On January 19 we wished a very happy birthday to Dolly Parton, beloved American singer, songwriter, and actress.
“I think she’s a girlboss,” said Abby Kay, class of ‘27
Dolly Parton is a national icon and a household name, her work has affected so many lives, including many here at our school. Her life is an amazing tale of ups and downs, twists and turns, and most of all, success in the face of adversity. In her 77 years of life she has done so much for so many people, including children in underfunded communities. She truly is a hero, and we here at Barstow couldn’t love her more.
Dolly Parton was born January 19th, 1946 in Sevier County Tennessee to Ava Lee and Robert Lee Parton. She was the 4th oldest of 12 siblings, 6 brothers and 5 sisters. Though her family did not have much money, they did have a whole lot of joy. Dolly has said that her house, while small, was always full of music. Her mother would always be either singing or telling stories to keep her many children entertained. Dolly’s father was a pastor at the local church and she has said that he was “one of the smartest people she knew in regards to business and making a profit”. She says her parents are the reason she got as far as she did in the music industry.
She began performing before as a young child and continued all throughout her young life. Her career really started when she moved to Nashville the day after she graduated high school and became a musical ghostwriter, writing two top ten songs “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” and “Fuel to the Flame ”. However, she didn’t want to be a ghostwriter for other artists forever, so in 1965, at age 19, she signed to Monument Records as a pop singer.
She never really fit into the pop genre, so in 1967 she decided to give country music a try. Her country music was an instant hit, the first two country songs she ever sang, “Dumb Blonde” and “Something Fishy” made it to 24 and 17 on the best country song list 1967. She continued to be a hit from then on also writing “Just because I’m a Woman” and “Coat of Many Colors” that same year.
“I think her music really stands apart from other country artists” said Mrs. Garrels, the middle school science teacher here at Barstow, and it really does because in 1976 she transitioned into her own style of music, a uniquely Dolly blend of Pop and Country. This era gave us “Here You Come Again”, “Starting Over Again”, and “9 to 5”.
“She has more of a country style, though I know it’s not fully country… I think she’s a girlboss” Abby Kay (Class of ‘27) said. Abby’s favorite Dolly Parton song is Jolene and she tends not to like country music, but Dolly is the exception to her rule.
“I think she’s really cool,” said Will Muller (Class of 27’). Will is also not a huge country fan, but, like Abby, he also really likes Dolly Parton.
“One thing I like about Dolly Parton is her charity she set up to help kids read more books,” said Matt Doss (Class of ‘27). As Matt said, Dolly has also done quite a bit of charity work, and even founded her own organization to help underprivileged children have access to books and literature.
Dolly Parton is an icon, not only in the school but all across America, and beyond. She is an amazing actress, singer, and person, and we here at B-line are thrilled to wish her a fabulous 77th birthday.
