Dolly Parton Net Worth 2023, Bio, Career, Earnings, and More

With a career spanning over six decades, Dolly Parton’s accomplishments are as diverse as the rhinestones on her iconic outfits. From her chart-topping country hits and beloved acting roles to her successful business ventures and philanthropic endeavors, Dolly Parton’s net worth is a testament to her incredible talent, hard work, and savvy business sense.

So, just how much is Dolly Parton worth in 2023? Brace yourself, because it’s a staggering $650 million. This impressive net worth is a testament to her decades of hard work, talent, and business acumen. But how did she get there? Let’s dive into Dolly’s fascinating journey, exploring her music career, entrepreneurial ventures, and the secrets behind her immense wealth.

Who is Dolly Parton?

Dolly Parton. The name alone evokes a smile, a catchy tune, and a whole lot of rhinestones. But there’s much more to this legendary country music icon than meets the eye. Behind the blonde hair and dazzling stage persona lies a savvy businesswoman, a prolific songwriter, and a generous philanthropist.

Dolly Parton, a beloved American singer, songwriter, and actress, has been captivating audiences for decades with her country music hits. Starting as a songwriter for other artists, Dolly launched her own music career with the album “Hello, I’m Dolly” in 1967.

She quickly rose to fame, both on her own and through collaborations with the talented Porter Wagoner. Though her popularity reached its peak in the 1970s and 80s, Dolly’s music continues to resonate with fans today.

While the 1990s saw a slight dip in album sales, Dolly re-emerged in the 2000s and has continued to release music on various independent labels, including her own, Dolly Records. This multi-talented star is much more than just a country music icon; she’s a true American legend.

Dolly Parton’s Net Worth

Dolly Parton, the legendary country music star, boasts a staggering net worth estimated at $650 million. This impressive sum isn’t just thanks to her catchy tunes and iconic voice, but also a result of her smart business decisions and savvy investments.

Music: Main Income Source

Parton’s musical success is undeniable, with 41 top-10 country albums and 25 number-one singles. Her song “I Will Always Love You” alone has generated significant wealth.

The song’s popularity skyrocketed thanks to Whitney Houston’s unforgettable rendition for the film “The Bodyguard,” and Parton continues to earn royalties from its radio play and album sales.

Business Venture

Parton’s wealth extends beyond music. She owns Dollywood, a beloved theme park, and her own record label, Dolly Records. Her business acumen and control over her assets have played a crucial role in her financial stability.

Revenue from Royalties

With over 3,000 songs written, Parton’s royalty stream continues to flow. Estimates indicate she receives $6 million to $8 million annually from these royalties, adding to her already impressive net worth.

Earnings from Song Catalog

The value of Parton’s song catalog is estimated at around $150 million, further solidifying her financial success. This vast library of music continues to generate income, ensuring her financial security for generations to come.

From Country Star to Business Mogul

Dolly Parton’s story is an inspiring example of talent, hard work, and smart business decisions. Her remarkable journey from a young singer-songwriter to a multi-faceted icon is a testament to her determination and remarkable talent.

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Dolly Parton Assets & Investments

Dolly Parton possesses a diverse portfolio of assets, which includes various real estate properties, cars, luxury yachts, cash reserves exceeding $20 million, and an investment portfolio consisting of 15 stocks valued at $26 million. Some of the notable stocks owned by Dolly Parton are:

1. Johnson & Johnson
2. Boeing
3. Amazon
4. Mastercard
5. Starbucks

These stocks form a part of her investment holdings and contribute to her overall financial portfolio.

How much does Dolly Parton make from Dollywood? 

Dollywood, the beloved theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a major source of income for Dolly Parton. Estimates from August 2021 suggest the park brings in around $3 million every year, and Fox Business estimates its total value at a whopping $165 million.

But Dollywood isn’t Parton’s only business venture. She also owns Splash Country Water Park, the DreamMore Resort and Spa, and eight restaurants near Dollywood. Together, these additional businesses are estimated to be worth at least $35 million.

So, when you combine Dollywood with her other ventures, it’s clear that Dolly Parton has built quite the business empire in the Smoky Mountains!

Dolly Parton Biography

Humble Beginnings in the Smokies

Dolly Rebecca Parton’s story begins on January 19, 1946, in a humble one-room cabin nestled along the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center, Tennessee.

Surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, young Dolly displayed a natural talent for music, captivating audiences with her singing on local radio and television in East Tennessee.

