Dolly Parton Saved Life of 9-Year-Old Girl Who Is Now 12 & Very Talented
- America's last sweetheart, Dolly Parton, is known not just for her singing prowess and acting skills but also for her beautiful heart.
- Not long ago, the "Steel Magnolias" alum went out of her way to become an absolute guardian angel for a little girl on the set, saving her life.
- Today, the girl Parton saved has grown into a talented and vibrant youngster.
Dolly Parton's childhood was characterized by a humble upbringing in the mountains with a large family. Growing up with 12 siblings, their cabin was crowded, but they faced their circumstances with resilience and togetherness.
Despite their modest means, Parton never considered herself poor, as her parents ensured they had food, shelter, and clothing. The family's daily meals often consisted of beans and cornbread, and they would gather outside the cabin to eat, play games, and do chores since the space indoors was limited.
Dolly Parton on 'Dolly' in 1987. | Source: Getty Images
Parton's father, a hardworking man with no formal education, played a significant role in their lives. Per the "Joyful Noise" star, while her dad didn't express his love through words, the tenderness in his eyes spoke volumes. He worked tirelessly, using his hands and strong back to carve out a life for his family.
Their love for the stage appeared deeply rooted as they had been exposed to dance even before birth.
Parton's mother, married to her father as a teenager, also played a vital role in their upbringing, nurturing them within the context of their church and instilling in them a strong faith in Jesus' love and the belief that all things were possible through God.
Country singer Dolly Parton poses for a portrait in circa 1955 in Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
Parton's birth story further highlights the resourcefulness of her family. Living in a remote area without hospital access, a missionary doctor arrived on a horse to provide medical care to the mountain people.
When the "9 to 5" singer's mother faced complications during her birth, her father rushed to fetch the doctor. Unable to pay with money, Parton's dad traded a sack of cornmeal as compensation. While recalling the incident, Parton jokingly added that she had been "raking in the dough" ever since.
According to Parton, her upbringing in a close-knit family and her deep-rooted faith in God provided a strong foundation for her life. She always felt self-assured, staying anchored within herself and her beliefs as she navigated her journey.
Parton's "Coat of Many Colors" is a deeply personal and meaningful song to her. It tells the true story of a little ragged coat her mother made for her during her childhood. Despite its humble appearance, Parton's mom tried to instill pride in her by sharing the story of Joseph from the Bible.
The song carries powerful messages about family, acceptance, and celebrating one's differences. It has become an anthem against bullying and is reportedly used in schools for that purpose.
While Parton doesn't have the original coat anymore because her mother recycled scraps for other purposes, she does have a replica made by her mother after the song became a hit. The original coat likely transformed into a quilt or baby blanket.
The significance of the coat and the story behind it has been immortalized in a movie and Parton treasures the song as a reminder of her upbringing and the values it represents. A mockup of the coat is reportedly displayed in a museum, preserving the memory of this cherished childhood artifact.
Parton's deep spiritual inclination has been a guiding force in her life and career. She believes that God has a plan and purpose for everything, and she embraces failures as opportunities for growth.
The "There Was Jesus" singer finds fulfillment in qualities not measured by wealth, like kindness and love. Her faith drives her to be a light in the world and do good. She sees her calling as a lifelong commitment and relies on daily prayer to maintain her energy and connection with God.
According to Parton, "God has His plans and His reasons. Sometimes we are supposed to go through things so that we learn lessons." She also expresses gratitude for her failures, saying, "I thank God for my failures. Maybe not at the time, but after some reflection. I never feel like a failure just because something I tried has failed."
Cassie Parton, Dolly Parton, and Rachel Parton on Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas | Source: Getty Images
Parton's spirituality originated from her early years when she impressed others with her talents at her grandfather's church. An encounter with an older woman who called her "anointed" ignited her faith and sense of responsibility to make a positive impact.
She credits God for carrying her through difficult times and sustaining her long-lasting marriage to her husband, Carl Thomas Dean. Parton's faith fuels her commitment to charitable causes and inspires her to pursue her calling.
How Dolly Parton Became a Guardian Angel for a Little Girl
While filming the 2020 Netflix holiday movie "Christmas on the Square," Parton portrayed an angel in the film but became a real-life hero when she saved the life of a young girl on set.
Talia Hill, one of the child actors, was walking near a moving vehicle when Parton quickly grabbed her and pulled her to safety. While recalling the incident, Talia shared, "She hugged me and shook me and said, 'I saved your life.' And my mom was crying, like, 'Yes you did, Dolly Parton, yes you did.'"
The songstress also expressed her desire to impact the world positively. She once stated, "We can't save the world, but we can save the world we're living in."
The "Christmas at Dollywood" actress noted that while it may be challenging to solve all the world's problems, it is within our power to create positive change in our immediate surroundings.
A Brief Look at Talia Hill's Life Now
In a 2020 interview, the Hill siblings, Tristan, 16, Tyson, 13, and Talia, 9, from Davenport, Florida, expressed their shared passion for singing and dancing. Their love for the stage appeared deeply rooted as they had been exposed to dance even before birth.
Their mom, Tonia Hill, performed as an entertainer at Walt Disney World while carrying them in her belly. While working for Disney for over two decades, Tonia recognized the talent within her children. She fondly remembered dancing with all three of her babies during her pregnancies.
Tristan, the eldest, was inspired by watching his mother's performances as a young boy, which ignited his desire to be on stage. Apart from their love for dance, the siblings greatly valued their time with their mother.
Tonia's support, care, and encouragement played a significant role in nurturing their dreams and helping them become better performers. The Hill siblings expressed deep admiration, love, and gratitude towards their mother for her unwavering support and dedication.
"Christmas on the Square" was the first movie for Talia. She often shared behind-the-scenes photos and clips from the film on social media, which garnered comments and likes from netizens. Talia and her brothers also flashed their biggest smiles while posing beside the legendary Parton.
In December 2020, Talia shared a befitting tribute to the iconic songstress by dressing as an angel. "For Halloween, I dressed up as my favorite [angel] @dollyparton! I love her so much and enjoyed working with her on [Christmas on the Square]," read the caption.
Today, Talia shares regular updates on her Instagram account, posting heartwarming pictures with her friends and family. The 12-year-old has followed her passion for dancing and continues to show her impressive moves online, astonishing her fans and followers.
From sharing glimpses from her dance sessions to ringing in Valentine's Day by dancing to Beyoncé's "Crazy In Love," Talia is growing into a talented youngster. Her love for her family has also deepened as she celebrated her brother Tristan's debut at Hamilton Musical with a sweet post in January.