Millions of People Know Her Name But Very Few Know What She Went Through

8. Dolly eventually conquered more than the music industry. In 1980, she made her major Hollywood debut in 9 to 5, alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The movie became a huge success, and the title song became another signature hit. She later appeared in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias.

9. Behind the enormous fame was also a remarkably private personal life. Dolly married Carl Dean in 1966. Unlike his famous wife, Carl strongly preferred to stay away from the spotlight. Their marriage lasted for decades, and Dolly repeatedly described him as an important source of love and stability in her life.

10. Dolly and Carl never had children, something Dolly has spoken about openly throughout her life. Rather than allowing people to define what her life should have looked like, she chose her own path. She poured much of her love for children into charitable work and eventually helped millions of young people through her literacy programs.

11. In 1995, Dolly created the Imagination Library, a program inspired in part by her father, who had never had the opportunity to receive a full education. The program provides free books to young children and grew into one of Dolly’s most important legacies. Her goal was simple: give children the opportunity to discover the world through reading.

12. Dolly also became a successful businesswoman. She helped establish Dollywood in Tennessee, transforming the area into a major tourist destination. The project created jobs and became an important part of the local economy. The little girl who grew up without much money had built a business empire of her own.