Dolly Parton Net Worth (2021)
[10 Best Lessons We Can Learn]
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Dolly Parton Net Worth: “Dolly Rebecca Parton ” is an American country singer-songwriter, actress, author, humanitarian, businesswoman, and multi-instrumentalist born on January 19, 1946 – with a $600-million net worth.
Anyone who has amassed this amount of wealth has to have a good story to tell!
Today we’re going to explore IBS’s take on the 10 Lessons For Success you can learn from Dolly Parton.
We’re going to be diving deep into Dolly Parton’s lessons but we’ll also be covering:
Table of Contents
So if you’re a big fan of Dolly or just wondering how the heck she can juggle her many ventures, then this article is for you!
Ready?
Let’s jump right in…
Who is Dolly Parton?
Everyone knows legendary singer Dolly Parton – that’s a given.
Best known as one of the best country singers of all time, she’s also a mogul, a businesswoman, and a producer.
Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, she’s the fourth child by her farmer father and her housewife mother who had already produced 12 children by the time she was 35.
We all know their humble beginnings, but Dolly’s was an especially hard one.
Despite a large number of her family members, they lived in a one-room cabin along the banks of the Tennessee Little Pigeon River.
But the clever young girl made the most out of what they had. Absorbing her father’s business savvy and her mom’s musical gift, she became quite the local celebrity by age 11.
She was earning around $15 weekly.
Dolly’s big breaks started when she worked with Porter Wagoner, who would be a lifelong friend and professional partner.
Here’s a fun fact…
This man is also the inspiration behind one of the best love songs of all time, I Will Always Love You. Of course, Dolly was the writer.
Soon, she’s hustling many things. And hustle them really well she did.
Here’s the kicker…
… Dolly became not only a highly-acclaimed country singer, music producer (in a company which she co-owns), and movie and theater musical writer among other countless things, but is also the lady boss of her growing business empire…
… all while collecting awards, honors, and medals on the side!
Her ever-growing business empire is now providing jobs to thousands of people.
Seriously, Dolly?
It’s no wonder that this femme fatale is worth a jaw-dropping $600 million today, which might get bigger in the years to come because Dolly isn’t through yet!
Today, we’re going to explore how this wholesome Smoky Mountain girl became a woman to conquer the world.
Read on to find out!
| Net Worth: $600 million |
| Date of Birth: January 19, 1946, Dolly Parton is 75yrs old |
| Nationality: American |
| First Job: Local Television and radio performer at 10 years old |
| Mentor/ Strongest Influence (s): Johnny Cash |
| Lifetime Achievements: Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award and 9 Grammy Awards, National Medal of Arts from the US Government |
| Biggest Break: I Will Always Love You (1974) |
| Current Business Assets/ Interests: Her production companies including Sandollar Production Dollywood |
10 Lessons For Success From Dolly Parton
Lesson #1: Trust your visions.
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-02.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>First and foremost, believe in what you want – trust your visions for your future.
It’s easy to maneuver young people, especially if they’re thirsty for success and fame.
But young Dolly was the opposite.
Growing up in Tennessee, she was the perfect wholesome country girl. She also grew up listening to and making folk and country songs.
Naturally, country music became Dolly’s forte.
But there’s a problem.
Her management refused her desire to record country music. Her vibrato-rich voice is more suited for bubblegum pop, they said.
Dolly pinned her sight on her visions and soon enough, her composition, Put It Off Until Tomorrow, charted at number 6 on the 1966 country chart.
And you know what’s sweet?
Her management soon relented and allowed her to record country music.
Thanks to her firm determination, we now have Dolly Parton as the country Queen.
Lesson #2: Learn how to say “no.”
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-03.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Did you know that Dolly Parton was the composer of Whitney Huston’s famous song, I Will Always Love You?
And did you know that we almost had an Elvis Presley version of this song if not for Dolly’s firm “no?”
So, what happened?
After learning that Elvis will have over half of the publishing rights to any song he recorded, Dolly thought of her long-term plans and decided she won’t have any of it.
Yes, she’s that confident!
