Nestled among the rolling landscape of the Smoky Mountains is the birthplace of one of music’s biggest stars: Dolly Parton. Born in Sevier County, Dolly Parton’s story is one that’s as unique as the Smoky Mountains themselves! One of the most celebrated musicians across the globe with a career spanning more than 6 decades, she was shaped by the life experiences, character, and culture of the region. From humble beginnings in a quaint cabin to playing on the biggest stages in the world, this is the Dolly Parton story:
Humble Beginnings in Locust Ridge
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946 as the fourth of 12 children to Robert and Avie Lee Parton. She was raised in Locust Ridge, which is just outside of Sevierville, living in a remote one-bedroom cabin that didn’t have water or electricity. Dolly Parton and her 11 siblings grew up in the jam-packed home as her father worked as a farmer and numerous odd jobs to make ends meet.
Faith, Family & Music
There was nothing easy about the way Dolly Parton grew up. Think cold baths, bare floors, and insulation crafted from newspaper. Yet the Parton family grew close in a home that was full of faith, family, and music. Her mom, Avie Lee, was a singer who would often sing old ballads from the British Isles to her children. Her grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher and her earliest performances took place in the church.
With not much in the way of toys growing up, Dolly Parton would find her own entertainment, whether it was chasing butterflies, catching June bugs and tying them to strings, or playing barefoot out in the great outdoors. Her father, being a resourceful man, fished, hunted, canned, and grew their own food to put dinner on the table.
Dolly Parton’s Childhood of Song
Music was a staple in the Parton home. By the time she turned 6, Dolly Parton was already singing in church. A couple years later she learned to play a homemade guitar and by 10 found herself performing on radio and TV stations in Knoxville. It was clear from an early age that she had a unique musical talent.
The Story of “My Tennessee Mountain Home”
Dolly’s song “My Tennessee Mountain Home” is one of her most popular hits and a tribute to her upbringing in the Smoky Mountains, highlighting the beauty and simplicity of the region. “Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh … crickets sing in the field nearby,” she sings. The song became an official state song of Tennessee in 2022.
Dolly Parton’s Tennessee Mountain Home still stands to this day in Locust Ridge. You can visit a replica of the home at Dollywood, the Pigeon Forge amusement park co-owned by Dolly Parton. The home, which was designed by her mother and built by her brother, features all sorts of original family pieces like firefly jars used as lamps, newspaper-insulated walls, tin cups, and floral wallpaper. When you visit you’ll get a sense of what Dolly’s childhood in the Smokies was like.
From the Smokies to Stardom
The morning after graduating from Sevier County High School in 1964, Dolly packed her things and moved to Nashville, already knowing exactly what she wanted to pursue in life. She quickly became a star in the Country Music Capital. Every step of the way, she’s carried the Smokies and their importance to her along with her.
Giving Back to the Smokies
Dolly Parton is known just as much these days for her philanthropy work as she is for her award-winning music. She started the Dollywood Foundation in 1988. That endeavor included the birth of the Imagination Library, which sends free monthly books to kindergarteners. Dollywood is one of the biggest employers in the Smoky Mountains and her philanthropy efforts impact areas both locally and beyond.
The Dolly Parton story can’t be told without explaining the impact of the Smoky Mountains on her life and career. Are you interested in learning more? Check out some fun facts about Dolly Parton!
