Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have kept their relationship away from the public eye for decades. While Parton has often spoken about Dean in interviews, he practically never joins her in public. Their interactions, therefore, take place entirely in private. According to a friend of the couple, the visible love they had for each other was impressive.
Dolly Parton and her husband were very much in love
In 1967, Ed Enoch — a member of the Stamps Quartet, a group that played with Elvis Presley — befriended Dean. According to him, Dean spoke often of Parton and the pride he felt in her blossoming career.
“He was happy for her to have her career, and we used to talk about his wife traveling on the road,” Enoch said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash, adding, “He said it didn’t matter to him, that he wanted her to have her place,...
Dolly Parton and her husband were very much in love
In 1967, Ed Enoch — a member of the Stamps Quartet, a group that played with Elvis Presley — befriended Dean. According to him, Dean spoke often of Parton and the pride he felt in her blossoming career.
“He was happy for her to have her career, and we used to talk about his wife traveling on the road,” Enoch said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash, adding, “He said it didn’t matter to him, that he wanted her to have her place,...
- 5/26/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton is married and close with her family members, but she said that there’s only one person with whom she could spend all her time. When Parton was in school, she met Judy Ogle. The pair connected immediately, forming what would become a lifetime friendship. Parton shared why their relationship was such a close one.
Dolly Parton said she could spend all her time with one person
One of Parton’s closest allies in life is Ogle. After attending school together, Ogle joined Parton on the road. She managed her affairs and provided Parton with company on long tours.
“I have other friends that are very dear and close to me, but there’s nobody like Judy,” Parton said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “She knows everything that it’s humanly possible to know about me.”
Their relationship was so close that some people speculated that they were lovers.
Dolly Parton said she could spend all her time with one person
One of Parton’s closest allies in life is Ogle. After attending school together, Ogle joined Parton on the road. She managed her affairs and provided Parton with company on long tours.
“I have other friends that are very dear and close to me, but there’s nobody like Judy,” Parton said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “She knows everything that it’s humanly possible to know about me.”
Their relationship was so close that some people speculated that they were lovers.
- 5/26/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After Dolly Parton moved to Nashville, her life turned around when a record label signed her. Fred Foster, who founded Monument Records, realized Parton would be a success and began to work with her. He thought she needed a little work before she could achieve stardom, though. Foster reportedly spent thousands of dollars trying to make her a little classier.
Dolly Parton’s record label paid for her to take lessons
Though Parton had achieved local success in her music career as early as childhood, she struggled when she moved to Nashville. She could hardly afford to eat, and record label after record label rejected her. Foster turned her luck around.
“The instant you heard her you would never forget that was Dolly Parton,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Obviously, there are people who can’t stand to hear her sing, but that’s true of...
Dolly Parton’s record label paid for her to take lessons
Though Parton had achieved local success in her music career as early as childhood, she struggled when she moved to Nashville. She could hardly afford to eat, and record label after record label rejected her. Foster turned her luck around.
“The instant you heard her you would never forget that was Dolly Parton,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Obviously, there are people who can’t stand to hear her sing, but that’s true of...
- 5/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton met Cas Walker, she promised him she’d work hard if he gave her a spot on his radio show. Walker agreed to hire a young Parton, who stayed true to her word. He was endlessly impressed by the dedication she showed.
Dolly Parton’s boss said she was a hard worker
Parton knew she wanted to be a singer from a young age. When she was just 10 years old, she began to appear on Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. By the time she was in high school, Parton was appearing on the show three times a day.
“I didn’t pay much attention to Dolly’s singing when she was little, ’cause that was just part of our family,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “But when she was ten or eleven, I saw she was just determined to be a singer.
Dolly Parton’s boss said she was a hard worker
Parton knew she wanted to be a singer from a young age. When she was just 10 years old, she began to appear on Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. By the time she was in high school, Parton was appearing on the show three times a day.
“I didn’t pay much attention to Dolly’s singing when she was little, ’cause that was just part of our family,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “But when she was ten or eleven, I saw she was just determined to be a singer.
- 5/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After Dolly Parton agreed to appear on Porter Wagoner’s show, he wanted her to sign with his record label as well. This was a difficult decision for Parton, who liked her label It was also a difficult decision for Wagoner’s record company, RCA Victor. Country star Chet Atkins, who worked at RCA, told Wagoner that the label didn’t want Parton. He didn’t think she had a good enough voice.
A country singer told Porter Wagoner that Dolly Parton was a major risk
When Parton signed with Wagoner, he was a major star in the country music industry. His faith in her was not enough for RCA, though. Wagoner brought Atkins a recording of Parton singing and the latter was not impressed.
“This girl just can’t sing,” Atkins reportedly told Wagoner, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I don’t think she’d sell, because she just cannot sing.
A country singer told Porter Wagoner that Dolly Parton was a major risk
When Parton signed with Wagoner, he was a major star in the country music industry. His faith in her was not enough for RCA, though. Wagoner brought Atkins a recording of Parton singing and the latter was not impressed.
“This girl just can’t sing,” Atkins reportedly told Wagoner, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I don’t think she’d sell, because she just cannot sing.
- 5/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton moved to Nashville in 1964, ready to both write and sing songs. Though she had achieved some success in her hometown, she struggled in her early days in the city. She began to achieve success not long after a country singer recorded a version of a song she wrote. Parton sang uncredited backing vocals on the song, which began to garner some interest for her.
Dolly Parton’s uncredited vocals on 1 song brought her a lot of attention
Parton and her uncle, Bill Owens, wrote songs together over the years. In 1966, country singer Bill Phillips recorded a version of their song “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.” Parton sang harmony on the song, though her vocals went uncredited. When it entered the Top 10 on the country charts, though, people thought this was due to Parton’s voice.
“That was really the catalyst for Dolly and the thing that brought her to everybody’s attention,...
Dolly Parton’s uncredited vocals on 1 song brought her a lot of attention
Parton and her uncle, Bill Owens, wrote songs together over the years. In 1966, country singer Bill Phillips recorded a version of their song “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.” Parton sang harmony on the song, though her vocals went uncredited. When it entered the Top 10 on the country charts, though, people thought this was due to Parton’s voice.
“That was really the catalyst for Dolly and the thing that brought her to everybody’s attention,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s flirtatious nature has been a part of her public image for years. She has an easy rapport with interviewers and talks openly about her celebrity crushes. According to Parton, though, men did not approach her all that often. Her guitarist said that when they did, she seemed irritated.