Setting Sights on Nashville

Driven by her passion and determination, Dolly graduated from Sevier County High School in 1964. With dreams of stardom burning bright, she immediately embarked on a journey to Nashville, the heart and soul of country music.

Joining Porter Wagoner’s Show

Dolly’s talent wasn’t destined to remain hidden for long. Her exceptional voice and stage presence caught the attention of the legendary Porter Wagoner, a renowned musician and entertainer.

In 1967, he offered Dolly a life-changing opportunity: a regular spot on his popular syndicated television show, “The Porter Wagoner Show,” and a place in his touring lineup.

From Collaborator to Solo Superstardom: “I Will Always Love You”

Dolly’s association with Porter Wagoner proved pivotal. His mentorship and guidance provided an invaluable platform for her talent to flourish. However, in 1974, Dolly wrote “I Will Always Love You,” a song that became a powerful testament to her artistic independence and desire to pursue her own solo career.

The song’s emotional depth and soaring melody resonated with audiences, topping the country music charts and solidifying Dolly’s status as a gifted songwriter and captivating artist.

A Legacy in the Making

Dolly Parton’s journey from a young girl in a Tennessee cabin to a global music icon serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere. Her talent, dedication, and unwavering passion have paved the way for decades of remarkable achievements, securing her place as a legend in the world of country music and beyond.

Early Life and Family

Dolly Parton was born in 1946 in Sevier County, Tennessee. She was one of twelve children, the fourth oldest. Her family didn’t have much money, her dad was a tobacco farmer. Dolly often said they were “very poor.” In fact, it’s even said her dad paid the doctor who helped her mom give birth with a bag of oatmeal!

Early Musical Influence

From a young age, music was super important to Dolly Parton. She sang and performed in church, where she started to really love music. Even as a kid, everyone knew she had a special talent, and she started appearing on a TV show called “The Cas Walker Show” when she was just nine years old! Dolly kept getting better at music, and by the time she was a teenager, she was already recording songs for a small record label called Goldband Records.

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Move to Nashville and Songwriting Success

After graduating high school in 1964, Dolly made a big decision. She packed her bags and moved to Nashville, Tennessee – the music capital of the world! This city was full of singers, songwriters, and musicians, and it was the perfect place for Dolly to start her career.

Dolly was a talented songwriter, and soon people started to notice. She worked with her uncle, Bill Owens, to write songs, and they had a lot of hits together.

In 1965, when Dolly was just 19 years old, she signed a record deal with Monument Records. This was a huge deal for her! But there was a problem. The record company wanted Dolly to sing “bubblegum pop” songs, which are cute and catchy songs that are popular with young people.

Dolly didn’t really like singing pop music. She wanted to sing country music, which tells stories about life and love. But the record company wouldn’t let her.

Dolly had to decide: should she sing the music she didn’t like and maybe become famous? Or should she sing the music she loved and hope that people would like it too?

Career

Dolly Parton’s journey to becoming a country music legend is an inspiring story of talent, determination, and unwavering passion.

Humble Beginnings

Born in 1946 in Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly was the fourth child in a large family. Growing up in a modest environment, music became her refuge. From a young age, she displayed a remarkable talent for singing and songwriting, performing in church, and honing her skills.

Early Recognition

By the age of nine, Dolly was already captivating audiences, appearing on the popular television show “The Cas Walker Show.” Her talent continued to blossom, leading her to record music with the Louisiana label Goldband Records in her teenage years.

Nashville and Monument Records

In 1964, Dolly took a bold step by moving to Nashville, the heart of the country music industry. Her songwriting prowess quickly caught the attention of music executives, and she signed with Monument Records in 1965.

Shifting Gears

Initially, Monument Records aimed to market Dolly as a pop singer, releasing bubblegum pop songs that didn’t resonate with her authentic voice and artistic vision. This period proved to be a turning point, as Dolly’s song, “Dumb Blonde” (1967) performed by Bill Phillips with Dolly’s harmonies, reached number six on the country charts, showcasing her true potential in the genre.

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Country Debut and Success

Recognizing her true strengths, Monument Records finally shifted their focus toward Dolly’s country music. Her debut country single, “Something Fishy” (1967), climbed to number 17 on the charts, paving the way for her first studio album, “Hello, I’m Dolly” (1967).

Joining “The Porter Wagoner Show” and RCA Victor

In the same year, Dolly received an invitation to join the renowned “The Porter Wagoner Show.” This opportunity provided her with a wider platform to showcase her talent and develop her professional skills. Impressed by her abilities, Porter Wagoner successfully convinced RCA Victor to sign her as an artist and became her producer.

