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.
“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.
Dolly and Dean helped raise several of Dolly's younger siblings in Nashville, with her nieces and nephews referring to her as 'Aunt Granny', which became the name to one of the singer's Dollywood restaurants. The couple have no children of their own, but Dolly is the godmother of singer Miley Cyrus.
However, the Queen of Country, recently spoke about her long-lasting marriage to husband Carl Dean, a topic she seldom talks about publicly. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey for Today, Parton revealed the real reason why the couple decided not to have children.
Dolly parton Lost 'Her Baby' At Age Nine
According to Parton, her mother had a lot of kids, and sometimes, the responsibility to watch over them fell on her. At a young age, her family welcomed a baby boy, whom she named Larry.
Randy Parton, brother of renowned county singer Dolly Parton, lost his battle with cancer on Thursday. Randy Parton, little brother of renowned county singer Dolly Parton, lost his battle with cancer on Thursday.
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.
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.
Parton suffered from endometriosis.
She suffered from endometriosis, a painful condition that can lead to infertility. By 1984, she underwent a partial hysterectomy to treat her symptoms, a procedure in which the entire uterus and part of the cervix are removed, according to an interview with Closer Weekly.
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!”
Dolly Rebecca Parton is born to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Parton near Sevierville, Tennessee.
Country legend Dolly Parton is Miley Cyrus' godmother. Parton said she was given that role due to her close relationship with Cyrus' father, Billy Ray. Cyrus and Parton have both spoken fondly about their relationship over the years.
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.
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.
In 1984, aged 36, Parton underwent a partial hysterectomy and was told she'd never have children. Her weight ballooned, she considered suicide.
Bobby Lee, David Wilburn, and Coy Denver Parton
Unlike their famous siblings, the three of them all lead private lives, away from the spotlight. Well, you could really say that Dolly Parton siblings indeed have a colorful life, having their own unique way of becoming an unforgettable name.
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 hitmaker did not want to accept the prestigious medal from one party and not the other. Parton kindly declined the Medal of Freedom twice when President Donald Trump was in office – making this the third time the vocalist passed on the offer.
Randy Parton was born in Sevierville, Tennessee, the eighth of twelve children born to Avie Lee Caroline (née Owens; 1923–2003) and Robert Lee Parton Sr. (1921–2000). He was the younger brother of Dolly and Stella Parton and the older brother of former actress Rachel Dennison.
David Parton, Coy Parton, and Robert Lee Parton.
The younger brother of country icon Dolly Parton and a country music songwriter himself, Floyd Parton died at 61 on Dec. 6, 2018. His work includes the ballad of steadfastness, "Rockin' Years," recorded by Dolly Parton and Ricky Van Shelton in 1991.
"So mine are all pastels, what few that I have, and they're meant to cover some scars. I'm not trying to make some big, bold statement." So basically, Dolly got tattoos to cover up scars and now she wears long sleeves all the time to cover up both the scars and tattoos.
How old are Dolly Parton and Carl Dean? Dolly Parton is 77 and was born in Tennessee on 19 January 1946. Her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, is three years older than her and will celebrate his 81st birthday in July 2023.