Dolly Parton didn’t like it when men got too flirtatious with her
Parton is beautiful, friendly, and magnetic. She connects well with many people and enjoys flirting, but she never liked it much when men were overly suggestive with her.
“I’ve never seen a man get physical with her, but I’ve seen men get very suggestive after one too many drinks,” her guitarist Tom Rutledge said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I know it really, really tees her off, but you’d never know it until afterwards, when she says, ‘That son of a...
Dolly Parton didn’t like it when men got too flirtatious with her
Parton is beautiful, friendly, and magnetic. She connects well with many people and enjoys flirting, but she never liked it much when men were overly suggestive with her.
“I’ve never seen a man get physical with her, but I’ve seen men get very suggestive after one too many drinks,” her guitarist Tom Rutledge said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I know it really, really tees her off, but you’d never know it until afterwards, when she says, ‘That son of a...
- 5/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton moved to Nashville, she had no plans to get married. She moved to the city to find success as a singer and didn’t want a relationship to distract her. This changed on her first day in the city, when she met Carl Dean. Her future husband charmed her immediately. She shared why she felt she was able to jump into the relationship without sacrificing her ambitions.
Dolly Parton wanted to focus on her career, not get married
In 1964, Parton moved to Nashville the day after her high school graduation. She had been hard at work on her music career since childhood, and this was her biggest step forward yet. She didn’t want anything to get in the way of this.
“A lot of people don’t understand it, and no one who doesn’t have a marriage like ours could understand it,” Parton said in...
Dolly Parton wanted to focus on her career, not get married
In 1964, Parton moved to Nashville the day after her high school graduation. She had been hard at work on her music career since childhood, and this was her biggest step forward yet. She didn’t want anything to get in the way of this.
“A lot of people don’t understand it, and no one who doesn’t have a marriage like ours could understand it,” Parton said in...
- 5/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For years, Dolly Parton has favored gravity-defying hairstyles that are only possible through her extensive collection of wigs. Parton has spoken openly about her fondness for wigs and rarely steps out without one on. One of her former co-workers recalled Parton donning wigs in radio and television appearances when she was quite young.
Dolly Parton’s coworker recalled her wearing wigs from a young age
When Parton was ten years old, she began making appearances on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. This was a professional music gig, and Parton threw herself into her work. Even from an early age, she displayed some of the glittering showmanship that made her famous in adulthood. She wore eye-catching dresses, makeup, and, according to one musician on the show, wigs.
“She was always hep on wigs,” banjo player Bud Brewster said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “She wore wigs — I mean,...
Dolly Parton’s coworker recalled her wearing wigs from a young age
When Parton was ten years old, she began making appearances on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. This was a professional music gig, and Parton threw herself into her work. Even from an early age, she displayed some of the glittering showmanship that made her famous in adulthood. She wore eye-catching dresses, makeup, and, according to one musician on the show, wigs.
“She was always hep on wigs,” banjo player Bud Brewster said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “She wore wigs — I mean,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Before Dolly Parton met her current husband, Carl Dean, she had a handful of boyfriends. She had many admirers, even in her years before fame. One of Parton’s ex-boyfriends said she was an incredibly positive person to date.
Dolly Parton’s ex described her personality when they dated
When Parton and her Uncle Bill tried to get her music career off the ground, they traveled to radio stations in their local area. At one of them, she met Bobby Denton, with whom she would go on a few dates.
“I remember one time we did a swimming party and show at Whittle Springs and Dolly and Bill came out,” Denton recalled in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “When they did ‘What’d I Say,’ Dolly hit the high notes fine, but Bill sang flatter than a pancake. After that I got to be friends with her, and we had a few dates.
Dolly Parton’s ex described her personality when they dated
When Parton and her Uncle Bill tried to get her music career off the ground, they traveled to radio stations in their local area. At one of them, she met Bobby Denton, with whom she would go on a few dates.
“I remember one time we did a swimming party and show at Whittle Springs and Dolly and Bill came out,” Denton recalled in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “When they did ‘What’d I Say,’ Dolly hit the high notes fine, but Bill sang flatter than a pancake. After that I got to be friends with her, and we had a few dates.
- 5/20/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton knew she wanted to sing professionally from a young age. As a child, she threw herself into building a music career, writing songs and traveling to recording studios with her uncle. By high school, she was a local celebrity, with songs on the radio and a regular spot on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. Despite all this, some people in her community did not believe in her abilities. Some teachers didn’t want her to perform in a school program because they didn’t think she had the talent for it.
Some of Dolly Parton’s teachers weren’t confident in her ability to sing
By the time Parton reached high school, she had been working as a singer for years. It’s hardly surprising, then, that she announced her plans to pursue it further after graduation. Some of her teachers used this to their advantage,...
Some of Dolly Parton’s teachers weren’t confident in her ability to sing
By the time Parton reached high school, she had been working as a singer for years. It’s hardly surprising, then, that she announced her plans to pursue it further after graduation. Some of her teachers used this to their advantage,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1967, Dolly Parton began appearing on The Porter Wagoner Show. When she met with Wagoner, she had no idea that he would offer her the life-changing role. Still, she was quick to accept it. It was a particularly good stroke of luck, as Wagoner wanted little to do with Parton before he met her.
Porter Wagoner didn’t want Dolly Parton on his show
In the latter half of the 1960s, Parton began making a name for herself in Nashville.
“Everybody you ran into was talking about Dolly Parton. Everybody,” journalist Bill Littleton recalled in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “They all had a Dolly Parton story, they all knew her, and everybody had been to lunch with her. It was like the town had adopted her, and she was the fair-haired child. Every time you’d turn around. There was no way to stop her.”
Porter Wagoner and...
Porter Wagoner didn’t want Dolly Parton on his show
In the latter half of the 1960s, Parton began making a name for herself in Nashville.
“Everybody you ran into was talking about Dolly Parton. Everybody,” journalist Bill Littleton recalled in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “They all had a Dolly Parton story, they all knew her, and everybody had been to lunch with her. It was like the town had adopted her, and she was the fair-haired child. Every time you’d turn around. There was no way to stop her.”
Porter Wagoner and...
- 5/15/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been together for decades. While they seem like an unlikely pair — she embraces the spotlight while he shirks it — they work well together. Parton has spoken highly about her husband over the years, but the public rarely sees him. Her guitarist shared why he thinks Dean was such a good match for the singer.