Duet Albums with Porter Wagoner

Dolly’s fruitful collaboration with Porter Wagoner yielded 13 studio albums and 21 chart-topping singles, including their number-one hit, “Please Don’t Stop Loving Me.”

Solo Success with “Jolene”

While continuing her partnership with Porter Wagoner, Dolly also pursued her solo career. In 1973, she released the iconic song, “Jolene,” which became her breakout hit, topping the country charts and gaining international recognition.

Transition from Porter Wagoner

In 1974, Dolly embarked on her solo journey, leaving her partnership with Porter Wagoner. This marked a crucial turning point in her career, allowing her to fully express her artistic vision and achieve greater solo success.

Creation and Success of “I Will Always Love You”

Originally written as a farewell tribute to Porter Wagoner, “I Will Always Love You” became one of Dolly’s most enduring compositions. Elvis Presley expressed interest in recording the song, but Dolly declined due to unfavorable publishing rights offered by his manager.

Dolly released her own version of “I Will Always Love You” in 1974, reaching the top of the Billboard Country chart. Remarkably, it achieved the same feat again in 1982 when she re-recorded it for the movie “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

Whitney Houston’s Iconic Version

In 1991, Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” became a global phenomenon. Released for the movie “The Bodyguard,” it spent a record-breaking 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Continuing Legacy

Today, Dolly Parton remains a cultural icon, celebrated for her exceptional talent, business acumen, and philanthropic efforts. She has earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Dolly’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to superstardom serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and artists worldwide. Her story exemplifies the power of talent, hard work, and unwavering determination to achieve one’s dreams.

Financial Success of “I Will Always Love You”:

In the early 1990s, Dolly Parton earned a substantial amount of money from Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” The song was a huge success, and Dolly earned approximately $10 million in royalties. This is equivalent to roughly $20 million today when adjusted for inflation. Dolly even joked that she had made enough money to buy Graceland, the famous home of Elvis Presley.

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Ongoing Royalties and Earnings

Even today, Dolly still makes money from Whitney Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” because she owns the songwriting and publishing rights. Every time the song plays on the radio, Dolly makes about 8 cents. And when someone buys an album with the song on it, she earns around $2. All this money keeps adding up and helps Dolly stay rich!

Country Hits and Variety Show

The period from 1974 to 1980 was a golden age for Dolly Parton in country music. Her talent shone brightly, and she consistently delivered chart-topping hits. Here’s a glimpse into her remarkable success during this time:

Chart-Topping Singles

• Dolly dominated the country charts with eight singles reaching the coveted #1 position. These included iconic songs like “Jolene” (1974), “Love Is Like a Butterfly” (1974), “My Tennessee Mountain Home” (1975), and “Here You Come Again” (1977).

• Her songwriting prowess was evident, and she penned many of these chart-topping hits herself. This solidified her position not only as a talented singer but also as a gifted songwriter.

Branching Out into Television

• In 1976, Dolly took a step further in her career by venturing into television. She hosted her own variety show, “Dolly!,” for a season.

• This show showcased her multifaceted talents, featuring singing, dancing, comedy sketches, and guest appearances by other artists.

• “Dolly!” became a popular show, expanding her reach beyond the realm of country music and establishing her as a multi-talented entertainer.

Expanding Her Audience

• By appearing on television and releasing chart-topping singles, Dolly Parton effectively broadened her audience.

• This period solidified her status as a major star, not just within the confines of country music, but also in the broader entertainment industry.

A Legacy of Success

• Dolly Parton’s achievements between 1974 and 1980 continue to inspire aspiring musicians and entertainers.

• Her dedication, talent, and ability to connect with audiences through her music and personality have cemented her place as a true musical icon.

“New Harvest… First Gathering” and Pop Music

In 1977, Dolly Parton decided to do something different. She released an album called “New Harvest… First Gathering” that she produced herself. This album was a departure from her usual country music sound. Instead, it included a mix of pop songs and even some R&B classics like “My Girl” and “Higher and Higher.” This showed everyone just how versatile Dolly truly was as an artist.

Film Career and Soundtracks

Dolly Parton’s talent wasn’t just limited to music. In 1980, she made a splash on the big screen with the movie “9 to 5,” sharing the spotlight with actresses Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

Not only did Dolly showcase her acting chops in the film, but she also wrote and performed the iconic title track, “9 to 5.” The song was a major hit, earning Dolly an Academy Award nomination and four Grammy nominations. In the end, she took home the Grammys for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance.

