Dolly Parton was born in rural Sevier County. In fact, if you ever make the trip to Dollywood, you're not far from Dolly's childhood home — which she sings about in her song "My Tennessee Mountain Home."

Dolly grew up poor, with hardworking parents, a big family, and a passion for writing and performing music. Her song "Coat of Many Colors"? That's a true story about her mother literally sewing together rags to make a coat. Who knew at the time that would symbolize Dolly's life, a rags-to-riches story?

After high school, Dolly moved to Nashville and she quickly found success as a songwriter. Her country career picked up steam when she joined Porter Wagoner as his duet partner: a partnership that lasted six years and spawned hit after hit on the charts.

When their partnership dissolved, she wrote "I Will Always Love You" — famously covered by Whitney Houston, almost famously covered by Elvis. Well, Elvis's manager Col. Tom Parker thought he was a wise guy and tried to convince Dolly to give away half the publishing of that song to Elvis if Elvis recorded the song. Dolly, a brilliant businesswoman, said no. Dolly said no to Elvis, a smart decision on Dolly's part since "I Will Always Love You" has made her millions over the years.

Dolly has led a fascinating life, fought through stereotypes of how women are perceived in the entertainment industry. She even famously turned down Playboy in the '70s. She made her own way through a male-dominated industry and continues to prove that she's no dumb blonde.

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