Dolly Parton’s husband was a good match for her
Though the public does not see much of Dean, the people in Parton’s life do. Her guitarist, Don Roth, got to know Dean well as he met with the band on the road over the years. According to Roth, Parton appreciated the stability Dean brought to her life. He supported her life as a musician and was always home waiting for her when she returned from tour.
Dolly Parton | David Redfern/Redferns
Roth also believed that Dean...
Dolly Parton’s husband was a good match for her
Though the public does not see much of Dean, the people in Parton’s life do. Her guitarist, Don Roth, got to know Dean well as he met with the band on the road over the years. According to Roth, Parton appreciated the stability Dean brought to her life. He supported her life as a musician and was always home waiting for her when she returned from tour.
Dolly Parton | David Redfern/Redferns
Roth also believed that Dean...
- 5/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been married for nearly six decades. They met just as Parton was setting out to be a recording artist, and he has supported her from the sidelines through her fame. Dean never steps into the spotlight with his wife, so few people outside of the couple’s friends and family members know how they behave together. According to one of the few reporters who met him, Dean looked at her like she was the only woman in the world.
Dolly Parton’s husband looked at her adoringly
In the 1970s, reporter Alanna Nash flew to Nashville to write a feature on Parton. The country star practically never let people into her home, but she made a rare exception for Nash. This meant Nash had a chance to meet the elusive Dean. At this time, he stayed so far from the public eye...
Dolly Parton’s husband looked at her adoringly
In the 1970s, reporter Alanna Nash flew to Nashville to write a feature on Parton. The country star practically never let people into her home, but she made a rare exception for Nash. This meant Nash had a chance to meet the elusive Dean. At this time, he stayed so far from the public eye...
- 5/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton took a major step in the direction of being a country singer when she appeared onstage at the Grand Ole Opry. Parton was still a child, but she had a sizable ambition and an aversion to the word “no.” She set her mind to appearing on the stage and made persistent attempts at getting there. Unfortunately, she was too young to sing at the Opry. It took some assistance from another performer to get her in front of the audience.
Dolly Parton shared how one country singer helped her at the start of her career
After Parton and her Uncle Bill decided she should perform at the Grand Ole Opry, they made their way to the historic venue. Once they arrived, full of ambition, manager Ott Devine informed the singer that she was too young to perform.
“Ott Devine said that I was too young, but now I...
Dolly Parton shared how one country singer helped her at the start of her career
After Parton and her Uncle Bill decided she should perform at the Grand Ole Opry, they made their way to the historic venue. Once they arrived, full of ambition, manager Ott Devine informed the singer that she was too young to perform.
“Ott Devine said that I was too young, but now I...
- 5/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1956, Dolly Parton made her first appearance on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. The program helped her get her start in the music industry and taught her how to perform. She worked surrounded by men, but Walker said Parton stood her own. He also said that men tended to avoid her.
Cas Walker said men avoided Dolly Parton
When Parton began appearing on Farm and Home Hour, Walker felt he needed to protect her from the various musicians surrounding her.
“I went on a lot of show dates I wouldn’t have went on, but she was fourteen or so, and I went to keep her from bein’ out there with a bunch of tush-hogs,” Walker said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Those tush-hogs — and there are a lot of ‘em in country music — weren’t safe to be around women. Just couldn’t behave themselves,...
Cas Walker said men avoided Dolly Parton
When Parton began appearing on Farm and Home Hour, Walker felt he needed to protect her from the various musicians surrounding her.
“I went on a lot of show dates I wouldn’t have went on, but she was fourteen or so, and I went to keep her from bein’ out there with a bunch of tush-hogs,” Walker said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Those tush-hogs — and there are a lot of ‘em in country music — weren’t safe to be around women. Just couldn’t behave themselves,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been together for decades. Parton has spent a good deal of their married years on the road, touring and making movies. Many people have hardly even seen Dean, let alone witnessed the couple together. One of the people who has, Parton’s former guitarist Don Roth, shared why he thought they were a perfect pair.
Dolly Parton cracked a joke to her band when her husband visited
After attending an industry event with Parton, Dean informed her that he didn’t want to be a part of her life in show business. Still, he would visit her when she had shows within driving distance of their home.
“When we’d be playing some place, like in Missouri, he’d drive up and Dolly would jump off the bus when she saw the car there,” Roth said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
Dolly Parton cracked a joke to her band when her husband visited
After attending an industry event with Parton, Dean informed her that he didn’t want to be a part of her life in show business. Still, he would visit her when she had shows within driving distance of their home.
“When we’d be playing some place, like in Missouri, he’d drive up and Dolly would jump off the bus when she saw the car there,” Roth said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
- 5/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton was 13, she got in the recording studio to work on her first record. She had experience performing — she had even taken the stage at the Grand Ole Opry by this point — but many believe this was her first record. According to one radio station worker, Parton recorded another song when she was even younger. She wanted to keep this record far from the public.
Dolly Parton didn’t want an early recording to be made public
Parton began taking steps toward her dream of being a musician at an early age. She began writing songs and traveling to venues with her uncles. When she was 13, she recorded the songs “Puppy Love” and “Girl Left Alone” at a local label. According to the book Dolly by Alanna Nash, Parton was so small “so the microphone could fit and we could get the fullest capabilities of the song she was recording.
Dolly Parton didn’t want an early recording to be made public
Parton began taking steps toward her dream of being a musician at an early age. She began writing songs and traveling to venues with her uncles. When she was 13, she recorded the songs “Puppy Love” and “Girl Left Alone” at a local label. According to the book Dolly by Alanna Nash, Parton was so small “so the microphone could fit and we could get the fullest capabilities of the song she was recording.
- 5/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton realized she wanted to be a musician, she set her sights on performing at the Grand Ole Opry. She put on small performances, but she and her Uncle Bill never lost sight of their goal of having her get onstage at the historic venue. When she finally had a chance to, she only got onstage because she broke a rule.
Dolly Parton broke the rules at the Grand Ole Opry
Parton’s Uncle Bill firmly believed in her star power, and he saved up enough money to bring her to the Opry.
“Nobody ever told me that you couldn’t do anything you wanted to do,” Parton said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I just always thought, ‘Well, all you gotta do is just go there and if you sing well, you can be on the Grand Ole Opry.’ Gettin’ the nerve was probably the hardest part,...
Dolly Parton broke the rules at the Grand Ole Opry
Parton’s Uncle Bill firmly believed in her star power, and he saved up enough money to bring her to the Opry.
