21 things you probably didn't know about Dolly Parton

Nasha SmithJan 19, 2021, 19:56 IST

Dolly Parton is a country-music trailblazer.David Crotty / Contributor / Getty Images

Dolly Parton is an award-winning country artist, philanthropist, and actress.
Her hit songs "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene" were inspired by real-life people.
Dollywood is a Parton-inspired theme park.

Country legend Dolly Parton is a celebrated songwriter, actress, philanthropist, humanitarian, and feminist icon.

But even with several documentaries, books, and podcasts made about her life and career, some facts about Parton aren't well-known.

Here are 21 things you may not have known about the "Backwoods Barbie" singer:

She didn't write "I Will Always Love You" about a romantic partner.

Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner performing together. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Parton's smash hit "Jolene" was partially inspired by a bank teller.

The song's name was also inspired by a fan. Debra L Rothenberg/Getty Images

She is Miley Cyrus' honorary godmother.

Dolly Parton performing with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Parton rejected an offer from Elvis Presley.

Elvis Presley wanted to cover "I Will Always Love You." Michael Ochs Archives/Getty; AP

Parton said she eats pie instead of cake on her birthday.

Dolly Parton prefers pie to cake. Christopher Polk/ Getty Images

She once lost a Dolly Parton-lookalike contest.

Dolly Parton exaggerated her usual look for the competition. Getty

Parton has tattoos to cover up small scars.

Dolly Parton's tattoos include ribbons, bows, and butterflies. Jim Cooper/AP Images

She can play a lot of musical instruments.

Dolly Parton can play more than just the guitar. Gems/Getty Images

Parton may have a wig for every day of the year.

Dolly Parton is also known for her impressive hairstyles. LUCY NICHOLSON/Reuters

Parton has her own theme park but has never been on any of the rides.

Dollywood is a Dolly Parton-inspired amusement park. Ron Davis/Getty Images

Parton said she sleeps in her makeup.

Dolly Parton and Katy Perry. CBS

Her parents paid for her birth with a sack of oatmeal.

Dolly Parton grew up in Sevierville, Tennessee. Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Parton has earned two Guinness World Records.

Dolly Parton on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno." NBC/Getty Images

Parton's first crush was Johnny Cash.

Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash at the Country Music Association Awards in 1978. ASSOCIATED PRESS/AP

She said she wakes up at 3 a.m. to meditate.

Dolly Parton said she gets work done between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

She has spoken about following a low-carb diet.

Dolly Parton said she's been more conscious of her diet as she gets older. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Parton and her husband Dean have been married for over 50 years.

Dolly Parton and Carl Dean got married in 1966. Mark Humphrey/AP Images

Parton and her bestie have been friends since childhood.

Dolly Parton and Judy Ogle have been best friends for 64 years. Ron Galella/Getty Images

Parton created a library to promote literacy.

Dolly Parton speaking about Dolly's Imagination Library. Andrew Harnik/AP

Dolly, the cloned sheep, was named after Parton.

Dolly the Sheep was named after Dolly Parton. Matthew Polak/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images

She saved her 9-year-old costar on the set of her latest Netflix film.

Dolly Parton plays an angel in "Christmas on the Square." Netflix

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