“Kitty Wells was the first and only Queen of Country Music, no matter what they call the rest of us. She was a great inspiration to me as well as every other female singer in the country music business. In addition to being a wonderful asset to country music, she was a wonderful woman.”

American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman

Dolly Parton is an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. Born Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, she became known as the “Queen of Country” and emerged as one of the most successful performers in country music. She is also recognized for her wider cultural influence, especially through Dollywood and the Dollywood Foundation. With more than a hundred million records sold, she ranks among the best-selling music artists in history.