Dolly Parton knew music was her calling from early age. She first started performing at the age of 10, and just three years later she debuted on the Grand Ole Opry making $20 a week.
Most of the family members on her momโs side were very musical and played instruments, so music was a fundamental part of her life from the moment she was born. Her love for music grew even deeper when her uncle Lewis gave her his cherished little Martin guitar.
Soon after graduating high school,ย Partonย moved to Nashville and quickly rose to fame. Throughout her career, she has written over 3,000 songs, sold more than 100 million albums, topped the country charts 25 times, and won eight Grammy Awards.
She and her husband of many years, Carl Dean, never had children, and according to Parton it was a decision they made together, although they sometimes wonder what their children would have looked like if they had any.
Speaking on the topic, she shared withย Todayย the reason behind that decision.
โIโve made sacrifices, but I think, like I said, I believe what I know Iโm supposed to do,โ she said. โIโve made the sacrifice of timeโฆ and not having time to spend with family, and you give up family and friends, vacation, and work without end, 24/7, 365, but you got to make the sacrifice.โ
However, this decision wasnโt entirely hers. Actually, she experienced heath struggles.
In 1985, Parton was diagnosed with endometriosis, which led to the country singerโs partial hysterectomy.
In her bookย Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton,ย she wrote, โI wasnโt conscious of nutrition, I wasnโt taking care of myselfโฆI was working hard, and underneath I was a pile of personal and emotional problems. All at once, I fell apart. It was stomach problems and female problemsโall over health problems, actually.โ
The condition affected her life and led her to severe depression. Sadly, the realization that she couldnโt conceive children naturally was a heavy burden for her. โSuddenly, I was a middle-aged woman. I went through a dark time until I made myself snap out of it,โ sheย said.
Although Dolly Parton doesnโt have children of her own, she is ensuring that millions of kids receive high-quality books through her program.
Being loving and caring as she is, Parton is adored by millions.
Sheโs an advocate for womenโs empowerment, animal welfare, arts and culture, and a lot more.
As she inspires countless others with her music and determination, Dolly Partonโs legacy will be cherished for generations to come.
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