Dolly Parton Dies at 80: A Look Back at Her Early Style and Career
Dolly Parton, the legendary figure in country music, has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by her family. Parton, who began her musical journey in Tennessee during childhood, met Johnny Cash at 12, who became a source of encouragement. Although she achieved immense fame, she humbly dismissed the title of fashion icon, quipping, "I'm more of an eyesore!" Her career milestones include starting guitar at seven, releasing her first music at 19, and penning the classic "I Will Always Love You." In 1967, she became a staple on Porter Wagoner's show, and her variety program "Dolly" debuted in 1987, attracting 39 million viewers. Parton was also celebrated for her fondness for wigs and high heels, with a rose variety named in her honor.
Key facts
- Dolly Parton died at 80 years old, according to a family statement.
- She met Johnny Cash at the Grand Ole Opry at age 12, who encouraged her.
- She began playing guitar at age 7 on a homemade instrument.
- Her label initially pitched her as a pop singer; she switched to country two years later and began to chart.
- Porter Wagoner invited her onto his show in 1967; she wrote 'I Will Always Love You' about him.
- At the 1980 premiere of '9 to 5', she wore a dress by Ann Roth and felt fashionable for the first time.
- Her variety show 'Dolly' premiered in 1987 to 39 million viewers, a record.
- She performed at the International Festival of Country Music at Wembley in 1976.
- She posed for an ad for Hercules Tyres.
- She attended the premiere of 'Rhinestone' with Sylvester Stallone in 1984.
- She developed her glamour aesthetic from Sears catalogues in Sevierville, Tennessee.
- She loved wigs, high heels, and flowers; a rose species is named after her.
- She recalled a childhood beauty muse her mother called 'trash', which she aspired to be.
- She said she would never be over and would sell records from her car trunk if needed.
Entities
Artists
- Dolly Parton
- Johnny Cash
- Porter Wagoner
- Jane Fonda
- Lily Tomlin
- Sylvester Stallone
- Ann Roth
Institutions
- Grand Ole Opry
- Vogue
- Hercules Tyres
- International Festival of Country Music
- Wembley
Locations
- Tennessee
- Sevierville
- Heathrow Airport
- London
- United Kingdom