“Nobody ever told me that you couldn’t do anything you wanted to do,” Parton said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I just always thought, ‘Well, all you gotta do is just go there and if you sing well, you can be on the Grand Ole Opry.’ Gettin’ the nerve was probably the hardest part,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
As Dolly Parton’s career advanced, she took on new management. They helped her cross over from a strictly country crowd to more mainstream fans. Undoubtedly, her new manager helped boost her career. Still, her friends and family weren’t sure what to make of the change in Parton’s life. They believed her new management team brought her away from her roots.
Dolly Parton’s loved ones believed she had changed because of her new management
In 1977, Parton traveled to Sevierville, Tennessee, for their celebration of Dolly Parton Day. She greeted the crowd and chatted happily with people from school. While she was perfectly friendly, some attendees felt Parton had changed. She had a security team with her and left quickly after the show.
“I think by far there were more comments about it this time than ever before,” her school principal, Jack McMahan, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
Dolly Parton’s loved ones believed she had changed because of her new management
In 1977, Parton traveled to Sevierville, Tennessee, for their celebration of Dolly Parton Day. She greeted the crowd and chatted happily with people from school. While she was perfectly friendly, some attendees felt Parton had changed. She had a security team with her and left quickly after the show.
“I think by far there were more comments about it this time than ever before,” her school principal, Jack McMahan, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
- 5/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton cracks jokes and laughs so often that it isn’t out of the ordinary to hear her giggle on her records. She is quick to poke fun at herself and is happy to banter with interviewers whenever she gets the chance. There are some types of humor that Parton does not like, though. Her guitarist said Parton would cringe whenever she heard one.
Dolly Parton didn’t appreciate jokes about religion
Guitarist Don Roth traveled with Parton on tour and got to know her well. She was generally playful, but there were some forms of humor she would not tolerate. He learned this when he made a joke in front of her.
“I’m relatively sacrilegious and would make Easter jokes about Jesus turning water into wine by palming a grape fizzy, and she would just cringe and say, ‘Oh, please, Don, don’t,’” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
Dolly Parton didn’t appreciate jokes about religion
Guitarist Don Roth traveled with Parton on tour and got to know her well. She was generally playful, but there were some forms of humor she would not tolerate. He learned this when he made a joke in front of her.
“I’m relatively sacrilegious and would make Easter jokes about Jesus turning water into wine by palming a grape fizzy, and she would just cringe and say, ‘Oh, please, Don, don’t,’” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
- 5/9/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has been navigating the music industry since she was a child. Her uncle drove her to performance venues and recording studios while she was still in school, and she made regular appearances on a local radio show. This taught her how to make her way in the male-dominated industry. According to one musician she knew, Parton didn’t let anyone push her around.
Dolly Parton always stood up for herself in the music industry
In 1956, Parton began making appearances on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. The radio show allowed her to showcase her talents to the Knoxville area and provided her with her first taste of fame. She was a child and had begun to work with older professional musicians. She didn’t appear to be intimidated by them, though.
“We had twelve or fifteen men and boys on the show and you know there’s always somebody smartin’ off,...
Dolly Parton always stood up for herself in the music industry
In 1956, Parton began making appearances on Cas Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. The radio show allowed her to showcase her talents to the Knoxville area and provided her with her first taste of fame. She was a child and had begun to work with older professional musicians. She didn’t appear to be intimidated by them, though.
“We had twelve or fifteen men and boys on the show and you know there’s always somebody smartin’ off,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Dolly Parton embarked on lengthy tour legs with members of her band. They traveled together by bus and spent weeks at a time away from home. Though Parton was married by this point, it didn’t take long before people began to whisper rumors of her flirtations with members of her band. Her former guitarist spoke about the affectionate way she treated people.
Dolly Parton was affectionate with members of her band
When Barbara Walters interviewed Parton in 1977, she asked the singer if there was any “hanky-panky” on the tour bus.
“Well, that depends on what you mean by hanky-panky,” Parton responded, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “We do a lot of celebratin’ on the bus. Let’s put it that way. If there’s really something to celebrate, if we want to stop and buy some wine or some champagne, if there’s somethin’ really nice.
Dolly Parton was affectionate with members of her band
When Barbara Walters interviewed Parton in 1977, she asked the singer if there was any “hanky-panky” on the tour bus.
“Well, that depends on what you mean by hanky-panky,” Parton responded, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “We do a lot of celebratin’ on the bus. Let’s put it that way. If there’s really something to celebrate, if we want to stop and buy some wine or some champagne, if there’s somethin’ really nice.
- 5/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt may have collaborated on two albums, but the former wasn’t sure she fit in with Ronstadt’s friend group. Parton has been involved with the music industry since she was a child and rose to major fame in adulthood. Still, she didn’t feel that she fit in with a crowd at Ronstadt’s house.
Dolly Parton didn’t feel she fit in at Linda Ronstadt’s party
By the end of the 1970s, Parton, who had solidly established herself in the country music scene, crossed over to mainstream success. Through all of this, she maintained a shimmering vitality and sincerity. As she achieved increasing levels of fame, she stayed true to her roots. For this reason, she became slightly uncomfortable when surrounded by other celebrities.
“I can tell you one thing,” her guitarist Don Roth said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
Dolly Parton didn’t feel she fit in at Linda Ronstadt’s party
By the end of the 1970s, Parton, who had solidly established herself in the country music scene, crossed over to mainstream success. Through all of this, she maintained a shimmering vitality and sincerity. As she achieved increasing levels of fame, she stayed true to her roots. For this reason, she became slightly uncomfortable when surrounded by other celebrities.
“I can tell you one thing,” her guitarist Don Roth said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
- 5/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s family members did a great deal to champion her career. They helped her on her rise to success and supported her after she achieved success. Still, they grew accustomed to her stardom. Her aunt said that this led them to take her for granted.
Dolly Parton’s family said they got used to her fame
Parton began performing in front of audiences as a child and started recording her music when she was still in school. By the 1970s, she was a star. Through her rise, her family members grew accustomed to knowing a famous musician. It no longer felt like a major deal to see her in concert.
“I know she’s busy, and I don’t push my way around when she’s got fans to see,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I said, ‘Well, I’ll let the other people see her.
Dolly Parton’s family said they got used to her fame
Parton began performing in front of audiences as a child and started recording her music when she was still in school. By the 1970s, she was a star. Through her rise, her family members grew accustomed to knowing a famous musician. It no longer felt like a major deal to see her in concert.
“I know she’s busy, and I don’t push my way around when she’s got fans to see,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I said, ‘Well, I’ll let the other people see her.
