Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton

Singer and Businesswoman

Current Networth - $650 Million

Personal Stats

NameDolly Parton
RoleSinger
IndustryMusic
Net Worth$650 Million
Date of Birth and AgeJanuary 19, 1946 (78 Years Old)
Accolades10 Grammy Awards, 13 Academy of Country Music Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame

Table of Contents

  • About Dolly Parton
  • Businesses Owned
  • Early Life
  • Family
  • What is Dolly Parton’s Net Worth?
  • Dolly Parton’s Claim to Fame

About Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a living legend in American music, especially in the country music scene. She is also an actress and philanthropist who is known for classics like “Jolene” and “9 to 5”. “The Iron Butterfly” has recorded over 40 top 10 country albums and has 10 Grammys in her resume. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Parton’s career spans across entertainment and business, including her Dollywood theme park and a fragrance line. “The Queen of Nashville” has a net worth of $650 million, supported by brand partnerships with Duncan Hines and collaborations in music and media​.

The 78-year-old “Country Queen” is equally celebrated for her philanthropy, particularly through her Imagination Library, which has distributed millions of books to children worldwide since 1995. In 2020, she donated $1 million to support COVID-19 vaccine research, furthering her reputation as an icon who uses her success to give back generously


Businesses Owned

  • Dollywood

    May 3, 1986 - Present
  • Dollywood’s Splash Country

    May 19, 2001 - Present
  • Dolly Parton’s Stampede


Early Life

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, to Avie Lee Owens and Robert Lee Parton.

  • Dolly’s family faced extreme poverty, with her father working as a sharecropper and her mother raising 12 children. They lived simply, relying on self-sustenance and music for comfort.
  • Influenced by Appalachian music, Dolly sang in church from a young age, and her musical talent was recognized early.
  • At age eight, her uncle gifted her a guitar, helping her develop as a songwriter and musician.
  • By age ten, she was singing on “The Cas Walker Show”, a local Tennessee program.
  • At thirteen, Dolly recorded her first single, “Puppy Love,” on Goldband Records, marking the start of her professional music career.

Family

“The Queen of Country” had music rooted deep in her heart with her mother Avie Lee passing down a love of storytelling and music.

  • Dolly is the fourth of 12 children, and many siblings have pursued music. Her younger sister Stella became a notable country singer, while Cassie, Randy, and Rachel also have musical backgrounds.
  • Dolly married Carl Thomas Dean on May 30, 1966. Though private, their relationship has endured over five decades, and they reside in separate but close quarters.
  • Carl remains largely out of the spotlight despite Dolly’s fame, valuing a quiet, reserved lifestyle.
  • Dolly and Carl chose not to have children, with Dolly focusing on her extensive philanthropic work, including her Imagination Library.
  • Known for her devotion, Dolly’s marriage to Carl is one of country music’s longest, marked by mutual respect and admiration.
  • The Dollywood theme park includes tributes to her parents, including a replica of their family cabin.

Dolly Rebecca Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, author, and philanthropist. Known for her contributions to country music, she has written over 3,000 songs, including classics like "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," and "9 to 5." Her influence extends beyond music, as she has also significantly impacted film, television, and business.

 

Net Worth$650 Million
Salary$85 Million
Date of BirthJanuary 19, 1946
Place of BirthSevier County, Tennessee
GenderFemale
Height5’0”
ProfessionSinger, Songwriter, Actress, Businesswoman, Philanthropist
NationalityAmerican
MarriedMarried to Carl Thomas Dean
ChildrenNone
No. of Houses4+
No. of Cars3+
No. of Awards50+

What is Dolly Parton’s Net Worth?

According to Forbes, as of 2024, Dolly Parton has an estimated net worth of $650 million. Her wealth is largely derived from her music career, where she owns the rights to her songs, generating continuous royalties. Dolly has won the prestigious Grammy award on 10 occasions and has been honored with over 50 nominations in her career.

With 41 top-10 country albums, 25 No. 1 singles, and over 100 million solo albums sold, the 10-time Grammy winner has an extensive song catalog, containing more than 3,000 songs, valued at over $150 million as per Forbes. This contributes to an estimated annual income of over $85 million from song royalties.

In addition to her music, Parton's business empire includes the Dollywood theme park, Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner attractions, and various other investments.


Dolly Parton’s Claim to Fame

Dolly Parton’s claim to fame comes from her extraordinary contributions to country music and her ability to cross over to pop music with ease. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Parton’s distinct voice, songwriting talent, and larger-than-life personality have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment world. 

Beyond music, her roles in movies like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias have further cemented her status as an entertainment icon. Her influence extends to her family as well, with her sister Stella Parton making it big in country music, further highlighting the family's rich musical legacy.


What Businesses Does Dolly Parton Own?

