Dolly Parton At 80: Celebrating A Global Legend

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 28: Dolly Parton performs during “Dolly: An Original Musical” fireside chat and press conference at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on January 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Getty Images

“Well, I tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition, yawn and stretch and try to come to life.” These iconic opening lines from the film 9 to 5 perfectly capture the energy, humor, and unstoppable drive of Dolly Parton. Today, as she celebrates her 80th birthday, that same spark continues to define a career that has entertained and inspired millions.

Dolly Parton is more than a country music icon — she’s a cultural force, a storyteller, a philanthropist, a business mogul, and a living example of how to combine heart with humor and ambition. From her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee — she was the fourth of 12 children raised in a one-room cabin — to selling out stadiums worldwide, Dolly has bridged generations, genres, and audiences, all while remaining unapologetically herself and completely relatable. Don’t you just want to hang out with this living legend?

In honor of eight decades, here are some fun factoids about Dolly Parton:

Songwriting powerhouse: Dolly has written more than 3,000 songs, including classics like Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and I Will Always Love You, the last of which became a global smash when Whitney Houston covered it. This is certainly no “9 to 5” feat!

Chart dominance: Dolly has more than 100 charted singles across country, pop, and adult contemporary charts — an accomplishment few artists can match. In 2000, Dolly received her 5th Grammy award, this time for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.

Rock Hall induction: In 2022, Dolly was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, later releasing the rock album Rockstar just to prove she could.

Famed actress: From 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas to Rhinestone and Steel Magnolias, Dolly showed there was more to her talent than singing and songwriting. Dolly’s movie debut was in 9 to 5 in 1980, where she got an Oscar nomination for writing the title tune, and Grammy Awards for Best Country Song, and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

Dollywood magic: Since opening in 1986, Dollywood has become the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee, reflecting Dolly’s deep love for her home state.

Tackling television: Among her countless appearances, Dolly even hosted her own primetime variety show during the 1987–88 season.

Philanthropy that sings: Dolly’s Imagination Library has delivered over 200 million free books to children worldwide since 1995, inspiring generations to read.

Trademark wit: Dolly has never been shy with her humor or self-awareness. She once quipped, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” And on the topic of her iconic image, she joked, “I’m not offended by dumb-blonde jokes because I know that I’m not dumb. I also know I’m not blonde.”

At 80, Dolly Parton makes eight decades seem like the youth of today. She’s a masterclass in longevity, creativity, and authenticity. Whether she’s making us laugh, entertaining us with a song or film, or quietly changing the world through generosity, Dolly reminds us that a life lived fully — with heart, humor, and purpose — is a life worth celebrating.

Happy 80th birthday to a legend, a friend to millions, and a national treasure whose spark shows no signs of dimming. Here’s to Dolly — still ambitious, still unstoppable, and still inspiring us all to tumble out of bed and pour ourselves a cup of ambition, every single day.