Notable Movies

This wasn’t Dolly’s only foray into the world of film. Throughout her career, she appeared in several notable movies, including “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (1982), “Rhinestone” (1984), “Steel Magnolias” (1989), and “Joyful Noise” (2012).

These films gave Dolly a platform to showcase her acting talent and further solidified her presence in popular culture.

A Multifaceted Talent

Dolly Parton’s success as a singer, songwriter, actress, and film producer is a testament to her incredible talent and versatility. She continues to inspire generations with her music, acting, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Personal Life

Dolly Parton is the fourth child among her twelve siblings. Her siblings include Willadeene, David Wilburn, Coy Denver, Robert Lee, Stella Mae, Cassie Nan, Randel Huston (deceased), Larry Gerald (deceased), twins Floyd Estel (deceased) and Frieda Estelle, and Rachel Ann.

On May 30, 1966, Dolly Parton married Carl Thomas Dean, who was born on July 20, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee. The wedding took place in Ringgold, Georgia. While Parton doesn’t professionally use Dean’s surname, she has mentioned that her passport reads “Dolly Parton Dean,” and she occasionally uses Dean when signing contracts.

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Dolly Parton’s Family and Personal Life

Dolly Parton comes from a big family, being the fourth child out of twelve siblings. She married Carl Thomas Dean in 1966 in a simple ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. While Dolly performs under her maiden name, her passport actually reads “Dolly Parton Dean.”

Carl prefers to stay out of the spotlight and rarely attends public events with Dolly. He even only saw her perform once! However, Dolly has described him as romantic and surprising with spontaneous gestures and poems. They are each other’s first and only marriage, and Dolly has expressed great pride in their long-lasting relationship.

Dolly and Carl helped raise some of her younger siblings, earning the nicknames “Uncle Peepaw” and “Aunt Granny” from their nieces and nephews. “Aunt Granny” even inspired the name of one of Dolly’s restaurants at her Dollywood theme park.

Additionally, Dolly is the godmother of the talented singer-songwriter and actress, Miley Cyrus.

Does Dolly Parton have Kids?

Although Dolly Parton has been married to Carl Dean for over 57 years, they have never had any biological children. Dolly has mentioned that she believes she would have made a great mother, but she also knew that pursuing her career goals wouldn’t have been possible with raising children. However, Dolly feels a special connection with children and sees them as her “extended family.”

Who is Dolly Parton’s Husband?

Dolly Parton’s husband is Carl Thomas Dean, the love of her life since they first met in 1964. They married just two years later in 1966 and have been inseparable ever since. While Dean prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight, he remains Dolly’s biggest supporter and rock.

A Private Love Story

Dean, a retired truck driver and businessman, enjoys a simple life and rarely appears alongside Dolly at public events. This dedication to privacy has fueled their strong relationship for over 57 years. Dolly often describes Dean as her best friend, someone she shares a deep love for music and enjoys spending quality time with at home.

A Family Man

Although Dolly and Carl don’t have biological children, they have a large and loving extended family. Their nieces, nephews, and godchildren fill their lives with joy, and Dolly cherishes her role as a supportive and loving aunt and godmother.

Philanthropy and Community

Both Dolly and Carl are deeply committed to giving back to their community. They have tirelessly supported various charitable causes, donating millions of dollars to make a positive impact on the world.

A True Love Story

Dolly and Carl’s love story is an inspiration to many. Their commitment to each other, their shared values, and their dedication to living a meaningful life together have created a bond that withstands the test of time.

Here are some other facts about Carl Thomas Dean:

• He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1942.
• He has no siblings.
• He dropped out of high school to work as a truck driver.
• He met Dolly Parton in 1964 at a laundromat in Nashville.
• They married in 1966 in Ringgold, Georgia.
• He is a private person and rarely makes public appearances.
• He is a supporter of Dolly Parton’s charitable work.
• He and Dolly Parton have no children together.

Dolly Parton Cars

Country music icon Dolly Parton has a love for cars, and her collection reflects that! Recently, she added a super sleek Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, costing a cool $790,000 USD, to her already impressive fleet.

But that’s not all! Dolly also owns a luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom, valued at a whopping $2 million USD. Talk about a ride fit for a queen!

And if you thought those were extravagant, Dolly also has a Volvo XC60, Jaguar F-PACE, and Lincoln Nautilus. These vehicles add to the variety and luxury of her collection, showing her appreciation for different styles and brands.

