Dolly Parton, the country music legend, has an incredible story of triumph over adversity. Despite growing up in poverty with 11 siblings, Dolly has become one of the most iconic country stars in the world. At 77 years old, she is not only a musical sensation but also happily married to her loving husband, Carl Dean.

Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a farmhouse located in the mountains of Tennessee. She was one of twelve children and was considered the prettiest baby by her siblings. Despite their impoverished background, Dolly’s family had a deep sense of love and support for each other.

While Dolly has described her upbringing as afflicted by poverty, her neighbors and old friends have stated that her family was not necessarily poorer than anyone else in their neighborhood. Dolly’s mother had her and her eleven siblings by the time she was 35 years old. It seems that coming from a large family runs in Dolly’s lineage, as her grandmother also had many children.

Dolly attributes her creativity and spirituality to her mother and her business-focused drive to her father. She believes she got the best of both her parents. Her singing talent was discovered at a young age when she began performing at her church, where her grandfather preached. Although she wasn’t initially the best singer among her siblings, her tenacity and tough personality drove her to pursue her passion for music. Writing songs became an integral part of her identity, and she has been doing it since she was only seven years old.

Dolly’s unique style has always been a part of her life. Before making it big in the entertainment industry, her mother would sew dresses for her out of sacks and scraps of fabric. She drew inspiration for her flamboyant look from a local woman in town who she thought was beautiful. Despite facing opposition from her father and grandfather, who would physically punish her, Dolly remained headstrong in expressing herself through her fashion choices.

Dolly Parton’s success and empire are unparalleled. Worth over $500 million, she has made invaluable contributions through approximately 3,000 songs, philanthropic endeavors, numerous Grammy and Oscar nominations, and even her own amusement park. While she no longer tours, Dolly is still actively working and writing songs.

Beyond her illustrious career, Dolly is deeply in love with her husband, Carl Dean. They met when Dolly was just 18 years old and tied the knot in 1966. Dolly describes Carl as a really good man and their relationship as that of best buddies and best friends. The couple shares a deep understanding and connection, and Carl supports Dolly in every way possible.

For Dolly, her happiness lies in spending time with Carl, whether it’s at home or traveling together in their RV. Their loving relationship is a testament to the incredible journey of this country icon who has not only overcome obstacles but has also achieved immense success while staying true to herself.