This Girl Grew Up in Shack with 11 Siblings, Using Newspapers to Stay Warm — Incredible Photos of Her House Now

• This Hollywood star experienced a childhood in poverty with 11 siblings.
• She rose from humble beginnings to country music stardom.
• Today, there is a contrast between her past and present living conditions.

From a cramped two-room cabin to a luxurious yet modest home. This article delves into the journey of a music legend who never forgot where she came from.

This famous singer was born on January 19, 1946. She is the fourth of twelve children and was born into a life far from the glitz of Nashville. The celebrity’s mother was also a singer.

She taught her Elizabethan ballads and church music. As for her father, she described him as a smart, hard-working man who had a good head on his shoulders.

She revealed in a 2016 interview that her dad built a life for them “with his hands and a strong back.” He never had a formal education and worked hard his whole life.

Also, the award-winning star’s siblings dabbled in music growing up. The family had formed a band. She recalled growing up with all of her brothers and sisters and singing in church.

Though the star disliked doing chores, she loved living in the misty mountains. She admitted, “Of course, not everything was perfect but I prefer to remember the best of times.”

The celebrity is none other than Dolly Parton, who grew up in the small town of Locust Ridge, Tennessee. Her childhood was in a cramped two-room cabin, which was a stark contrast to her later life.

This home, devoid of electricity and running water, was where Parton and her large family learned the values of love and kinship, beyond material wealth. The cabin, although small in size, has a kitchen with a table that can accommodate six people.

It features a stove, a small pantry, and a washing basin positioned between the kitchen and a bedroom. There is also a two-thirds wall that separates the kitchen from the one bedroom in the house. The showbiz star’s childhood home still stands today in Locust Ridge.

Before the world knew her, Parton and her eleven siblings shared a small 1-bedroom log cabin. It was in nearby Sevierville, Tennessee.

The family’s humble home lacked basic amenities. They relied on fireflies in jars for light. They used newspapers on walls for insulation from the biting cold.

Despite this, Parton, Miley Cyrus’s godmother, recalls never feeling poor. She cherished memories of family unity softened the harshness of their situation.

Parton often reminisced about the challenges of growing up in such confined quarters. “We were poor but I never felt poor. We always had food, a roof over our heads, and clothes on our backs,” Parton said.

They had desired more. But, their parents would remind them of how other families struggled more. The kids had to sleep very close together, with several siblings in a bed.

This and the shared responsibilities formed a strong bond between them. She mentioned how crowded it was in their home. There were many children. They teased and fought a lot.

But they remained a wholesome family nonetheless. They spent much of their time outside. This was because the cabin was small. It was difficult for all to enjoy being indoors.

As the fourth eldest of the kids, this star had to help care for the younger siblings in any way she could. The actress and her loved ones bathed once a week.

She said it was a big deal for her in high school because she wanted to be clean. The cold winters were particularly tough as they used newspapers for insulation.

“The kids peed on me every night,” Parton said in a 1978 interview. She revealed the lengths they went to stay warm. “That was the only warm thing we knew in the wintertime. That was almost a pleasure — to get peed on — because it was so cold.”

She washed every night and once she got into the bed, the kids would urinate. She had to get up every morning to repeat the process. The summertime was a sense of relief for the Partons. They used to go by the river to wash themselves.

Life has since turned out differently for the now-celebrated country music star. Despite her immense success, Parton’s residence reflects her grounded personality.

She purchased the property she resides in, located in Brentwood, Nashville, for $400,000 in 1999. The businesswoman shares the abode with her beloved husband, Carl Dean, whom she married in 1966.

Though bought at a modest price, this home has amenities and charm. The house features a tennis court and pool. This illustrates her love for fun. It also includes a personal chapel and a farm. They echo her strong ties to her rural upbringing and spiritual life.

During the recent pandemic, Parton showed more of her home life in many media appearances. Her vibrant and colorful kitchen serves as the heart of her household.

Last holiday season, the room had red wreaths and red and white gingham curtains. It also had festive decorations. They added warmth and character.

The kitchen has modern appliances and white cupboards. It keeps a sleek yet homey feel. Before, the kitchen had sported a pink theme, from her artwork to her cooking utensils.

Parton once invited fellow actress Reese Witherspoon to her house back in 2018. At the time, they worked together by filming the first episode of Witherspoon’s YouTube series, “Shine On.”

The pair filmed the episode in Parton’s kitchen. It was less colorful than today. The space features white wooden cupboards and a brown island with marble countertops.

The Grammy Award winner’s kitchen also has silver appliances. These include two dishwashers, a double oven, and a double fridge. Her living spaces are as inviting. One living room features a cream leather armchair, a small mirrored side table, and a bubble lamp.

Another showcases purple and white Christmas trees, creating a festive atmosphere around a cozy cream armchair. It also features a brown sofa with burgundy and brown patterned cushions, including a floral burgundy rug.

The white paneled walls have new artwork. Adding candles on a wooden coffee table makes the room nicer. Parton also has a dedicated music room, highlighting her storied career. It has a black piano, cream walls, green carpets, and floral blinds.

This room, housing her vast collection of awards, is a testament to her success. A large painting shows this. It celebrates her milestone: selling 100 million records worldwide.

Her estate has a vintage theme. This room has wooden furniture and patterned wallpaper. As for her hallway, it has light yellow paint and a wooden stair banister. She also has a retro wooden side dresser in the space and a glass candle lantern in the corner.

Dolly Parton’s roots continue to shape her both. “Family is everything to me,” she said. She was expressing the deep impact of her upbringing on her life and work.

She added that her family is her greatest love and that what she does, has an element of loved ones somewhere. She fills her music with tales of her Tennessee mountain home and the values she grew up with. It resonates with authenticity and love.

Parton’s journey was from a small, newspaper-insulated cabin to a comfortable, well-appointed home. It is more than a story of financial success.

It shows the lasting power of family, resilience, and the ability to turn adversity into art. She reflects her life in her music and philanthropy. It still inspires those who dream of a better life.