Born on January 19, 1946, in Tennessee, Parton grew up in a poor family and was one of 12 children. She began writing songs when she was about six years old. Her first known song, "Little Tiny Tasseltop", was about a corncob doll made with corn-silk hair. Parton was married to Carl Dean from 1966 until his death in 2025. He generally stayed away from the public spotlight.