Dolly Parton is a savvy businesswoman with several successful ventures:

  • Dollywood: Opened in 1986, Dollywood is one of the most popular theme parks in the United States, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, it is a major contributor to Parton's wealth and her commitment to her hometown. Parton reportedly owns 50% of Dollywood equivalating to $165 Million.
  • Dollywood’s Splash Country: This water park, adjacent to Dollywood, adds another revenue stream to her portfolio, making her theme park complex one of the top tourist destinations in Tennessee. According to Signalhire, Dollywood’s Splash Country generates an annual revenue between $5 Million to $25 Million.
  • Dolly Parton’s Stampede: Parton owns multiple dinner attractions, including Dolly Parton’s Stampede, which offers a unique blend of dining and live entertainment. According to Zippia, it generated $41 Million in revenue in 2023

 

Endorsements

  • Cracker Barrel: Parton has a long-standing partnership with Cracker Barrel, collaborating on various products and promotions. Parton has been the face of the “Rewards That Rock” campaign to promote its loyalty program since 2009.
  • Duncan Hines: The country music icon partnered with Duncan Hines in 2022 to create a line of food products inspired by her Southern cooking.
  • Lifetime Brands: Parton has partnered with Lifetime Brands in a licensing agreement to create kitchenware and tabletop products in 2023.

How Does Dolly Parton Spend Her Millions?

Dolly Parton is known for her philanthropy and love for her roots in Tennessee. She invests heavily in her hometown of Sevier County, funding schools, scholarships, and various community projects. Parton’s charitable giving is legendary, with her Imagination Library being one of her most significant contributions. The program mails free books to children around the world, fostering a love of reading from an early age.

Beyond her philanthropic efforts, Parton enjoys a modest lifestyle, often staying close to her Tennessee roots. However, she also owns several properties, including her primary residence in Brentwood, Tennessee, and vacation homes in California.


How Many Houses Does Dolly Parton Own?

Dolly Parton owns several homes across the United States:

  • Brentwood, Tennessee: Parton’s primary residence is a sprawling estate in Brentwood, where she lives with her husband, Carl Thomas Dean. The property is known for its privacy and beautiful, natural surroundings. The couple reportedly bought it for $400,000 in 1999. 
  • Lake House: Parton also owns a lake house in Nashville, where she enjoys spending time away from the spotlight. Named Dollyhouse, this 3-bedroom house can be rented for vacations as well.
  • Hollywood Hills Mansion: Although she spends most of her time in Tennessee, Parton also owns a home in the Hollywood Hills, reflecting her success in the entertainment industry. The two-bedroom, two-bath home spans 1,091 square feet. Parton purchased it through a trust for $1.2 million in April 2007.

What cars does Dolly Parton own?

Dolly Parton’s car collection is not as widely publicized as other celebrities. Among a handful of cars she is known to own, here are the most standout ones.

  • 1997 Cadillac D'Elegance: As a testament to American Classic cars, the Cadillac D’Elegance is probably the most famous car in Parton’s collection. Often seen in her photos and videos, the car owned by the Queen Of Country currently resides in an automotive museum in Tennessee.
  • Mercedes-Benz GL-Class:  Another car-sharing space in Parton’s garage is an all-German full-size SUV offering loads of practicality to Tennessee star, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Though the exact price of the car is unknown, a brand new GL-Class back in 2016 started at $65,000. 
  • Lincoln Nautilus: Another luxury SUV, the Lincoln Nautilus combines elegance and comfort. It's a popular choice among celebrities, and it's not surprising that Parton would have one in her collection.

What Are Dolly Parton’s Charitable Contributions?

Dolly Parton is not just a country music icon; she’s also a dedicated philanthropist with numerous charitable initiatives:

  • Imagination Library: Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in 1995, aiming to provide free books to children from birth to age five. Over the years, the program has grown tremendously, with more than 244 million books distributed globally by June 2024. Supported by over 2,700 local partners, the initiative gifted 3,044,465 books in that month alone.
  • COVID-19 Research: In 2020, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to support COVID-19 vaccine research. Her contribution played a significant role in the development of the Moderna vaccine.
  • Wildfire Relief: After the devastating Tennessee wildfires in 2016, Parton established the “My People Fund,” providing $1,000 per month to families who lost their homes. The fund distributed over $12 million in total aid.
  • Scholarship Programs: Through the Dollywood Foundation, Parton has funded scholarships for local students in Sevier County, Tennessee. Dolly Parton's scholarship programs offer financial support to students in various fields. The Dolly Parton Scholarship awards $20,000 annually to one student from each participating high school every year.

What’s Next for Dolly Parton?

Dolly Parton continues to remain active in her career, with plans to release new music and expand her business ventures. In addition to her ongoing projects in the entertainment industry, Parton is set to release more books and continue her philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Imagination Library. Her enduring popularity and business acumen ensure that she will remain a significant figure in the entertainment and business worlds for years to come.

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