“And I didn't have children because I believed that God didn't mean for me to have kids so everybody's kids could be mine, so I could do things like Imagination Library because if I hadn't had the freedom to work, I wouldn't have done all the things I've done,” Parton said.
Country legend Dolly Parton is beloved by listeners of all ages, but despite her large family and her strong bond with kids, she and husband Carl Dean have never had children of their own.
“We never did think of adopting,” she added. “I guess I didn't have the time. I had my career and all, I had younger brothers and sisters, so I had that responsibility and that joy and that duty.” Dolly is also Miley Cyrus' godmother and one cool babysitter.
Her mother tasked her with taking care of the newborn, which included bathing him and seeing to all his needs. Sadly, the baby passed away and Parton mentioned that it 'crushed' her and her mother, who was later diagnosed with depression.
Larry Gerald Parton
Sadly, Larry died just four days after he was born. Dolly bravely spoke up about the heartbreaking story, revealing that the loss hit her really hard. The country singer recalled how her mother would assign them special roles of taking care of one particular sibling since there were so many of them.
“I didn't have children because I believed that God didn't mean for me to have kids so everybody's kids could be mine, so I could do things like Imagination Library because if I hadn't had the freedom to work, I wouldn't have done all the things I've done,” Parton said on Today.
According to Dolly's creative director Steve Summers, the singer wears gloves as a matter of style. “She doesn't like her elbows,” Steve told InStyle. “[They ask] 'what's wrong with her hands? ' She's 73, and she doesn't like them!”
Her parents paid for her birth with a sack of oatmeal.
Her family was so poor that grain was all her father had to give the doctor who delivered her.
Dolly Rebecca Parton is born to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Parton near Sevierville, Tennessee.
The history of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean's 56-year marriage, and their secret to long-lasting love. Dolly Parton and Carl Dean tied the knot in 1966 after meeting at a local launderette, and though Dolly went on to become a superstar, they're still happily married today.
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus share a special bond. Aside from being two of the most successful singers in the music industry, they also share a familial connection: Parton is Cyrus' godmother.
In a 1978 interview with Playboy Magazine, Parton discussed the parallels drawn between herself and Elvis. She explained that, while she sadly never had the chance to meet Elvis, “There was nobody that [she] ever related to more.
Recently, Dolly Parton revealed that she was able to meet Billy Ray's new love interest. Dolly Parton has loved Billy Ray Cyrus like a brother since they became friends in the 90s. They're so close, in fact, that Dolly is Miley Cyrus' godmother.
For Parton, that something is her 55-year marriage to Dean. "I've known how to keep my husband private," the country legend explained. "It's just natural to me to protect the things and the people I love and to protect my own privacy."
Randy Parton died of cancer on January 21, 2021, at age 67.
Dolly was just nine years old when the baby died, and fought back tears as she gave the interview. She had named her baby brother 'Larry', and wrote in her 2020 autobiography that she had planned extensively for his arrival.
Then, a few years ago, Parton set the record straight during an interview with People in 2020. "I do have some tattoos, that's true," she told the publication. "But they're tasteful.
The country singer may be covering up scars and tattoos. Dolly's creative director, Steve Summers, said she wears them to hide certain features like her hands and elbows.
For years, many have speculated that Parton constantly wears long sleeves to cover up a different sort of sleeve. As Parton tells it, she's not completely covered with hidden tattoos, but she's got her fair share of ink. "I do have some tattoos, that's true," the country music legend shared. "But they're tasteful.
Her best-kept secret. Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been married for more than 50 years, but they're rarely seen together — and that's just the way they like it. The country icon first met her future spouse when she moved to Nashville in 1964 to start her music career.
In order of birth, the six boys and six girls were named Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Dolly Rebecca, Bobby Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randel Huston “Randy,” Larry Gerald, Estel Floyd, and twins Freida Estelle and Rachel Ann.
Still, the singer says she connects with kids because she's a lot like them. Country music icons talk about relationship rumors and teaming up for their new duet.
'” That self-confidence has paved her way to financial success. In August 2021, Forbes estimated the singer-songwriter's net worth at $350 million.