Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a beloved country music singer, songwriter and occasional actress who has had numerous hit albums and songs over her four decade long career. She currently holds the record for a female country performer with 26 #1 singles, as well as 46 Top-10 albums. Besides her music, acting and philanthropy, Parton is also an owner and investor in the theme park Dollywood.

In May 2009, Parton was awarded with an honorary doctorate of humane and musical letters from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The award confers upon Parton the title of "Dr." and on May 8, she told fans, "Just think, I am Dr. Dolly! So when people say something about 'Double-D,' they will be thinking of something entirely different."Associated Press: Just call her 'Dr. Dolly'... (May 8, 2009)

In 2009, Parton received the Jim Reeves Award from the Academy of Country Music for her work spreading country music internationally.

While in Washington DC in February 2009 to promote the 75th anniversary of Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Parton commented to the National Press Club, "I think we've had enough boobs in the White House, but hopefully (President) Obama ain't gonna be one of them."CNN: Parton Hoping Obama Isn't a "Boob" (February 10, 2009)

Parton's first feature on a radio show was when she was nine years old. She moved to Nashville the day after she graduated from high school to pursue a music career. Her first number one single was "Joshua," followed quickly by "A Coat of Many Colors." She has since come to be known for hits such as "9 to 5," "I Will Always Love You," "Here You Come Again" and countless others.