Turning 80: How Old Is Dolly Parton And 5 Shocking New Ventures She’s Launching At 79

Dolly Parton’s age is one of the most frequently searched questions in entertainment, and the answer is a testament to her unstoppable energy and enduring career. As of December 2025, the country music icon, philanthropist, and businesswoman is 79 years old, and she is showing no signs of slowing down. Her upcoming 80th birthday in early 2026 is merely another milestone in a life defined by continuous creation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Born in 1946, Dolly Parton remains a global superstar whose influence spans music, film, and philanthropy. Her ability to pivot and launch massive new projects in her late seventies proves that age is truly just a number. The year 2025 has been monumental for the star, setting the stage for an even bigger 2026 with a series of ambitious new ventures that confirm her status as a cultural phenomenon.

Dolly Rebecca Parton: A Biography Snapshot

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children, growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains. Her humble beginnings are a central theme of her legendary career.

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• Full Name: Dolly Rebecca Parton
• Date of Birth: January 19, 1946
• Current Age (Dec 2025): 79 years old
• Upcoming Milestone: 80th Birthday on January 19, 2026
• Birthplace: Locust Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.
• Spouse: Carl Thomas Dean (married 1966)
• Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
• Notable Entities: Dollywood, Imagination Library, Monument Records, Porter Wagoner Show.

Parton’s journey began with a move to Nashville in 1964, the day after graduating high school. She quickly signed with Monument Records and rose to fame alongside country star Porter Wagoner on his television show. Her career has since evolved into a multimedia empire, making her one of the most recognized and beloved figures worldwide.

The Road to 80: 5 Major New Projects Launched at Age 79

Instead of resting on her laurels, Dolly Parton has embraced her late seventies with a flurry of ambitious projects that will dominate the entertainment and business landscape through 2026. These ventures showcase her remarkable entrepreneurial drive and her commitment to her fans.

1. Receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (Honorary Oscar)

A capstone to her philanthropic efforts, Dolly Parton was honored with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2025 Governors Awards. This Honorary Oscar, presented by the Academy in November 2025, recognizes her decades of charitable work, most notably through the Dollywood Foundation and the globally acclaimed Imagination Library. The Imagination Library, which mails free books to children from birth until they begin school, has distributed over 200 million books worldwide, solidifying her legacy far beyond music.

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2. The Premiere of *Hello, I'm Dolly* on Broadway

Fans have long awaited a definitive musical biography of the star, and it is finally coming to fruition. *Hello, I'm Dolly*, a new musical chronicling her life and trailblazing career, is set to debut on Broadway in 2026. The title is a nod to her first studio album. Parton is actively involved in the project, which will feature both classic hits and new music written specifically for the show, making it a must-see event for the 2026 theater season.

3. Launching *Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony*

In an innovative multimedia experience, Parton is bringing her songs to a new audience through the world of classical music. *Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony* is a full-evening symphonic journey that features Dolly on screen, leading audiences through the stories behind her most treasured works. This unique show, which includes performances by major ensembles like the Pacific Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, and St. Louis Symphony, is scheduled for a run of performances throughout 2025, demonstrating her continuous artistic experimentation.

4. The Debut of Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop Chain

Expanding her business empire beyond theme parks and dinner theaters, Dolly Parton is entering the highway service industry. She has partnered with the team behind Tennessean Travel Stop to rebrand and revitalize a new chain of travel centers. The flagship location, Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop, is scheduled to open in Cornersville, Tennessee, along Interstate 65 in mid-2026. This venture combines her love for her home state with a smart business move, catering to travelers and truckers across the region.

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5. Continued Rock 'n' Roll Dominance

After her highly successful 2023 rock album, *Rockstar*, Dolly continues to solidify her place in the genre. This pivot, which occurred in her late seventies, was a fresh and unexpected move that earned her a whole new generation of fans and critical acclaim. Her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at age 76 proved that she is a genre-defying artist who can master any style of music she chooses.

Dolly Parton’s Enduring Legacy: Why Her Age Doesn't Matter

The fascination with "how old is Dolly Parton" is less about a number and more about the sheer volume and quality of her work across eight decades. She has an unparalleled track record of success, transcending the country music genre to become a global brand. Her career is a masterclass in longevity, business acumen, and genuine connection with her audience.

Her ability to launch a Broadway musical, a symphonic experience, a new travel center chain, and receive an Honorary Oscar—all while in her late seventies—is virtually unheard of. This tireless work ethic, combined with her signature blend of down-to-earth charm and glamorous persona, ensures that she remains relevant and beloved by multiple generations.

Whether she is writing a timeless classic like "Jolene" or "I Will Always Love You," or funding groundbreaking literacy programs, Dolly Parton embodies the spirit of a true American icon. As she approaches her 80th birthday in January 2026, her life story continues to be one of inspiration, showing the world that passion and hard work have no expiration date. Her continued success is a powerful reminder that the best is often yet to come.