Dolly Parton Built Independence Beyond Rhinestones and Fame

Dolly Parton grew up in a poor family in Tennessee and became a famous entertainer.

She did not hide where she came from.

She showed that a woman could be glamorous, funny, successful and serious at the same time.

Dolly also built businesses and created Dollywood.

She was married to Carl Dean for nearly six decades, but their marriage did not define her whole life.

She did not have children, and she said this gave her a way to care about children in the wider community.

Her Imagination Library has given more than 300 million books to children around the world.

Dolly’s life showed people that there is no single right way to be a woman.