Why Everyone Loves the “Backwoods Barbie,” Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a walking piece of irony. She’s got fake nails, fake hair, oversized girls, and pouty lips. But despite all of that, she’s the most real star out there. With a heart of pure gold, Dolly’s sunny attitude is contagious and inspiring. There’s a lot we can learn from this Southern beauty.

Dolly Parton posing next to a tree / Dolly Parton and her brother walking down the street / A black and white portrait of Dolly / Dolly Parton laughing sitting on a couch rubbing her hands together / Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton performing together 1990 / Miley Cyrus giving Dolly Parton a kiss on the cheek during a performance at the Grammy Awards

Photo by Chris Walter, WireImage, Getty Images / Ron Galella, Ron Galella Collection, Getty Images / Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images / Erin Combs, Toronto Star, Getty Images / Jim Steinfeldt, Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images / Kevin Winter, The Recording Academy, Getty Images

Far from a ditzy blonde, Dolly Parton is a record-breaking businesswoman with talent like no other. For over five decades, she’s been comforting us with her songwriting and angelic voice, creating legendary pieces like I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5.

But no matter how much of a Dolly fan you are, there’s still so much to discover about this petite gem. Like, what’s the reason she wears fingerless gloves? And how did she refuse to let Elvis sing her song? Scroll down for the answers.