- 5/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Dolly Parton embarked on long stretches of tours with her band. While she paid well, the work was hard and took people away from home for weeks at a time. Her band had a high turnover rate, though not because people tired of the schedule. Instead, Parton fired many of her band members in search of the perfect lineup.
Dolly Parton’s band didn’t feel safe in their jobs
As Parton worked to cross over from a strictly country audience to a mainstream one, she tried to make sure she had the perfect band to back her. This became a major point of concern for the people who joined her on tour. Her former guitarist, Don Roth, said Parton struggled to find people because of her reputation.
“First of all, everybody’s afraid they’re gonna get fired; there’s no stability,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
Dolly Parton’s band didn’t feel safe in their jobs
As Parton worked to cross over from a strictly country audience to a mainstream one, she tried to make sure she had the perfect band to back her. This became a major point of concern for the people who joined her on tour. Her former guitarist, Don Roth, said Parton struggled to find people because of her reputation.
“First of all, everybody’s afraid they’re gonna get fired; there’s no stability,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
- 5/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean, is as skilled at dodging the press as his wife is at courting their attention. In the decades they’ve been married, he has only spoken to media outlets a handful of times and is hardly ever seen out in public. In a rare interview, he shared the thoughtful reason he tries to avoid talking to journalists.
Dolly Parton’s husband shared why he doesn’t talk to the media
While Parton said Dean is thoughtful and charming with his close friends and family members, he avoids talking to strangers.
“Carl only talks to people he likes,” Parton’s friend Lucy Adams said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “He’ll talk to you if you go out there, but if he doesn’t have to, he won’t.”
Dolly Parton | Robin Platzer/Images /Getty Images
He practically never wanted to speak to...
Dolly Parton’s husband shared why he doesn’t talk to the media
While Parton said Dean is thoughtful and charming with his close friends and family members, he avoids talking to strangers.
“Carl only talks to people he likes,” Parton’s friend Lucy Adams said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “He’ll talk to you if you go out there, but if he doesn’t have to, he won’t.”
Dolly Parton | Robin Platzer/Images /Getty Images
He practically never wanted to speak to...
- 5/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has acted in multiple movies and started her own production company. In her youth, though, she didn’t have many opportunities to go to the movies. According to one person she dated before fame, she was unable to maintain focus through a movie.
Dolly Parton was always loud at the movies
While still in school, Parton began to develop her music career. She recorded songs she worked on with her uncle and even got some airtime on local radio stations. At this stage of her career she met Bobby Denton, an operations director at a radio station. The pair hit it off and went on several dates.
For years, Parton has been a bubbly, joyful public figure. Denton said she has always been this way, which sometimes made dates difficult.
Dolly Parton | Robin Platzer/Images /Getty Images
“I went with her one night to tape a TV show,...
Dolly Parton was always loud at the movies
While still in school, Parton began to develop her music career. She recorded songs she worked on with her uncle and even got some airtime on local radio stations. At this stage of her career she met Bobby Denton, an operations director at a radio station. The pair hit it off and went on several dates.
For years, Parton has been a bubbly, joyful public figure. Denton said she has always been this way, which sometimes made dates difficult.
Dolly Parton | Robin Platzer/Images /Getty Images
“I went with her one night to tape a TV show,...
- 5/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Dolly Parton picked up a reputation that wasn’t great for someone looking to hire a band. She explained that people in Nashville felt she couldn’t keep her backing musicians. Parton was looking for a specific sound and dynamic, and she fired people if they didn’t fit this vision. According to one of her former band members, some people felt extremely bitter toward her.
Some members of Dolly Parton’s band resented her
For many musicians, the chance to play in Parton’s band was significant and exciting. She paid well and was on a seemingly endless rise. Still, it was hard work that required long hours on the road. They also felt that Parton’s new management had made it difficult to work with her.
“On top of that, a good many things promised by Dolly did not happen,” her former guitarist, Don Roth...
Some members of Dolly Parton’s band resented her
For many musicians, the chance to play in Parton’s band was significant and exciting. She paid well and was on a seemingly endless rise. Still, it was hard work that required long hours on the road. They also felt that Parton’s new management had made it difficult to work with her.
“On top of that, a good many things promised by Dolly did not happen,” her former guitarist, Don Roth...
- 5/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has been married to her husband, Carl Dean, for decades, a truth that may come as a surprise to some. Parton’s husband does not join her on red carpets or at shows — few pictures of him are even publicly available. Early in Parton’s career, though, Dean joined her at an industry event. According to those in attendance, Dean was visibly uncomfortable with being there.
Dolly Parton’s husband was visibly uncomfortable at an industry event
In the 1960s, Parton received an award at the BMI Awards Dinner, and Dean accompanied her to the ceremony. Both of them were nervous about the event.
“I was very excited, because I’d never been [to an awards dinner] before,” she said, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Carl said he’d go with me. That was the first time he’d been to any industry function with me, and it was the last.
Dolly Parton’s husband was visibly uncomfortable at an industry event
In the 1960s, Parton received an award at the BMI Awards Dinner, and Dean accompanied her to the ceremony. Both of them were nervous about the event.
“I was very excited, because I’d never been [to an awards dinner] before,” she said, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “Carl said he’d go with me. That was the first time he’d been to any industry function with me, and it was the last.
- 5/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has been with her husband for decades, and she has joked about her flirtations with other men for nearly as long as they’ve been together. She danced around rumors of affairs for years. Her husband, Carl Dean, keeps his goings-on out of the public eye, but he once called Parton to inform her that he was on a date. Parton was well acquainted with his partner.
Dolly Parton’s husband took her former teacher on a date
Parton’s career took her away from home often, leaving Dean alone. This meant that when people came to town, it may be up to him alone to entertain them. Once, while she was on tour, Parton’s first grade teacher called on the couple.
“I go to Nashville about twice a year and Dolly’s folks were always saying I should call her when I came down,” her former teacher,...
Dolly Parton’s husband took her former teacher on a date
Parton’s career took her away from home often, leaving Dean alone. This meant that when people came to town, it may be up to him alone to entertain them. Once, while she was on tour, Parton’s first grade teacher called on the couple.
“I go to Nashville about twice a year and Dolly’s folks were always saying I should call her when I came down,” her former teacher,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley is best known for his music, but he had a substantial film career as well. He began acting in the 1950s and continued making movies all through the 1960s. Though not always critically successful, his films always drew audiences. This didn’t excite Elvis, though. He said that he never felt satisfied with his film career.
