The support of her family has been a crucial factor all along and she has always remained proud of and inspired by the relative poverty of her upbringing. Now, with her talent, bravery, humour and sheer hard work, Dolly has established herself as one of the most globally celebrated and respected artists of all time.

Family life was musical, and Dolly grew up being massively inspired by some of the great female country music pioneers – artists such as Rose Maddox and Molly O’Day in the 1940s, Kitty Wells in the 1950s, and then Brenda Lee and Patsy Cline in the 1960s. These were empowering women who became successful on their own terms, creating a female identity in a predominantly man’s world and giving voice to female perspectives.

There was no radio in the Parton household. Electricity had yet to reach the rural poor. But they entertained themselves with acoustic instruments, hand-me-down songs and rustic versions of some of the new rock and roll and rockabilly numbers Dolly’s father, Lee, had been hearing. He was a fan of Elvis Presley and it seems highly likely that he also introduced the young Dolly to the songs of Buddy Holly. Certainly, she has always referred to Buddy when talking about her major influences.

Dolly’s music has transcended decades of fads and fashion, genres and styles, and her fearlessness and willingness to speak her mind on behalf of the underprivileged has helped open pathways to greater understanding and harmony. More striking, even, than her brilliance as an artist, she has given confidence to those whose voices are often the hardest to hear. She brings energy, empathy, wisdom and a kindness of spirit to a world much in need of her words of love. 

Bob Harris