‘Vivacious’ Dolly Parton never lost sight of her modest Tennessee upbringing, mayor says: ‘Such a treasure’

Dolly Parton has always stayed true to her humble roots — even after becoming a global icon with a net worth of millions.

The “Jolene” singer grew up in a one-bedroom cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains in Locust Ridge, just outside of Sevierville, Tennessee, with her parents and 11 siblings.

Following her death at the age of 80 on Tuesday, Page Six exclusively spoke to Sevierville Mayor Robert Fox, who had known Parton all his life. He gushed over the fact that the musician never changed.

“Her family didn’t have a lot, but they had the things that mattered,” he recalled. “She’s shown that over the years. She was such a treasure to us with her talent and generosity.”

Fox — himself a lifelong Sevier County resident — said Parton would sometimes ride the bus to see her aunt and uncle, who lived below him.

“My grandfather would have her sing gospel songs on the bus,” he shared. “After most everyone would get off, he’d go, ‘Dolly, sing us a gospel song.’ And she’d do that. She always had that talent. And always had that vivacious personality, that smile, that love for people.”

“She didn’t change over the years,” he continued. “And boy, do I appreciate that. So many people who have achieved that level of fame — they change and forget where they come from. Dolly never did.”

He added, “She was so proud of this area and 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. She did that herself. She is not only a great talent and generous, she’s a smart businessperson who understood what it took to be successful.”

Fox said Parton advocated for Sevier County all over the world, and that he felt shock and sorrow when he heard the news that she had died Tuesday.

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“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 stressed that Parton’s legacy will live on for generations — even after her death.

“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 said. “That’s just the kind of person she was.”

The cabin Parton grew up in had no electricity or running water. She shared the small home with her parents, Avie Lee Caroline and Robert Lee Parton, who were also parents to Willadeene, David, Coy, Bobby, Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, twins Floyd and Freida, and Rachel.

Parton actually recreated the cabin at her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for fans to visit. The replica was built by her brother Bobby.

“These mountains and my childhood home have a special place in my heart,” a sign outside the replicated cabin reads. “They inspire my music and my life. I hope being here does the same for you! Dolly.”

Parton’s nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, also brought up the singer’s humble upbringing while announcing her death earlier this week.

“Dolly was a farmer just like her Daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness,” he said in the heartfelt video message, shared via Instagram.

“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.”