Celebrity3 min(s) read
Published 16:32 19 Jan 2022 GMT
Iconic singer and songwriter Dolly Parton is celebrating her 76th birthday today.
Fans and celebrities took to social media to ring in the Queen of Country's 76th year, sending birthday messages and celebrating with quotes and photos of her from over the years.
Beyoncé was among the famous names to wish Parton a happy birthday, posting a message on her website.
"Happy Birthday Dolly Parton," read the message alongside a snap of the star when she was younger.
Meanwhile, fellow country musician Tim McGraw shared a clip of himself and Parton on his Apple Music radio show, writing "Happy Birthday @DollyParton!!"
Fans were also quick to wish the iconic singer a happy birthday.
"Dolly Parton was born 76 years ago today. Happy Birthday Queen!" one fan wrote.
"Happy 76th birthday to Country music diva, perennial hair hopper role model, one-woman ray of sunshine and all-round force for good, Dolly Parton," another added.
Some fans even thought the day should be marked out as nationally significant.
"Today is a national holiday. It’s @DollyParton’s birthday," tweeted one.
"Happy birthday to national treasure dolly parton," another agreed.
And one fan celebrated Dolly day with their very own rendition of one of her greatest hits - Jolene.
"In honor of Dolly Parton's birthday, I sang a really off-key, warbly version of Jolene at the breakfast table. Dolly would understand. Because she is awesome," they wrote.
The country music legend was born on January 19, 1976, in rural Tenessee, where she grew up with her eleven brothers and sisters.
Despite growing up in relative poverty, it wasn't long before Parton hit the big time. After working as a songwriter in Nashville, country music entertainer and musician Porter Wagoner gave the 20-year-old Parton her big break when he invited her to co-present his TV program, The Porter Wagoner Show.
From there, the younger country singer moved from hit to hit until, in 1974, she rocketed to the top of the charts with her self-written ballad "I will always love you." The song has been covered countless times - most famously by Whitney Houston - and made Parton millions of dollars in royalties.
But it was still all just the beginning for the star, who has since sold more than 100 million records worldwide with over 25 number one hits. As of 2021, it's estimated her net worth is over $500 million.
The country singer isn't just known for her music though. As well as appearing in countless films and musicals, Parton is also co-owner of the Dollyworld theme park and renowned for her charitable work through her Dollywood Foundation.
