Dolly Parton – 75

Dolly Parton transcended the boundaries of country music. She became a star whose sphere was broader than any particular genre. Parton grew up in the Tennessee woods with her mother, sharecropper father, and 11 brothers and sisters. The acting bug bit Parton at a young age, and she began singing professionally while still a youngster.

She moved to Nashville and went on to write songs for several popular country performers. In 1967, Parton received a phone call from the syndicated television show The Porter Wagoner Show. Wagoner was looking for a replacement for Norma Jean, his duet partner. She became increasingly successful, and her degree of popularity began to surpass Wagoner’s. Outside of music, Parton founded many businesses, including her Dollywood theme park and others. She was awarded by every significant awards organization throughout her career, making her one of country music’s most well-known musicians.