Dolly Parton’s extraordinary journey from a rustic, overcrowded shack to a life of fame and fortune is nothing short of remarkable. Despite her rise to superstardom, this iconic musician, businesswoman, and philanthropist has managed to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground, always mindful of her modest upbringing.
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee, she entered the world in a one-bedroom cabin with a staggering 11 siblings. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, was a hardworking sharecropper who, due to the lack of educational opportunities, never learned to read or write. To supplement his income, he toiled in construction. Despite the challenging circumstances, the Parton family shared a deep connection with music, as their musically inclined roots ran deep.
Dolly’s grandfather, Jake Robert Owens, was a minister and the mastermind behind the hymn “Singing His Praise.” This musical heritage flowed through the family, with several of Dolly’s siblings embracing music, some even joining her in the family band. Her uncle, Sam Owens, a talented musician and singer-songwriter, was the first to recognize her prodigious musical talents during her childhood.
Among her numerous siblings were Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, twins Freida Estelle and Rachel Ann, Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Bobby Lee, Robert, and Larry. Unfortunately, Robert succumbed to cancer in 2021, and Larry passed away as an infant. As the fourth of 12 siblings, Dolly often pitched in to help care for the younger ones, all while living together under one modest roof.
Their log cabin home consisted of a single bedroom and a living room, devoid of running water or electricity. This rustic abode, still standing today, played a significant role in shaping Dolly’s worldview. Growing up in a large family with limited means, she intimately understood the hardships of poverty.
During a 2016 conversation with The Guardian, Dolly warmly reminisced about her formative years amidst the picturesque Tennessee mountains. Her reflections were centered on the treasured moments that filled her with joy. She regaled tales of her siblings’ ceaseless serenades, where she would frequently endeavor to enlist them as harmonious support during her make-believe performances as the leading vocalist. Despite the confines of their snug cabin, their familial bond remained unshakable.
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Dolly recalled how their cabin’s limited space prompted them to gravitate outdoors, where the open expanse seamlessly became an extension of their humble abode. Here, they shared meals, found amusement, and engaged in spirited games. Dolly underscored her family’s profound gratitude for the simple blessings of sustenance and shelter, even amid circumstances that fell short of ideal. Her parents consistently imparted the perspective that there were families enduring more profound hardships, fostering a deep sense of appreciation.
Notwithstanding their humble origins, Dolly’s fervent love for music would ultimately propel her to become one of the preeminent and triumphant figures in the realm of country music. Yet, her early life was marked by economic hardship, necessitating resilience in the face of challenging circumstances. Dolly and her family of 14 essentially inhabited a rudimentary dwelling, bereft of the basic amenities.
During a candid exchange with Playboy magazine in March 1978, Dolly revealed an intriguing facet of her upbringing. She recounted her first encounter with a toilet and bathroom at the tender age of eight, an experience that captivated her youthful curiosity. She even chuckled about the initial apprehension they felt about using the toilet, harboring concerns of being “sucked in.” The luxury of daily bathing remained elusive, compelling them to craft their own soap. On occasion, they would gather into a truck and venture to the river for a communal bath.
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Although there was a nearby creek, the river was their preferred spot for bathing, as it felt like a colossal “bathtub” for all of them. They would swim together, lathering up with their homemade soap, which would flow downstream. Dolly humorously remarked that their river bath would have left a visible “ring” around the Little Pigeon River. This river bathing ritual was a summertime tradition.
Throughout the chilly winter months, the family relied on a solitary basin of water for washing, utilizing it as much as possible. When inquired about their winter bathing routine, Dolly humorously responded, “Well, we adhered to the ‘once a week, whether needed or not’ principle, as the saying goes.” As Dolly advanced into her high school years, the need for bathing grew more frequent, primarily due to the nocturnal habits of her younger siblings. She candidly recounted, “My younger siblings would urinate on me every night while we shared a bed, with three or four of us crammed in. Consequently, I would cleanse myself nightly. After going to bed, as soon as I’d drift off, the children would relieve themselves, necessitating a morning repetition of the routine.”
Surprisingly, Dolly didn’t mind the occasional wet night, as the warmth from her siblings’ urine provided much-needed comfort on the cold mountain nights. Living in the mountains, she remembered how bone-chilling it could get indoors, almost making getting peed on a welcome source of warmth. They would huddle together under the covers for warmth during those chilly nights.
Dolly Parton’s life journey, from a cramped cabin with 11 siblings to global stardom, is a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit. Her remarkable success hasn’t dimmed the memories of her humble beginnings, and she continues to give back generously, exemplifying the values instilled in her by her family and upbringing.