And if there’s any doubt in her about the decision she was making, she hid it well behind her firm conviction.
And thanks to her ability to say “no,” she earned much more than what Elvis offered through the song.
Now that’s very wise, isn’t it?
It only goes to show that you have to be a little firmer if you want to succeed in your chosen field.
That’s how bosses are made.
“Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying yes too quickly and not saying no soon enough.” – Josh Billings
Lesson #3: Be an early bird.
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-04.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>If you look closely at the common denominators of highly successful personalities, you’ll notice that most of them wake up on or before 4 in the morning.
Some books even listed waking up at 4 am as a millionaire’s quality.
Scratch that. Apparently, Dolly Parton says it’s 3 am!
In an interview with the morning show Today, Dolly shared how she loves the “wee hours” and how she’s up by 3 am when everyone else is sleeping.
So, what does a millionaire mogul do in the wee hours of the night?
She starts her productive day with meditation to clear and ready her mind for the day that’s to come.
After that, she’ll read her papers and the works that she has to attend to for the day.
When we say that the mind is as clear as water in the morning, I’m sure you know what it means!
As a matter of fact…
… studies say that even if you don’t believe in spirituality, you can still actually benefit from a good meditation. It clears the mind and gives one a better perspective.
Dolly says she gets more work done between 3 and 7 o’clock in the morning.
Now that sounds like a millionaire’s morning routine!
“I’m collecting them all first to be sure I make the right choice!” – Tom Kenny
Lesson #4: Find the best people in the industry.
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-05.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>If not for Dolly Parton’s clever maneuvering of her career, she wouldn’t have been such an icon today.
How’s that possible, you ask?
Throughout her long career as an executive and artist, it’s notable how she entrusted her career to nothing but the best hands in the industry.
Starting with working with her uncle Bill Owens and then to Monument Records when she was 19 years old, Dolly certainly didn’t settle for less.
Then there’s this one moment that proved how wise Dolly’s judgment is when it comes to managing her own team and career.
After not getting the reception she wanted for her self-produced New Harvest…First Gathering in 1977, Parton turned to well-known producer Gary Klein to redeem her career.
And redeem it she did!
She even got her first million-seller!
Choosing the right people to entrust your business to is as crucial as the other aspects of business management.
And Dolly did it so well!
“You got to be careful of the company you keep.” – Dave Chappelle
Lesson #5: Don’t rely on only one source of income.
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-06.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Sure, Dolly Parton is one of the best country musicians ever. But there’s also another reason why her name is basically everywhere.
Even people who aren’t fans of country music know her name – that’s because she has very diverse sources of income.
Starting from her production company, Dolly’s business ventures grew into an empire – literally!
As if that’s not enough…
… Dolly’s now starting to target another market altogether!
As if Dollywood – with its theme park, resort, spa, and diner – isn’t enough, she also co-owns Sandollar Productions.
If you’re a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you’d be astounded to hear that Dolly is an executive in the production company that produced the series.
What a boss!
In an interview, the femme fatale singer also gave some hints to her next gigs – a skincare line, a clothing line, wigs, and a perfume collection so you can smell like a million dollars like Dolly!
Wouldn’t you want that?
“Never depend on a single income. Make investment to create a second source.” – Warren Buffett
Lesson #6: Stay relevant.
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-07.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>It’s amazing how young people still know Dolly today while some of her contemporaries are left forgotten in the black-and-white pictures.
But we’re not surprised!
With her wit and sunny disposition, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that kids younger than us know about her, too!
Just take a look at her self-made meme that spread like wildfire in early 2020, and tell me she’s not relevant anymore.
The said meme was posted by Dolly herself on her Instagram page.
It shows four pictures of her that show how she would represent herself in 4 of her social media accounts – Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and, hold your breath…
… even Tinder!
Hold up, lady!
It proved a hit for the millenials, and more people found out about this legendary woman!
Deliberate or not, it proved to be an effective move for her publicity and career.
Well done, Dolls!
Lesson #7: You gotta work for everything that you want.
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-08.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>Despite her very humble background and upbringing, Dolly admitted she also dreamed of fancy things.
