Dolly Parton became a singer because she wanted to be loved.

The country music legend has a large family and realized from a young age her performing ability could make her stand out to get the attention she craved.

She said: "I always wanted to be loved. That's why I do this.

"I come from a family of 12 so I kind of got a little lost as a child. Then I realized that music and an outgoing personality was all I needed to get me attention."

Despite her desire for attention, Dolly - who has been married to Carl Dean for 45 years - insists she never used her sexuality to get ahead in her career.

She added in an interview with Britain's Elle magazine: "I never slept with anyone to get ahead. I always said, if I do that it's going to be because you turn me on, not because I'm trying to get somewhere in this business.

"I believed I could get ahead on talent alone. I am confident in who I am and what I have. I knew I had something and I could make a living out of it and I knew my worth. I'm tough where I'm concerned."