In addition to writing and recording the original version of “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly Parton is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who has also made her mark in movies and literature.
Dolly Parton was up in poverty and didn’t see a toilet until she was eight years old, yet she is now a dedicated supporter of many philanthropic initiatives.
A Poverty-Shaped Childhood
Dolly Parton, who was born in Tennessee on January 19, 1946, was the fourth child out of twelve and had to deal with financial difficulties. Her mother, who was descended from Wales, delighted the family with stories and songs, while her father worked as an illiterate sharecropper. Parton’s parents made sure their kids had clothes, food, and shelter in spite of their own hardships. Thinking back on her childhood, Parton revealed:
“I never felt poor, even though we were.” We always had a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and enough to eat. Mama and Daddy identified individuals in worse condition than ourselves. I felt like everything was normal. We were poor, but you wouldn’t know it unless you remembered sleeping on shared beds, eating beans and cornbread, using newspaper as insulation, and having to go outdoors to use the restroom.
Acquiring Knowledge of Life’s Fundamentals
The Parton family was jammed into a tiny one-room cabin next to the Little Pigeon River, where they lived outside most of the time. Parton said that she didn’t use an indoor restroom until she was eight years old, and even then, she hesitated because she thought it would “suck them right down.” During the winter, the family manufactured their own soap and took weekly baths; however, due of her roommate arrangements in high school, she had to take daily baths.
Impact of Family on Professional Achievement
Notwithstanding the challenges, Parton gives her family, who have always been her biggest love and musical inspiration, a lot of the credit for her success. Her songs and performances reflect her love for them.
Dolly Parton, who has a $375 million net worth, is as generous as she is successful. She established the Dollywood Foundation in 1988, originally providing scholarships to her high school classmates. The organization grew over time to assist teachers and kids from different schools who needed their assistance. The Imagination Library is one noteworthy project. Originally launched in 1995 as a memorial to Parton’s father, it has expanded to provide nearly two million children in all 50 states with approximately 1.3 million books each month. In 2018, as the program commemorated its 100 millionth book distribution, Parton said she never thought it would be this successful.
Kind Deeds During Tough Times
Dolly Parton has demonstrated her willingness to assist in times of need. Following the horrific 2016 wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains, she established the My People Fund, which generated over $9 million to support 900 families. After her niece’s leukemia treatment was successful, she made more contributions to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Her altruistic endeavors encompass aiding institutions such as the American Red Cross, charities fighting HIV/AIDS, and animal rights organizations. She started speaking out in favor of Covid vaccinations in 2020 and gave $1 million to help create the Moderna vaccine.
Giving from the Heart Generosity
Dolly Parton is a selfless person at heart. She admits that she enjoys giving to others and that it makes her happy to change their life. Her incredible path from humble origins to success has undoubtedly influenced her commitment to philanthropy, as it has turned her into a compassionate person.
How do you feel about Dolly Parton’s giving? Do you think her upbringing has an influence on her charitable work? Express your opinions and assist in bringing attention to this amazing woman’s philanthropic contributions.
ROBIN WILLIAMS’ SAN FRANCISCO MANSION: WHERE HIS SON TIED THE KNOT ON THE LATE ACTOR’S BIRTHDAY
Robin Williams passed away in 2014, leaving behind his children: Zelda, Zachary, and Cody. Robin and his ex-wife, Marsha Williams, raised their kids in their San Francisco home.
In 2019, on what would have been Robin’s 73rd birthday, his youngest son honored him by getting married on that special day.
Robin Williams was a beloved actor known for his incredible comedic talent. He starred in popular family films like “Aladdin,” “Jumanji,” “Happy Feet,” and “Night at the Museum.”
Robin died by suicide on August 11, 2014, at his home in Tiburon, California. He was born on July 21, 1951. At the time of his death, he was single and had been married three times. His children were Zelda (34), Zachary (41), and Cody (32).
Robin Williams married his first wife, Valerie Velardi, in 1978. They had a son, Zachary Williams, together. The couple divorced in 1988.
Robin then married Marsha Garces in April 1989. They had two children together: Zelda and Cody Williams.
In 2008, Marsha Garces filed for divorce from Robin Williams. She said they had irreconcilable differences. Marsha requested joint legal custody of their kids, with Robin having visitation rights and paying spousal support. She also asked the court to divide their property after figuring out all their assets.
During their marriage, Marsha and Robin Williams worked together on films like “Jakob the Liar,” “Patch Adams,” and “Mrs. Doubtfire.” After their divorce, Robin married Susan Schneider in 2011, but they divorced in 2014 and did not have any children together.
Robin and Marsha raised their kids, Zelda and Cody, in their San Francisco home, which was at the corner of Sea Cliff Avenue and El Camino Del Mar.
The beautiful San Francisco mansion, which Robin Williams and Marsha Garces renovated in the 1990s, is a large 10,600-square-foot property. Built in 1926, it has more than 20 rooms, including six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and three half bathrooms.
The home offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headland, and the Pacific Ocean. It was listed for sale at $25 million in October 2023.
Steven Mavromihalis, who is handling the sale, mentioned that Robin and Marsha expanded the house while keeping the original, valuable materials from when it was built in 1926. They also added a movie theater and a grand foyer, which is a central and impressive part of the home leading to its elegant public spaces.
The outside of the property features stunning lawns, bushes, gardens, flowering plants, mature trees, and hedges that surround the entire estate. It includes several sitting areas with clear, open views, making it an ideal space for entertaining guests.
The home includes a four-car garage with both side-by-side and tandem parking options. Inside, the living room is spacious with wooden beams on the ceiling, a wood-burning fireplace, and a French door that opens to the terrace.
The house features a spectacular eat-in kitchen with plenty of counter space, triple sinks, and custom cabinets made from high-quality materials. Next to the kitchen is a butler’s pantry. There’s also a media entertainment room with a half bath that opens to the east lawn and an outdoor dining patio.
The primary suite is designed for peace and tranquility, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. It includes a spacious bath with a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower. The suite also features a large dressing room and closet. On the upper level, you’ll find four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a home office.
The home includes several hidden safe rooms and a large, ventilated walk-in vault. On the garden level, you’ll find a sauna, a one-bedroom guest apartment, and a fitness center with a full bath. This level also features a wine cellar, a pantry, and plenty of storage closets.
Marsha shared her experience of living in the mansion with Robin. She mentioned that Robin enjoyed shopping for art, and since their home was so large, they bought modern and unique pieces to decorate it. Marsha mixed new, old, historic, and handmade items to create a beautiful and eclectic look for the house.
Robin had a love for toys, so their home was filled with various toy collections. Additionally, some items in the house were particularly special because Marsha and Robin would give each other art pieces as gifts on special occasions like birthdays.
In 2019, Robin Williams’ youngest son paid tribute to his father by getting married at the same San Francisco mansion where Robin and Marsha had raised him.
Robin Williams was very proud of his kids, but he didn’t think of himself as a perfect father. He saw himself as a dad who was always learning and loving his children.
Zachary, his oldest son, graduated from New York University with a degree in rhetoric and followed his dreams to become an actor and director. Zelda, his daughter, made a name for herself in horror movies. Robin described his youngest son, Cody, as “kind but brilliant” and also as an actor.
Robin’s children continue to make him proud, even though he is no longer here. They have each made their own way in the entertainment world as actors and directors. They also make an effort to honor and remember their dad on their special occasions.
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