Dolly Parton

Parton's singing career began with television appearances in Knoxville at age 12. The following year she had a recording contract and was appearing at the ~Grand Ole Opry and at age 21, she had her first hit song, &"Dumb Blonde" (1967). It was, however, Porter Wagoner who made her a star when he hired her to duet with him. Together, they toured the country, made records, and appeared numerous times at the ~Opry. She went solo in 1974 and soon had a string of hits, including the semi-autobiographical &"Coat of Many Colors." During the '70s, Parton was a favorite on talk shows and music specials. In 1980, she made her acting debut opposite Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dabney Coleman in the hit revenge comedy 9 to 5. As in most of her subsequent acting endeavors, Parton essentially played herself. She wrote and performed the film's title song and earned an Oscar nomination. She has since continued composing and singing in her films. Parton offered one of her best acting performances as a big-hearted beautician in Steel Magnolias (1989). ~ Sandra Brennan