Dolly Parton, the global music icon, remained deeply connected to her humble beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee throughout her life, according to Sevierville Mayor Robert Fox.
Fox, who knew Parton his entire life, shared memories of the singer's "vivacious" personality and unwavering generosity. "Her family didn’t have a lot, but they had the things that mattered," Fox told Page Six. "She’s shown that over the years. She was such a treasure to us with her talent and generosity."
Parton grew up in a one-bedroom cabin in Locust Ridge, outside of Sevierville, with her parents and 11 siblings. The family home lacked electricity and running water. Fox recalled Parton's early talent, noting that his grandfather would ask her to sing gospel songs on the bus as a child. "She always had that talent. And always had that vivacious personality, that smile, that love for people."
Unlike many who achieve global fame, Parton never lost sight of her origins. "She didn’t change over the years," Fox said. "So many people who have achieved that level of fame — they change and forget where they come from. Dolly never did."
Parton was reportedly proud of her Sevier County roots, and the community was equally proud of her. "We were so proud of her and continue to be proud of her — proud of what a girl from the mountains of Sevier County made of herself," Fox added. "She is not only a great talent and generous, she’s a smart businessperson who understood what it took to be successful."
Parton was an advocate for Sevier County globally. The Sevierville mayor expressed shock and sorrow upon hearing of her death. "It’s hard to imagine a world without Dolly Parton in it," he reflected. "She was always doing new projects and generous with helping people, so it’s going to be a tough thing."
Fox emphasized that Parton's legacy will endure through her music and her philanthropic work. "What she’s accomplished won’t end, her talent, we’ll still be able to listen to her, and her generosity is gonna live on through the foundation that she had and she made sure of that," he stated. "That’s just the kind of person she was."
Parton's childhood home is marked with a sign, and a replica of the cabin, built by her brother Bobby, exists at her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A sign at the replica reads, "These mountains and my childhood home have a special place in my heart. They inspire my music and my life. I hope being here does the same for you! Dolly."
Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, also highlighted her connection to her farming roots, stating, "Dolly was a farmer just like her Daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness."
Seaver added that Parton paved the way for countless artists. "Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life, and across every continent. By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open and the doors she opened made and changed history."