In an interview with Southern Living, Dolly showed she was just like any other young girl in the world, nothing special…
… except maybe for her sheer determination and hard work.
“I always wanted to be what I was, always wanting to have fancy clothes and you know, to look pretty,” she said with confidence.
She then emphasized the importance of hustling to get what you want in life.
Treat it as a reward after all your hard work.
And just look at all the rewards the lady is reaping!
Lesson #8: Be proud of your roots.
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-09.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>A medal from the US Government? Check.
A bronze statue of herself on the courthouse lawn in Sevierville? Check.
An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Tennessee? Check.
That’s what you get when you don’t forget where you came from.
As she shared with Southern living, “Oh, I don’t have to carry anything to remind me (my hometown). I carry my accent, I carry my memories. I carried just that little country girl that’s really my real self. I may look artificial but I like to think I’m a real home-loving person.”
Coming a long way from their one-room cabin in Tennessee, Dolly always loves coming back to her hometown and even renovated their little home to relive those happy childhood days in the south.
Apparently, the town loves her just as much!
And they show it by showering her with honors, medials, and degrees.
Dolly’s love for Tennessee and her “dirt-poor” – but memorable – childhood can also be seen in the lyrics of most of her songs.
The result is an undying loyalty of fans towards her.
I mean, wouldn’t you love a star who hailed from the same hometown as you and is very much outspoken about her love for the place?
Now that’s a real role model right there!
“If you know where you are from, it is harder for people to stop you where you are going.” – Matshona Dhliwayo
Lesson #9: Consistency is key.
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-11.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>It’s an understatement when we say Dolly Parton’s presence is almost larger than life.
Even a kid who doesn’t know much about Hollywood knows her name.
Crazy but true!
That’s because of her consistency and hard work.
Some celebrities who are just after the moolah often get left in the shadows, irrelevant just after a decade or less of reign.
Not for darling Dolly, though!
She released tracks when she’s new and inexperienced. She released songs when her songs were falling off the charts. She released albums when she’s having a challenging private life…
… while being sick and even now that she’s old and the times have changed.
As a matter of fact…
… in 2016, Dolly embarked on a tour for the places she missed on her past tours.
Oh, and she just released a holiday album in October of 2020, which she adorably called A Holly Dolly Christmas.
Chart-topping or not, young or old, Dolly will keep on releasing songs and making tours as long as she can.
Now that’s some admirable consistency right there!
“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Lesson #10: You can be badass while being feminine, too!
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<a href="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com"><img src="https://www.insiderbusinessschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dolly-Parton-Lessons-10.jpg" alt="Dolly Parton" ></a>The audience cheered and laughed as Dolly Parton invited host Jimmy Fallon to get closer to her and smell her perfume.
She joked afterward that Jimmy was breathing into her neck and seemed to like it!
Of course, it was just a joke but clearly, Dolly’s feminine game is still going strong!
Without being excessive, the headstrong country girl sashayed her way into success while wearing her heels and sumptuous blond curls and just practically alluring everyone.
Take note!
Her world is a male-dominated world, especially in the 1960s.
Not overly sexy and certainly never dry, Dolly was able to steal many hearts with her brains, sense, and talent.
A favorite of ours was when she refused to get naked for Playboy magazine but agreed to wear the sexy bunny get-up for the cover.
That’s the level of femininity and confidence we could all aim for!
Now, she’s a boss to many people and companies and still as headstrong as ever!
Only goes to show that you can be soft and sharp at the same time.
Kudos to that, Dolly!
“A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.” – Irina Dunn
Summary: Dolly Parton Net Worth
So, you’ve reached the bottom part of this article, aye?
I think I’m not alone when I say Dolly Parton’s wealth is a direct result of her sheer talent and hard work.
If you want to read more about Dolly Parton’s life and wealth, check out our features on her Bio and Net Worth!
The 10 lessons here are all about being wise and real. Which one was your favorite?
Tweet us to tell us which lessons struck a chord with you today.
I’m sure there’s a lot we can learn both from his mistakes and his successes.
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