Dolly Parton was born in Sevier County in Eastern Tennessee to a very poor family. From a very early age, she began singing and playing guitar in her local church, on the radio and on TV, performing at the Grand Ole Opry at 13 and producing her first album, "Hello, I'm Dolly" at age 21, having written or co-written most of the songs. She now holds a Grammy Lifetime Award and many artistic awards.
Parton is a successful businesswoman as well, founding the Dollywood Company, which runs several restaurants and attractions and is the largest employer in Eastern Tennessee. Ms. Parton has used her success to fund her Imagination library, providing free books and scholarships to children and after the Gatlinburg fires, this year, has pledged $1000 for six months to each displaced family.