Introduction
Dolly Parton is one of country music’s most beloved and iconic stars. Born in 1946 in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton grew up in poverty as one of 12 children. Despite her humble background, Parton would go on to become an award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, author and philanthropist. Some of Parton’s most famous songs include “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Coat of Many Colors.” She has won numerous accolades, including 10 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy Award nominations and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Beyond her legendary music career, Parton is also known for her charitable efforts. She founded the Imagination Library to provide free books to children and has contributed millions to childhood literacy. Parton has also supported many other causes over the years. Known for her wit and wisdom, Parton is adored by fans worldwide.
Dolly’s Love of Animals
Dolly Parton has been a passionate advocate for animal welfare for decades. She has supported many animal charities and shelters over the years.
In 2014, Dolly launched a charity clothing line for dogs called Doggy Parton, with all proceeds going to animal welfare charities. As she stated in an interview, “I love all animals and their lives are so precious. I enjoy making little outfits for my dogs and cat to express their personalities” (source).
Dolly also partners with organizations like Greater Good to provide grants to animal shelters and rescue groups. She believes “if we work together we can end pet homelessness and needless euthanasia” (source).
In 2022, Dolly teamed up with Amazon for the site’s Pet Day campaign, aiming to raise awareness and funds for animal welfare. She has consistently used her platform and resources to improve the lives of animals in need.
Dolly’s Childhood Pets
Growing up poor in rural Tennessee, Dolly Parton was surrounded by animals from an early age. Being raised on a small farm in Locust Ridge meant young Dolly was acquainted with all manner of creatures great and small.
In her autobiography, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, Dolly reminisces fondly about her childhood pets. She wrote about chasing chickens, bringing home tadpoles from the creek, and snuggling orphaned baby rabbits in a shoebox. One of her favorite memories was bottle-feeding an orphaned baby goat named Billy.
The Parton family didn’t have the means to care for household pets like cats or dogs. But Dolly was resourceful and made the most of the animals around her, befriending strays and nursing sick or abandoned creatures back to health. As she told People magazine in 2015, “We never had any of the fancy toys or supplies that childhood pets never got to play around with.” Still, the menagerie of farm animals kept young Dolly entertained and instilled in her a lifelong passion for animals of all kinds.
Dolly’s Dogs Over the Years
Dolly Parton has owned many dogs throughout her life. According to https://krzm.amibiosornot.com/, she has owned dual champions, and many of her dogs have been successful show dogs. Parton especially loves Collies and has said that she always tries to have at least one Collie in her pack.
In FALL 2019, it mentions that Parton has owned and trained dogs all her adult life. She had dogs like Honky and Tonky when she was first starting out in her career in Nashville. Later on, some of her dogs included Billy the Kid, C.J. LaRue, Delta Dawn, Snickers, Cherokee, Sha-cona, Peppy, Macaroni and Noodles.
Parton loves having multiple dogs at once and giving them creative names. She has said she always makes sure to have a few dogs around as companions. Over the many decades of her life and career, Dolly has cared for too many pups to count.
Dolly’s Current Pets
As of 2022, Dolly currently owns at least a few dogs and other animals on her property in Tennessee. According to an adoption listing on AlphaPaw.com, Dolly has a Great Pyrenees dog named Dolly Parton living on her farm currently. The adoption website mentions that Dolly Parton the dog lives with Dolly’s other pets and enjoys playing outside on Dolly’s large property.
In a 2020 interview with Billboard, Dolly mentioned having several dogs, cats, and horses that she cares for at her home. She said “I have a lot of animals on the property that I take care of and spend time with.” Based on Dolly’s lifelong love of dogs and other pets, it’s likely she has multiple canine companions keeping her company on her farm today.
Overall, while Dolly has not provided specifics on all her current pets, sources indicate she continues to surround herself with animals, especially dogs like Great Pyrenees Dolly Parton. Given her passion for dogs throughout her life, Dolly no doubt continues to enjoy their companionship at her country home.
Dolly’s Thoughts on Dogs
Throughout her life, Dolly has shared many heartwarming quotes about her love of dogs. She once said, “Dogs are my favorite people” [1], expressing her affection for canines. In another interview, Dolly remarked, “If you need a friend, get a dog!” [2] She believes dogs provide loyalty and companionship unlike anything else.
