How Dolly Parton built a business empire 

Dolly Parton, the larger-than-life country singer and songwriter who died on Tuesday at age 80, rose from a self-described "dirt poor" upbringing to build a business empire that extended from song royalties to hit movies, a cosmetic line, pet products, a theme park, a truck stop and more.

Forbes estimated in 2025 that Parton's net worth totalled about $450 million, putting her at No. 78 on the magazine's list of America's richest, self-made women. The largest share came from her 50 per cent stake in the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee, Forbes said. She also made the financially savvy decision early in her career to retain the rights to all of her songs, allowing her to claim royalties when they were played or performed.