EXCLUSIVE: 10 Fun Facts About Dolly Parton — From Her Secret Talents to Her Unexpected Hobbies!

Dolly Parton is truly a fascinating and multi-dimensional figure whose larger-than-life persona is matched by a career and personal life that continues to inspire millions. Here are some fun facts you might not know about the Queen of Country:

1. Dolly Parton Wrote on Tina Turner’s Debut Solo Album

While Dolly is known for writing the iconic “I Will Always Love You,” she also wrote “There’ll Always Be Music,” which appeared on Tina Turner’s debut solo album Tina Turns the Country On!.

2. Dolly Parton Has 11 Siblings

Dolly grew up in a large family of 12 children. While two of her brothers have passed away, she still shares close bonds with her nine remaining siblings. In fact, her sisters Cassie and Rachel even appeared with her in her TV movie Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas.

3. Dolly Parton Helped Fund Moderna’s COVID Vaccine

In 2020, Dolly donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which contributed to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Dolly herself received the vaccine on TV, encouraging others to follow suit.

4. Dolly Parton Has Been Married for 57 Years

Dolly’s marriage to Carl Thomas Dean has lasted for more than five decades. They wed in 1966, and despite Dolly’s fame, Carl has managed to stay out of the public eye, with Dolly frequently referring to him as her “rock.”

5. Dolly Parton and Her Best Friend Have Been Close Since Childhood

Parton has been best friends with Judy Ogle for more than 60 years. The two have known each other since childhood, and despite rumors, Dolly has always clarified that they are just the best of friends.

6. Dolly Parton Owns More Than 100 Wigs

Dolly is known for her signature look, which includes big, sky-high wigs. In fact, she humorously stated that she likely owns at least 365 wigs — one for each day of the year.

7. Dolly Parton Is a Guinness World Record Holder (10 Times Over!)

Dolly has earned a number of Guinness World Records throughout her career, including for “Most Studio Albums Released by a Female Country Singer” and “Longest Span of No. 1 Hits on the U.S. Top Country Albums Chart.” She holds a total of 10 world records.

8. Dolly Parton Once Lost Her Own Lookalike Contest

In a funny twist, Dolly once entered a Dolly Parton lookalike contest in Santa Monica Boulevard and lost! She over-exaggerated her own look to have fun, but clearly, others did a better job.

9. Dolly Parton Has Her Own Theme Park (But Hasn’t Tried Out the Rides!)

Dolly’s theme park, Dollywood, opened in 1986 after she bought a stake in the park’s parent company. While the park is a major success, Dolly herself doesn’t ride the attractions because of motion sickness. She humorously explains that her hair and shoes are too valuable to risk on the rides.

10. Dolly Parton Only Communicates Via Fax

Believe it or not, Dolly prefers to communicate via fax. Her goddaughter Miley Cyrus once shared that Dolly gets upset if people don’t respond to her faxes. Despite the rise of email and texts, Dolly sticks to the old-school machine, finding it less time-consuming than answering everyone who wants to reach her.

Dolly Parton’s quirky and down-to-earth personality, combined with her impressive achievements, continue to endear her to fans worldwide. Whether it’s her musical talent, her philanthropic efforts, or her unique personal habits, she remains a true icon of both country music and pop culture.