Dolly frequently uses dog metaphors to describe people, saying things like “That dog don’t hunt” and “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” She jokes that she has to keep herself “clipped and trimmed and in good shape” like a “show dog.” [1] These quotes highlight her wit and wisdom when talking about man’s best friend.
Throughout her career, Dolly has emphasized the importance of adopting dogs, especially senior dogs who struggle to find homes. She has a soft spot for animals of all kinds. As Dolly says, “Dogs and cats, pigs and rats. Give ’em all to me, and I’ll give ’em right back.” [2] Her words reveal a lifelong animal lover.
[1] https://www.azquotes.com/author/11357-Dolly_Parton/tag/dog
[2] https://www.etsy.com/market/dog_quote_bookmark
Dolly’s Work with Dog Charities
Dolly Parton has been a dedicated supporter of dog rescue organizations and other animal charities over the years. In 2016, she launched Doggy Parton, a line of dog apparel and accessories with a portion of the proceeds benefiting animal charities like Willa B. Farms, a rescue shelter in Tennessee started by her niece Hannah Dennison (source). Doggy Parton products often feature Dolly-inspired touches like blond wigs, sparkly outfits, and country music motifs.
Dolly has also been involved with other dog rescue groups across the country. In 2019, she made a surprise donation to the Vanderburgh Humane Society in Indiana when she was in town for a concert (source). She is passionate about helping dogs find loving forever homes.
As a celebrated country icon, Dolly uses her platform and resources to make a real difference for dogs in need. Her charitable work shows her big heart extends to her furry canine friends.
Dolly’s Dog-Themed Projects
Throughout her career, Dolly has incorporated her love of dogs into various creative projects. She starred in the movie Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which featured her performing alongside a dog named Dumas. In an interview, Dolly shared that working with Dumas was one of her favorite parts of filming (https://www.reddit.com/r/HypnosisMic/comments/zr4yjd/jiro_saburo_and_rei_nails_i_made_for_my_friends/).
Dolly has also recorded several dog-themed songs, including “Puppy Love” and “Two Little Orphans”. She contributed a recording of “Little Orphan Doggies” to a children’s album called Woofstock. In 2016, she released a children’s album called I Believe in You featuring a song called “Puppies and Friends”
In addition, Dolly owns a series of dog-themed toys called Little Dogs by Dolly. A portion of the proceeds from the stuffed animal line benefits her charity, the Dollywood Foundation (https://www.redbubble.com/shop/fun+themes+stickers?page=2). The cuddly plush dogs are inspired by Dolly’s passion for animals.
Impact of Dolly’s Dog Ownership
Having dogs throughout her life has profoundly shaped Dolly Parton both personally and professionally. Growing up surrounded by animals on her family’s farm fostered her deep love of dogs from an early age. According to Parton, her dogs have brought her “more joy, fun, and laughter” than almost anything else [1].
Dolly credits her dogs with teaching her responsibility and unconditional love from the time she was young. She has said that caring for her childhood dogs as a little girl was an important part of her development. Later in life, her dogs continued providing comfort, stress relief, and companionship through the ups and downs of her prolific career.
In addition to their personal impact, Dolly’s dogs have also inspired much of her philanthropic work. She has supported numerous dog charities and shelters over the decades. Dogs frequently appear in her songs, books, and films as well. Her deep bond with her own pets motivated projects like the buddy comedy Frank McKlusky, C.I. in which she starred opposite her dog Popeye. According to Dolly, dogs represent innocence, fun, and living in the moment – qualities central to both her persona and creative output.
Conclusion
In summary, Dolly Parton has had a lifelong love of dogs dating back to her childhood in Tennessee. She grew up surrounded by animals on her family’s farm and always had dogs as pets. Over the years, Dolly has owned many breeds of dogs including chihuahuas, maltese, yorkies, dobermans, and more. Her current pets include a rescued chihuahua mix named Billy the Kid.
Dolly views her dogs as family and credits them for providing companionship and unconditional love. She has used her celebrity platform to support animal rescue organizations and shelters. Some of her dog-themed projects include the “Puppy Love” children’s book and album as well as dog costume contests at Dollywood. Dolly’s deep affection for dogs shines through both in her personal and professional life.