Elvis’ film career was a disappointment to him
Elvis said he initially viewed acting as just another job. Over time, though, he grew to care so much about it that it made him “physically ill” to not have any control over it.
“I didn’t have final approval on the script, which means that I couldn’t tell you, ‘This is not good for me,’” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I don’t think anyone was consciously trying to harm me. It...
Elvis’ film career was a disappointment to him
Elvis said he initially viewed acting as just another job. Over time, though, he grew to care so much about it that it made him “physically ill” to not have any control over it.
“I didn’t have final approval on the script, which means that I couldn’t tell you, ‘This is not good for me,’” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I don’t think anyone was consciously trying to harm me. It...
- 5/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s former guitarist, Don Roth, traveled with the singer for weeks at a time as she toured. He grew familiar with her work ethic, sense of humor, and flirtatious nature. He also got to know her husband, Carl Dean. Roth said that while he was well aware of the rumors about Parton’s infidelity, he thought her sense of right and wrong was so strong that she never would have cheated on him.
Dolly Parton’s guitarist said she was obsessed with her morals
For much of her career, Parton was the subject of affair rumors. People wondered if she was romantically involved with many of her professional connections, like band members or co-stars. Parton flirted with these rumors, believing the media attention would give a boost to her various projects. While she rarely confirmed or denied having affairs, Roth felt confident that she never had.
“[S]he’s totally loyal to Carl Dean,...
Dolly Parton’s guitarist said she was obsessed with her morals
For much of her career, Parton was the subject of affair rumors. People wondered if she was romantically involved with many of her professional connections, like band members or co-stars. Parton flirted with these rumors, believing the media attention would give a boost to her various projects. While she rarely confirmed or denied having affairs, Roth felt confident that she never had.
“[S]he’s totally loyal to Carl Dean,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1967, Dolly Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, celebrated one year of marriage by visiting the man who married them, Dr. L. Don Duvall. They had a friendly relationship with him, and he continued to think fondly of the young couple over the years. Several years after their wedding, Dr. Duvall reached out to Parton. She responded with a sweet letter detailing how much she loved Dean.
Dolly Parton once wrote a sweet letter about her husband
In 1966, Parton and Dean drove to Georgia with Parton’s mother to elope. Dr. Duvall was sometimes wary of elopements, though he recalled immediately liking the young couple.
“She was just a pretty girl, a young, friendly, outgoing mountain girl,” he told Alanna Nash in the book Dolly. “I remember I really liked her as a person. I liked him, too. He seemed to be a nice young man.”
One year later, Parton...
Dolly Parton once wrote a sweet letter about her husband
In 1966, Parton and Dean drove to Georgia with Parton’s mother to elope. Dr. Duvall was sometimes wary of elopements, though he recalled immediately liking the young couple.
“She was just a pretty girl, a young, friendly, outgoing mountain girl,” he told Alanna Nash in the book Dolly. “I remember I really liked her as a person. I liked him, too. He seemed to be a nice young man.”
One year later, Parton...
- 4/29/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton met her best friend, Judy Ogle, when they were both children. They remained friends through school and into Parton’s years of fame, at which time Ogle joined her on the road. After a while, though, this started to cause problems between them. According to some close to the singer, Parton had to make the difficult decision to let her best friend go. Here’s how this impacted their relationship.
Dolly Parton had to tell her best friend they could no longer work together
In 1977, Ogle, who had been helping Parton keep her career in order, abruptly returned home. Members of Parton’s band weren’t sure if she’d quit, or if she’d been fired.
One member of Parton’s band heard Ogle quit because she was tired of life away from home. Others wondered if Ogle’s position had become superfluous when Parton signed with new management,...
Dolly Parton had to tell her best friend they could no longer work together
In 1977, Ogle, who had been helping Parton keep her career in order, abruptly returned home. Members of Parton’s band weren’t sure if she’d quit, or if she’d been fired.
One member of Parton’s band heard Ogle quit because she was tired of life away from home. Others wondered if Ogle’s position had become superfluous when Parton signed with new management,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton has been famous for years, which has given her access to practically everything she could have ever wanted. She said that she gained the most precious thing in her life before stardom, though. Parton said that she considered her relationship with her husband sacred and that he was incredibly important to her.
Dolly Parton said her husband was incredibly valuable to her
Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been married since 1966. In their decades together, Dean has rarely been seen by the public, even as Parton grew increasingly visible. Parton said this dynamic worked well for them.
“He’s a real mystery person to the public. That’s good, though,” she said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I mean, that’s fine with us, and fine with him. He loves me good, and my career bein’ separate from my marriage is perfectly natural for us.
Dolly Parton said her husband was incredibly valuable to her
Parton and her husband, Carl Dean, have been married since 1966. In their decades together, Dean has rarely been seen by the public, even as Parton grew increasingly visible. Parton said this dynamic worked well for them.
“He’s a real mystery person to the public. That’s good, though,” she said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I mean, that’s fine with us, and fine with him. He loves me good, and my career bein’ separate from my marriage is perfectly natural for us.
- 4/26/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s relationship with her husband, Carl Dean, has been going strong for decades, but she has managed to keep it almost entirely away from the public eye. Dean, in contrast to his wife, prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight. In the 1970s, Dean’s privacy made rumors about the couple fly. Parton said that one of these rumors was particularly embarrassing to her.
Dolly Parton found it embarrassing that people believed a rumor about her relationship
In 1977, journalist Alanna Nash met with Parton for a wide-ranging interview. Shortly before their meeting, a story ran about Parton that said she knew her marriage would work because she lived with Dean for a year beforehand. When Nash brought this up, Parton was horrified.
“Oh, I didn’t live with him!” she said, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I made the mistake of sayin’ that out of country innocence.
Dolly Parton found it embarrassing that people believed a rumor about her relationship
In 1977, journalist Alanna Nash met with Parton for a wide-ranging interview. Shortly before their meeting, a story ran about Parton that said she knew her marriage would work because she lived with Dean for a year beforehand. When Nash brought this up, Parton was horrified.
“Oh, I didn’t live with him!” she said, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I made the mistake of sayin’ that out of country innocence.
- 4/26/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The longevity of Dolly Parton’s career relies both on her music and her personality. She has written countless beloved songs, but she also draws people to her with her warmth and genuineness. She said she has always been a highly positive person, a quality that has a great deal to do with her faith and spirituality.
Dolly Parton said she is a highly positive person
Parton grew up in a religious household, an upbringing that shaped her into the person she is today. Still, she said that many of the positive qualities faith instills in people were innate in her.