So, next time you hear Dolly sing about “diamonds and rhinestones,” remember that she also has a love for shiny and powerful cars!

Dolly Parton Liabilities and Loans

To accurately determine Dolly Parton’s net worth, it is necessary to subtract her liabilities from her total assets. In her pursuit of building her business empire, Dolly Parton has obtained loans and mortgages totaling over $92 million from prominent banks in the US. These financial obligations play a role in assessing her overall financial standing and should be taken into account when calculating her net worth.

Does dolly parton have tattoos ?


Yes, Dolly Parton has tattoos. The renowned country music icon confirmed that she does indeed have tattoos. However, Dolly Parton emphasized that her tattoos are tasteful and she does not consider herself a "tattoo girl." She shared that her tattoos include ribbons, bows, butterflies, and a special one covering a scar—a beehive design. Dolly explained that the scar resulted from a time when she was unwell and required a feeding tube. Being fair-skinned, she disliked how scars appeared purple on her, so she decided to turn this negative into a positive by getting a small beehive tattooed over the indented scar.

Is miley cyrus related to dolly parton?

Miley Cyrus is not related to Dolly Parton by blood. However, Parton is Cyrus' godmother. Parton and Cyrus' father, Billy Ray Cyrus, have been friends for many years, and Parton has been a close friend and mentor to Miley since she was a child. Parton even appeared on Miley's Disney Channel show, Hannah Montana, as her character's aunt. The two have a close bond and have collaborated on music together on several occasions.

Here are some other facts about Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton's relationship:

•  Parton was asked to be Miley's godmother by Billy Ray Cyrus.
• Parton has said that she feels like Miley is one of her own children.
• Miley has said that she looks up to Parton as a role model.
• The two have performed together on several occasions, including at the Grammy Awards and on Miley's New Year's Eve special.
• Parton has even written a song for Miley, called "Rainbowland."

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton are two of the most successful and beloved entertainers in the world. Their close relationship is a testament to their shared love of music and their mutual respect for each other.

Dolly Parton House

Dolly Parton’s home is a testament to her success and refined taste. She owns a sprawling 11,300-square-foot mansion that cost a whopping $18 million. Not satisfied with just the space, she invested an additional $2 million in renovations and expansions, enlisting the help of a top architectural design firm.

The renovations included the installation of luxurious imported German oak flooring throughout the house, especially in the grand great room. This expansive room serves as a multi-functional space with distinct areas for relaxation, dining, and cooking. A cozy fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to the room.

For the bookworm in Dolly, a dedicated library with a corner fireplace provides a tranquil space to unwind with a good book. Reflecting Dolly’s personal aesthetic, the interior design and furnishings are predominantly minimalist, creating a sense of calm and elegance.

The master bedroom is a true oasis, featuring walls made of glass that offer stunning views of the backyard and provide a seamless connection to the outdoors. This luxurious retreat is a perfect space for Dolly to relax and recharge after a busy day.

Dolly Parton’s mansion is more than just a house; it’s a reflection of her personality, her achievements, and her love for beauty and comfort. It’s a haven where she can enjoy peace, privacy, and the finer things in life.

Dolly Parton’s Luxurious Mansion Overview

To Sum Up

Dolly Parton’s journey is an inspiring tale of talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication. From her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to becoming a global icon, she has left an indelible mark on the world.

Dolly Parton’s Net Worth

A significant part of Dolly’s success is reflected in her impressive net worth, estimated at a staggering $650 million. This figure encompasses her earnings from music, songwriting, acting, business ventures, and her beloved Dollywood theme park.

But Dolly’s legacy extends far beyond financial achievements.

Throughout her career, she has sold over 100 million records, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time. Her iconic hits like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5” continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Beyond music, Dolly has proven herself a successful businesswoman, venturing into various fields. Dollywood, her brainchild, has become a thriving entertainment destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. Her astute business sense extends to her own record label, publishing company, and a vast portfolio of merchandise and brand endorsements.

Dolly’s heart also lies in giving back. She is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various causes close to her heart, including education, literacy, and poverty alleviation. Her Dollywood Foundation has positively impacted countless lives, demonstrating her commitment to making a difference.

Dolly Parton’s net worth is a testament to her undeniable talent and entrepreneurial spirit. But it is her passion for music, her generosity, and her genuine connection with people that truly define her lasting legacy. She is an inspiration to aspiring artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone who dreams of making a positive impact on the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dolly Parton

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