(born 1946) Born in poverty in rural Tennessee, Dolly Parton started her singing career at ten. With her trademark big blonde hair, her often-made-fun-of big bosom and her clear high voice, she reached the top of the country charts as a singer-songwriter with songs like “Here You Go Again” and “Jolene.” She received good reviews when she moved into acting with 9 to 5 (1980), also a crossover hit song for her, and the later Steel Magnolias (1989).

In her home state, a theme park named Dollywood (founded 1986) keeps her legend alive.