East Tennessee's favorite daughter turns 69 today - or is it 35? At any age, Dolly Parton proves she's still at the top of her game.
Just two days ago, NBC announced it had a signed a development deal with Parton. The network plans to develop a state of two-hour TV movies based on Dolly's songs, stories, and life that are meant to appeal to the whole family.
Last year was a big year for the country music icon: 2014 marked 50 years since Parton packed up her belongings in East Tennessee and hit the road for Nashville to try her luck in the music business. Fifty years later, the Sevier County native is much more than a country singer: a businesswoman, actor, philanthropist, and music icon. And if 2014 is any indicator, Dolly's career won't stall anytime soon; her 2014 album, Blue Smoke, debuted at No. 2 on the Top Country Albums and No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
And when you think Dolly Parton, the thought of Dollywood is often close behind, especially in East Tennessee. With her business-savvy mind, Parton has helped build the Sevierville theme-park into an empire. Through it all, Parton has remained likable.
"I'm open, and I'm honest. I don't dillydally. If there's something going on, I just say it. Sometimes if I get mad, I'll throw out a few cuss words just to prove my point," Parton told Billboard for its November issue. "I've often said I don't lose my temper as much as I use it. I don't do either unless I have to because I love peace and harmony, but when you step in my territory, I will call you on it. People say, 'Oh you just always seem so happy.' Well, that's the Botox."
