Parton, Dolly, 1946-, country singer, songwriter, and actress, b. Sevier County, Tenn. Among the most popular country singers of the 1970s and 80s, Parton is known for her Nashville-style flamboyance, talent for self-parody, and intelligent and witty approach to popular, country, and bluegrass music. She began performing (1956-59) as a child star in Knoxville, Tenn., and later collaborated with Porter Wagoner on his television show (1967-74). After moving to the West Coast in 1976 she had continued success, making her debut as an actress in the film 9 to 5, the title song of which became one of her hit recordings. Since 1968 she has been an owner of Dollywood, a popular Great Smoky Mountain theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.