“Image Credit: Getty Images Dolly Parton isn’t just a country legend — she’s the legend of the business whose influence spans music, film, business, and philanthropy. With timeless hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” the Tennessee native has built one of the most enduring careers in entertainment history. Beyond”, — write: hollywoodlife.com
Image Credit: Getty Images Dolly Parton isn’t just a country legend — she’s the legend of the business whose influence spans music, film, business, and philanthropy. With timeless hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” the Tennessee native has built one of the most enduring careers in entertainment history. Beyond her chart-topping success, Dolly has used her fame to give back, from funding education through her Imagination Library to contributing to medical research and community relief efforts.
While younger generations may first recognize her as Miley Cyrus’ real-life godmother (and unforgettable Hannah Montana guest star), Dolly continues to connect with new audiences. In 2025, she teamed up with Sabrina Carpenter for a surprise country remix of “Please Please Please,” proving that her star power bridges generations and genres alike.
Recently, however, the 79-year-old star has faced her own health challenges. Earlier this year, Dolly postponed her Las Vegas residency and missed several scheduled appearances after being hospitalized for kidney stones and a related infection. In true Dolly fashion, the singer later took to social media to calm concerns and lift spirits, posting a lighthearted video saying, “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working.”
Learn more about her incredible career, influence, and lasting impact below.
How Old Is Dolly Parton Now? As of October 2025, Dolly is 79 years old. She was just 18 when she moved to Nashville to start her music career.
Dolly Parton’s Net Worth Thanks to her decades-long career, Dolly has a net worth of $650 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. However, she didn’t just rake in cash from releasing music. Dolly established herself as a businesswoman, having introduced the Tennessee theme park known as Dollywood to America.
Outside of her earnings, Dolly is also a philanthropist. Her organization, Imagination Library, has gifted books to millions of children around the world. According to its website, Imagination Library has distributed more than 270 million books.
“When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true,” Dolly said, per the foundation’s website. “I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.”
Does Dolly Parton Have Kids? No, Dolly and her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, did not have children of their own. Nevertheless, they seemingly enjoyed a long and happy marriage.
Who Is Dolly Parton’s Husband? Since Carl preferred to be kept away from the public eye, fans never saw him in public with Dolly. Instead, she talked about the love of her life in occasional interviews over the years.
In March 2025, Carl died at the age of 82, Dolly confirmed in a statement that read, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”