Dolly Parton Celebrates Her Birthday and is Still at the Height of Her Career

Tennessee and the music world are celebrating Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday, honoring a life and career spanning humble Appalachian roots all the way to global icon. Today, Gov. Bill Lee signed a proclamation designating the singer's birthday as “Dolly Parton Day” in Tennessee, praising Parton as the state’s “favorite daughter” whose talent, generosity, and service have left an indelible mark on culture and community.

Born in Sevier County in 1946, Parton moved to Nashville as a teenager and became one of the most influential figures in country music. Her catalog of timeless hits has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, spanning both genres and generations. Along the way, she's earned countless honors and unparalleled international acclaim, from the Country Music Hall of Fame to international awards.

Parton’s impact goes far beyond music. Through The Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, she has distributed hundreds of millions of free books to children globally, aiming to ignite a love of reading and learning.

What's more, even at age 80, the ubiquitousness of Dolly Parton's brand has never been greater. With a product line spanning denim, wine, a theme park, baking kits, and more, the Dolly hype train is full steam ahead. 

In celebration of her milestone birthday, Parton released a new rendition of her classic Light of a Clear Blue Morning featuring Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire, with proceeds benefiting pediatric cancer research at Vanderbilt.

Though she won’t attend the Grand Ole Opry birthday celebration in person, Parton’s legacy as country music royalty, philanthropist, and Tennessee treasure resonates with fans worldwide.