Dolly Parton believed music was her calling from a young age. She began playing at the age of ten, and three years later, she debuted on the Grand Ole Opry, earning $20 per week.
Most of her mother’s family members were quite musical and played instruments, thus music was an important part of her life from the time she was born. Her love of music grew even stronger after her uncle Lewis handed her his beloved tiny Martin guitar.
Parton arrived in Nashville shortly after graduating from high school and immediately ascended to stardom. Throughout her career, she has written over 3,000 songs, sold over 100 million albums, topped the country charts 25 times, and received eight Grammy Awards.
She and her longtime husband, Carl Dean, never had children, and Parton says it was a mutual decision, though they do wonder what their children would have looked like if they had.
Speaking on the subject, she explained to Today the reasoning behind her decision.
“I’ve made sacrifices, but I think, like I said, I believe what I know I’m supposed to do,” she said. “I’ve made the sacrifice of time… and not having time to spend with family, and you give up family and friends, vacation, and work without end, 24/7, 365, but you got to make the sacrifice.”
However, this decision wasn’t entirely hers. Actually, she experienced heath struggles.
Parton was diagnosed with endometriosis in 1985, prompting the country singer to undergo a partial hysterectomy.
In her book Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton, she wrote, “I wasn’t conscious of nutrition, I wasn’t taking care of myself…I was working hard, and underneath I was a pile of personal and emotional problems. All at once, I fell apart. It was stomach problems and female problems—all over health problems, actually.”
The disease had a negative impact on her life and caused her to experience extreme depression. Unfortunately, the revelation that she could not conceive children naturally was a tremendous burden for her. “Suddenly, I was a middle-aged woman. I went through a dark time until I made myself snap out of it,” she explained.
Dolly Parton may not have her own children, but her initiative ensures that millions of children receive high-quality books.
Being loving and caring as she is, Parton is adored by millions.
She supports women’s empowerment, animal welfare, arts and culture, and a variety of other causes.
Dolly Parton’s legacy will be remembered for centuries to come as she continues to inspire countless others via her music and determination.