“People are teachin’ positive thinking and the magic of believing, but somebody had to feel and know that sort of thing naturally in order to start the program,” she said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I just happen to be one of those people born with that gift of believing,...
Dolly Parton said she is a highly positive person
Parton grew up in a religious household, an upbringing that shaped her into the person she is today. Still, she said that many of the positive qualities faith instills in people were innate in her.
“People are teachin’ positive thinking and the magic of believing, but somebody had to feel and know that sort of thing naturally in order to start the program,” she said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I just happen to be one of those people born with that gift of believing,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While Dolly Parton has enjoyed nearly everything her career has thrown at her, she still has to deal with the less glamorous sides of celebrity. Over the years, Parton has received a series of death threats. Her method of handling these has varied, but early in her career they greatly alarmed her. She turned down an exciting opportunity because of a series of threats to her life.
Dolly Parton turned down a chance to further her career because of death threats
In 1976, Parton prepared to play a show in West Virginia when she learned that someone had made a death threat against her. To protect herself and her band, Parton decided she could not go on with the show.
“We had our stuff backstage, unpacked and ready to go,” guitarist Tom Rutledge said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I was next door eating, and word came down that...
Dolly Parton turned down a chance to further her career because of death threats
In 1976, Parton prepared to play a show in West Virginia when she learned that someone had made a death threat against her. To protect herself and her band, Parton decided she could not go on with the show.
“We had our stuff backstage, unpacked and ready to go,” guitarist Tom Rutledge said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I was next door eating, and word came down that...
- 4/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1966, Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, decided he needed to exercise stronger control over his celebrity client. Elvis’ drug use had ramped up, something everyone in his life was aware of, and he fell and hurt himself while under the influence. Parker warned Elvis that if he didn’t take his advice, he would lose everything.
Elvis’ manager told him he would lose everything after he fell and hit his head
In 1966, Elvis’ friend, Joe Esposito, came to pick the singer up to go to the studio. He found him in the house, woozy, with a sizable lump on his head.
“Into 1966, he started taking downers more heavily, gradually at first,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he started heavy into them more and more as he got more and more bored. Around about that time, he fell very badly...
Elvis’ manager told him he would lose everything after he fell and hit his head
In 1966, Elvis’ friend, Joe Esposito, came to pick the singer up to go to the studio. He found him in the house, woozy, with a sizable lump on his head.
“Into 1966, he started taking downers more heavily, gradually at first,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he started heavy into them more and more as he got more and more bored. Around about that time, he fell very badly...
- 4/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s ebullient personality makes it seem like little gets her down, but things still bother the singer. According to one of her backup singers, three things deeply disturbed the Queen of Country. Outside one show in Atlanta, a woman upset her by touching on two of these things.
Dolly Parton’s friend said an encounter outside a show disturbed the singer
Parton has been famous for decades and has often leaned into gossip about her as a way to promote her projects. She admitted that while tabloids often overblow news, there is typically a grain of truth in the stories they run. It bothers her deeply when there is not, and magazines run outright lies about her.
Even worse than this is when someone doubts her talent, or calls her songwriting into question. Parton rightfully takes immense pride in her work and she finds it incredibly hurtful when...
Dolly Parton’s friend said an encounter outside a show disturbed the singer
Parton has been famous for decades and has often leaned into gossip about her as a way to promote her projects. She admitted that while tabloids often overblow news, there is typically a grain of truth in the stories they run. It bothers her deeply when there is not, and magazines run outright lies about her.
Even worse than this is when someone doubts her talent, or calls her songwriting into question. Parton rightfully takes immense pride in her work and she finds it incredibly hurtful when...
- 4/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1983, Dolly Parton nervously prepared for a concert special in England. She was incredibly concerned ahead of the show as she wasn’t sure how the audience would react to her. Her audience’s perception of her outfit became the least of her worries, though. Just before she was meant to start the show, she heard news of a bomb threat to the theater. Here’s how Parton reacted.
Dolly Parton learned of a bomb threat shortly before a concert
Parton filmed a 1983 HBO special at the Old Dominion Theater in London. She spent time before the concert fretting about her audience. She wasn’t sure how they would react to “the big, overblown, oversequined cartoon of a woman who was about to stand before them,” (per Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business).
As she worried about getting heckled, she received even more troubling news. Scotland Yard received a bomb threat,...
Dolly Parton learned of a bomb threat shortly before a concert
Parton filmed a 1983 HBO special at the Old Dominion Theater in London. She spent time before the concert fretting about her audience. She wasn’t sure how they would react to “the big, overblown, oversequined cartoon of a woman who was about to stand before them,” (per Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business).
As she worried about getting heckled, she received even more troubling news. Scotland Yard received a bomb threat,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley worked with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, for years. Parker helped lift Elvis to unprecedented heights, but he also kept the singer on a tight leash. Elvis rarely pushed back against Parker’s leadership, even when he disagreed with his decisions. According to those who knew the singer, he was terrified of Parker.
Elvis bowed to his manager’s power
In 1956, Parker became Elvis’ manager, a position he would hold until the singer’s death in 1977. Most people saw Elvis as confident, boisterous, and good-humored. He rarely showed this side of himself around his manager, though.
Parker controlled Elvis’ career and business interests, but he also had a hand in the singer’s personal life. When he instructed Elvis to stop spending time alone with his barber, Larry Geller, Elvis did not argue.
Colonel Parker and Elvis | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“Elvis sat and listened like an obedient child,...
Elvis bowed to his manager’s power
In 1956, Parker became Elvis’ manager, a position he would hold until the singer’s death in 1977. Most people saw Elvis as confident, boisterous, and good-humored. He rarely showed this side of himself around his manager, though.
Parker controlled Elvis’ career and business interests, but he also had a hand in the singer’s personal life. When he instructed Elvis to stop spending time alone with his barber, Larry Geller, Elvis did not argue.
Colonel Parker and Elvis | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“Elvis sat and listened like an obedient child,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley achieved a massive level of success early in his career and maintained his fame for two decades. While he eventually grew more accustomed to fame, his level of celebrity shocked him at first. He could hardly believe the effect he had on people and he found it a bit overwhelming. He said that he felt a bit scared of his success.
Elvis Presley said his level of success frightened him
Elvis began his music career in the early 1950s when he recorded songs as a gift for his mother. By 1956, he had cemented his celebrity status.
“[1956 was] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Fans wept their way through Elvis’ shows and he jumped into a film career.
