Dolly Parton Then & Now: Photos of the Country Icon

Dolly Parton has been a prominent figure in the music industry, with the support of her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean. See photos of the country singer throughout the years.

Now that’s what I call an icon! Dolly Parton is a singer, actress, and philanthropist who has been a country music icon for 7 decades. The songstress was born January 19, 1946 in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and started performing as a child, first singing on local radio and television programs like The Cas Walker Show on WIVK Radio and WBIR-TV in Knoxville, TN when she was just ten years old.

Dolly started recording music when she was 13 and released her debut album, Hello, Dolly, in 1967. The prolific songwriter has composed over 3000 songs, dozens of which have topped Billboard country music charts, including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”. She has 11 Grammys, has appeared in hit films, and in 1999, Dolly was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In May 2022, it was revealed she would be getting inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

On March 3, 2025, the singer took to Instagram to announce the passing of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean. She wrote, “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”  Though he is gone, Carl is remembered for his unwavering support of the superstar throughout her career.

The queen has had plenty of great moments over the years. Dolly Parton’s legendary teased tresses look great as she signs autographs in this photo from the 80s.

Want to see Dolly Parton over the years? Scroll through the gallery to see her best moments through the decades!