from her traditional country sound, this album featured a blend of pop songs and production. Notably, Dolly covered R&B classics such as “My Girl” and “Higher and Higher,” showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Film Career and Soundtracks
Dolly Parton’s film career gained traction in 1980 when she starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the movie “9 to 5.” Not only did she showcase her acting skills, but she also wrote and performed the title track for the film. The song, “9 to 5,” garnered critical acclaim and earned Dolly an Academy Award nomination, as well as four Grammy nominations. Ultimately, she won the Grammys for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance.
Notable Films :
Dolly’s contributions to the film industry extended beyond “9 to 5.” She appeared in several notable films throughout her career, including “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (1982), “Rhinestone” (1984), “Steel Magnolias” (1989), and “Joyful Noise” (2012). These films allowed Dolly to showcase her acting talents and further solidified her presence in popular culture.
Personal Life
Dolly Parton is the fourth child among her twelve siblings. Her siblings include Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Robert Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randel Huston (deceased), Larry Gerald (deceased), twins Floyd Estel (deceased) and Frieda Estelle, and Rachel Ann.
On May 30, 1966, Dolly Parton married Carl Thomas Dean, who was born on July 20, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee. The wedding took place in Ringgold, Georgia. While Parton doesn’t professionally use Dean’s surname, she has mentioned that her passport reads “Dolly Parton Dean,” and she occasionally uses Dean when signing contracts.
Although Dean prefers to stay out of the public eye, it is known that he was involved in running an asphalt road-paving business in Nashville before retiring. He rarely accompanies Parton to public events and has only seen her perform once, according to Parton. Despite their seemingly separate lives, Parton has described Dean as romantic, often surprising her with spontaneous gestures and even writing poems for her.
In interviews, Parton has expressed pride in their marriage, emphasizing that it is the first and only marriage for both of them. On May 6, 2016, she announced plans to renew their vows in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary later that month.
Parton and Dean have played a significant role in raising some of Parton’s younger siblings in Nashville. As a result, their nieces and nephews affectionately refer to them as “Uncle Peepaw” and “Aunt Granny.” The latter nickname also inspired the name of one of Parton’s restaurants at Dollywood, her theme park in Tennessee. Additionally, Parton is the godmother of singer-songwriter and actress Miley Cyrus.
Does Dolly Parton have Kids?
No, Dolly Parton does not have any biological children. She has been married to Carl Dean since 1966, but they have never had children. Parton has said that she believes she would have been a great mother, but she also knew that it would have required her to give up on her career aspirations. She has also said that she feels like she has a special connection with children, and that she sees them as her “extended family.”
Who is Dolly Parton’s Husband?
Dolly Parton’s husband is Carl Thomas Dean. They met in 1964 when Parton was 18 years old and Dean was 21. They married in 1966 and have been together ever since. Dean is a truck driver and businessman who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. He and Parton rarely make public appearances together.
Parton has said that she and Dean have a strong relationship because they are best friends. They share a love of music and spend time together at home. Parton has also said that Dean is her biggest supporter and that she can always count on him.
The couple has no children together, but they have a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and godchildren. They are also very involved in their community and have donated millions of dollars to charitable causes.
Here are some other facts about Carl Thomas Dean:
- He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1942.
- He has no siblings.
- He dropped out of high school to work as a truck driver.
- He met Dolly Parton in 1964 at a laundromat in Nashville.
- They married in 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia.
- He is a private person and rarely makes public appearances.
- He is a supporter of Dolly Parton’s charitable work.
- He and Dolly Parton have no children together.
Dolly Parton Cars
Dolly Parton has expanded her car collection with the acquisition of a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, purchased for $790,000 USD. Additionally, she is the proud owner of a Rolls-Royce Phantom, which carries a price tag of $2 million USD. Other notable cars owned by Dolly Parton include the Volvo XC60, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln Nautilus. These vehicles add to the variety and luxury of her car collection.
Dolly Parton Liabilities and Loans
To accurately determine Dolly Parton’s net worth, it is necessary to subtract her liabilities from her total assets. In her pursuit of building her business empire, Dolly Parton has obtained loans and mortgages totaling over $92 million from prominent banks in the US. These financial obligations play a role in assessing her overall financial standing and should be taken into account when calculating her net worth.
| HSBC Loan | $20 Million |
| JP Morgan Loan | $33 Million |
| Goldman Sachs Loan | $10 Million |
| Bank of America Loan | $29 Million |
Does dolly parton have tattoos ? Yes, Dolly Parton has tattoos. The renowned country music icon confirmed that she does indeed have tattoos. However, Dolly Parton emphasized that her tattoos are tasteful and she does not consider herself a "tattoo girl." She shared that her tattoos include ribbons, bows, butterflies, and a special one covering a scar—a beehive design. Dolly explained that the scar resulted from a time when she was unwell and required a feeding tube. Being fair-skinned, she disliked how scars appeared purple on her, so she decided to turn this negative into a positive by getting a small beehive tattooed over the indented scar.
Is miley cyrus related to dolly parton? Miley Cyrus is not related to Dolly Parton by blood. However, Parton is Cyrus' godmother. Parton and Cyrus' father, Billy Ray Cyrus, have been friends for many years, and Parton has been a close friend and mentor to Miley since she was a child. Parton even appeared on Miley's Disney Channel show, Hannah Montana, as her character's aunt. The two have a close bond and have collaborated on music together on several occasions. Here are some other facts about Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton's relationship: • Parton was asked to be Miley's godmother by Billy Ray Cyrus. • Parton has said that she feels like Miley is one of her own children. • Miley has said that she looks up to Parton as a role model. • The two have performed together on several occasions, including at the Grammy Awards and on Miley's New Year's Eve special. • Parton has even written a song for Miley, called "Rainbowland." Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton are two of the most successful and beloved entertainers in the world. Their close relationship is a testament to their shared love of music and their mutual respect for each other.
Dolly Parton House
Dolly Parton acquired an expansive luxury mansion spanning 11,300 square feet at a cost of $18 million. Subsequently, she embarked on a renovation and expansion project, enlisting the services of an architectural design firm and investing an additional $2 million.
Notable enhancements to the property include the installation of imported German oak flooring, particularly in the grand great room which encompasses distinct areas for relaxation, dining, and cooking. A fireplace adorns one end of this spacious room.
The house also features a dedicated library room complete with a corner fireplace. Reflecting Dolly Parton’s personal taste, the interior design and furnishings exhibit a minimalistic style, while the principal bedroom boasts walls of glass that provide direct access to the backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, which means she is currently 77 years old as of 2023.
Dolly Parton’s height is reported to be around 5 feet 0 inches (152 cm) tall.
Dolly Parton’s net worth can fluctuate over time due to various factors. However, as of 2023, she had an estimated net worth of US$650 million.
Dolly Parton has multiple residences. She owns a mansion called “Dollywood” in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which also serves as a theme park. Additionally, she has a residence in Brentwood, Tennessee, near Nashville.
81 years Old
Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, was born on July 20, 1942.
Dolly Parton has been married to Carl Dean since May 30, 1966. Carl Dean is a retired businessman, but he has maintained a private life and has largely stayed out of the public eye.
Dolly Parton grew up in a large family. She has a total of 11 siblings, including six brothers and five sisters.
Carl Dean, Dolly Parton’s husband, is a retired asphalt road-paving businessman.
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