Dolly Parton ‘Bathed Once a Week’ & Lived in Shack with Family of 14 — Now Donates Millions to Those in Need
Dolly Parton, despite her massive fame and fortune, remains grounded and humble, recalling her upbringing in a one-bedroom cabin with 11 siblings. Born on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee, to parents Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens, Dolly’s childhood was marked by poverty.
Her father, a sharecropper, couldn’t read or write, supplementing his income through construction work. Despite the challenging circumstances, Dolly’s musically-oriented family found joy in singing and playing music together. Her mother taught her to sing, exposing her to various genres, including church songs and Elizabethan ballads.
Dolly’s childhood home, a log cabin with only one bedroom and one living room, lacked running water and electricity. The family of 14, including siblings Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, twins Freida Estelle and Rachel Ann, Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Bobby Lee, Robert, and Larry, faced tough conditions. Two siblings, Robert and Larry, later passed away.
Despite the hardships, Dolly fondly recalls her childhood, emphasizing the joy, laughter, and love shared with her family. The small cabin led to teasing and bickering, but the family stuck together. They spent most of their time outdoors, using the space as an extension for meals, entertainment, and games.
Bathing was a challenge, with the family using a creek or the nearby river for summertime baths. In winter, they had a pan of water, bathing once a week as a routine. Dolly remembers the cold mountain weather and how her younger siblings’ urine provided warmth during the winter nights.
Dolly’s rise to success began with her passion and musical talent. Despite her tough childhood, she became one of the most successful country music performers. Her modest upbringing instilled values of sharing success, leading to her philanthropic endeavors.
With a net worth estimated at $375 million in 2022, Dolly’s financial success comes from music publishing ownership rights and Dollywood, a theme park she invested in 1968. Her songs, including “I Will Always Love You,” contribute to her wealth, and Dollywood generates $3 million annually.
Dolly’s generosity extends to charitable causes. In 2016, she raised $13 million for Tennessee wildfire survivors. She donated $1 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital in 2017, supporting leukemia treatment for her niece. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she gave $1 million for vaccine research, contributing to the Moderna vaccine’s development.
Dolly’s commitment to early childhood literacy is evident through her Imagination Library program, providing free books to over a million children monthly. Founded in 1995, the program has distributed over 100 million books, reaching countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK.
Despite her challenging childhood, Dolly Parton’s success story is one of resilience, generosity, and a deep commitment to giving back. Her humble beginnings have shaped her into a philanthropist, musician, and businesswoman dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.