Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Raymond J. de Souza: Dolly Parton, the 'songteller,' had a heart as big as her fame

With her profits she pioneered a different kind of philanthropy

Over her long and delightful career, people stopped laughing at Dolly Parton and simply began loving her.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

She had joined in the jokes from the beginning, defusing the disdain they contained for the hillbilly girl from the hovels in the hollers, who took the bus to Nashville the day after her high school graduation, her belongings packed into four shopping bags from the local Piggly Wiggly.

Raymond J. de Souza: Dolly Parton, the 'songteller,' had a heart as big as her fame Back to video

She wanted to be a music star and the 18-year-old who grew up in a one-room cabin with neither electricity nor running water was utterly confident that she could be. With an astonishing songwriting ability — her publishing catalogue contains thousands of songs — and a voice to match, she stepped into her high heels and marched out of grinding poverty, becoming one of the most glamorous figures in country music.

The National Post newsletter that doesn’t hold back, giving readers the unvarnished truth on media, politics and culture.

There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up, you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Right? will soon be in your inbox.

We........

© National Post