Dolly Parton, the legendary singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, was born and raised in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. Her childhood home, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, played a significant role in shaping her life and career. Let’s take a closer look at Dolly Parton’s upbringing and the impact of her roots.
Growing Up in Sevierville, Tennessee
Dolly Parton grew up in Sevierville, Tennessee, a small town near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She was the fourth of twelve children born to Avie Lee and Robert Parton. Despite growing up in crushing poverty, Dolly’s talent and determination propelled her to become a rising musical performer and a global icon.
Throughout her career, Dolly Parton has showcased her uncommon head for business, her heart for philanthropy, and her ability to transcend social boundaries. She is not only a great businesswoman but also a legendary singer-songwriter who has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Dollywood: A Living History
Dolly Parton has used her art to open windows into the world that helped shape her. Through movies, music, songs, and books, she has shared her experiences and allowed her fans to understand the place from which she came.
Dollywood, the theme park founded by Dolly Parton, serves as a living history of her life. From Wildwood Grove, an idealized version of the mountains of her youth, to the recreation of 1950s era Sevierville in Jukebox Junction, Dollywood offers visitors a glimpse into the pieces of Dolly’s life that made her who she is today.
One of the highlights of Dollywood is Dolly’s replica of her childhood home, located in Rivertown Junction. The cabin, designed by Dolly’s brother Bobby and decorated with the approval of her mother Avie Lee, invites visitors to experience what life was like in a tiny mountain community in the 1940s and 1950s.
Dolly Parton’s Humble Beginnings
Dolly Parton’s parents, despite their humble circumstances, played a significant role in shaping her life. Her father, a farmer with an uncommon acumen for turning a profit, instilled in her a strong business sense. Her mother, the daughter of a Pentecostal preacher, passed down her musical abilities and faith.
While Dolly Parton’s childhood was marked by poverty, she remembers her youth fondly. She cherishes the simple but good life she had in the mountains and often reflects on the happiness she experienced during those days.
Locust Ridge: Dolly Parton’s Childhood Home
Dolly Parton’s childhood home, located in Locust Ridge, is a one-room cabin that still stands today. The original cabin, which is now a replica at Dollywood, was constructed by members of the Parton family, including Dolly’s brother Bobby. The interior of the replica home is filled with original family treasures, giving visitors a glimpse into the Parton family’s history.
While Dolly Parton’s family was poor, she emphasizes that her childhood was not rough. She keeps certain aspects of her personal life private but often shares her fond memories of growing up in the mountains.
Visitors can get close to the outskirts of Dolly Parton’s original childhood home in Locust Ridge, but access to the property is restricted. Driving around the area, one can feel the majesty and isolation that surrounded Dolly during her formative years.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s roots in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, have played a significant role in shaping her life and career. From her humble beginnings to her rise as a global icon, Dolly’s journey is a testament to her talent, determination, and unwavering spirit. Through Dollywood and her replica childhood home, she invites fans to experience the world that helped create her.
FAQs
1. Where was Dolly Parton born and raised?
Dolly Parton was born and raised in Sevierville, Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
2. What did Dolly Parton’s parents do for a living?
Dolly Parton’s father was a farmer and worked in construction, while her mother was a homemaker.
3. Did Dolly Parton grow up in a log cabin?
Yes, Dolly Parton grew up in a one-room log cabin in Locust Ridge. The original cabin still stands, and there is a replica of her childhood home at Dollywood.
4. Was Dolly Parton’s family poor?
Yes, Dolly Parton’s family was poor. Despite their circumstances, Dolly remembers her childhood fondly and cherishes the simple but good life she had in the mountains.
5. Where is Dolly Parton’s childhood home located?
Dolly Parton’s childhood home is located in Locust Ridge, Sevierville, Tennessee. Visitors can get close to the outskirts of the original home, but access to the property is restricted.