Elvis Presley said his level of success frightened him
Elvis began his music career in the early 1950s when he recorded songs as a gift for his mother. By 1956, he had cemented his celebrity status.
“[1956 was] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Fans wept their way through Elvis’ shows and he jumped into a film career.
- 4/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, ran the singer’s career with rigid control. He exercised a similar level of oversight over Elvis’ personal life. He encouraged him to get married, cut friends out of Elvis’ life, and directed him away from certain interests. Because of this, some people in Elvis’ life did not believe Parker wasn’t aware of his drug use. They believe Parker should have done more to help him.
People who knew Elvis thought Colonel Parker should have done more for him
By the mid-1970s, everyone in Elvis’ life was concerned about his well-being. He took increasing amounts of drugs and began to look unwell. Elvis’ bass player, Duke Bardwell, wished Parker would have stepped in to help Elvis. He believed his unwillingness to do so came down to Parker’s “lack of humanity … because Colonel was the only one that could help” (via...
People who knew Elvis thought Colonel Parker should have done more for him
By the mid-1970s, everyone in Elvis’ life was concerned about his well-being. He took increasing amounts of drugs and began to look unwell. Elvis’ bass player, Duke Bardwell, wished Parker would have stepped in to help Elvis. He believed his unwillingness to do so came down to Parker’s “lack of humanity … because Colonel was the only one that could help” (via...
- 4/15/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, has faced criticism for the control he exercised over the singer. According to members of Elvis’ entourage, he also exercised control over them. They claimed Parker was able to put them in a state of hypnosis and used it to control their behavior.
Elvis’ manager used hypnosis on the singer’s entourage
Parker had the ability to hypnotize people, a skill he used frequently on members of Elvis’ entourage.
“He had a thing where he would hypnotize me and get me to do crazy things,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Now, I wasn’t in a trance and I knew what I was doing, but I did them just the same, some really nutty things that always had people in stitches. I would just do whatever he told me. I was hypnotized.”
Colonel Tom Parker...
Elvis’ manager used hypnosis on the singer’s entourage
Parker had the ability to hypnotize people, a skill he used frequently on members of Elvis’ entourage.
“He had a thing where he would hypnotize me and get me to do crazy things,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Now, I wasn’t in a trance and I knew what I was doing, but I did them just the same, some really nutty things that always had people in stitches. I would just do whatever he told me. I was hypnotized.”
Colonel Tom Parker...
- 4/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
By the 1970s, Elvis Presley’s drug use was concerning everyone around him, including his young daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. He relied on a variety of medications every day and his health began to suffer from it. Lisa Marie recalled being able to pick up on the fact that something was wrong. She shared the heartbreaking thing she said to Elvis as a result.
Lisa Marie Presley worried about Elvis’ wellbeing
Lisa Marie was still a young child when Elvis died, but his drug use was apparent to her. She became concerned about his well-being.
“One night when I was five or six, we were watching TV,” Lisa Marie said in the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “I looked up at him and said, ‘Daddy, Daddy, I don’t want you to die.’ And he just looked at me and said, ‘Okay, I won’t. Don’t worry about it.
Lisa Marie Presley worried about Elvis’ wellbeing
Lisa Marie was still a young child when Elvis died, but his drug use was apparent to her. She became concerned about his well-being.
“One night when I was five or six, we were watching TV,” Lisa Marie said in the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “I looked up at him and said, ‘Daddy, Daddy, I don’t want you to die.’ And he just looked at me and said, ‘Okay, I won’t. Don’t worry about it.
- 3/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley grew famous for his music career, but he also had a successful run as an actor. He starred in a number of high-earning films and took top billing in all but one of his movies. Many people, Elvis himself included, believed he showed great potential as an actor. Unfortunately, he never had the chance to grow in the way he wanted. One of his greatest career regrets had to do with the stunted growth of his acting career.
Elvis wished he could have made more out of his film career
In 1975, Elvis had the opportunity to act in A Star Is Born alongside Barbra Streisand. He hadn’t been in a movie since 1969, but this was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. It was a serious, dramatic role about a washed-up musician, a part Elvis could understand a little too well at this point in his career.
Elvis wished he could have made more out of his film career
In 1975, Elvis had the opportunity to act in A Star Is Born alongside Barbra Streisand. He hadn’t been in a movie since 1969, but this was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. It was a serious, dramatic role about a washed-up musician, a part Elvis could understand a little too well at this point in his career.
- 3/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1957, Elvis Presley’s career was soaring, but his undeniable success did little to lift his spirits, as he told his minister. Though he was now both a singer, actor, and proud owner of Graceland, everything Elvis had worked hard to achieve seemed on the verge of slipping through his fingers. Here’s what led him to describe himself as completely miserable.
Elvis Presley confided in his minister about success
In 1956, Elvis’ rising career took off in earnest. His music sales were setting records, he had starred in his debut film, and he sparked hysteria wherever he went.
“[1956 was the year] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Rb/Redferns
Elvis had an enviable career, but it quickly became a stressor.
“[Success] just scares me,” he told reporters,...
Elvis Presley confided in his minister about success
In 1956, Elvis’ rising career took off in earnest. His music sales were setting records, he had starred in his debut film, and he sparked hysteria wherever he went.
“[1956 was the year] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Rb/Redferns
Elvis had an enviable career, but it quickly became a stressor.
“[Success] just scares me,” he told reporters,...
- 3/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley began performing residencies in Las Vegas in 1969. These shows saved his sagging career and reignited his love of performing. Before long, though, they began to bore him to tears. This boredom transformed Elvis, twisting his initial excitement into something spiteful and defensive. His friend shared how unpleasant things became while Elvis and his entourage were in Las Vegas.
Elvis’ boredom caused him to lash out while in Las Vegas
By the early 1970s, Elvis had tired of his Vegas shows. He played two shows a day for weeks at a time, leaving him exhausted and irritable. He also played the same show over and over.
“Going in about the third year, there was no challenge,” Elvis’ friend Jerry Schilling said in the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “It was the same songs, and the same audience, and we stayed up all night, and slept all day. We...
Elvis’ boredom caused him to lash out while in Las Vegas
By the early 1970s, Elvis had tired of his Vegas shows. He played two shows a day for weeks at a time, leaving him exhausted and irritable. He also played the same show over and over.
“Going in about the third year, there was no challenge,” Elvis’ friend Jerry Schilling said in the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “It was the same songs, and the same audience, and we stayed up all night, and slept all day. We...
- 3/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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