Did Dolly Parton Own A Dog? She Showered Her 'God Dog' Billy The Kid With Love

Country music legend Dolly Parton was one of the most beloved celebrities of all time, garnering accolades for her many hit songs, her acting ability, and her abundant philanthropy. The "Jolene" singer didn't own a dog, but she had a close relationship with Billy the Kid, a French bulldog owned by her longtime manager, Danny Nozell. There's no arguing Parton was also a lifelong animal lover. She established the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary to help teach the public about bald eagles, partnered with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in various awareness campaigns, and, in 2022, launched Doggy Parton, an adorable line of pet apparel and accessories, to help raise funds for the Willa B. Farms animal rescue.

The "9 to 5" singer had a small dog named Popeye in the 1980s who helped her through some of her darkest times. In the present, she acted like a fairy godmother to Billy the Kid. In fact, an Instagram account belonging to Billy the Kid identifies him as "the official god dog" of Parton. What's more, from the start, Billy the Kid was Doggy Parton's brand ambassador, confirming her strong bond with the dog.

A charming video shared on Facebook in 2024 shows Dolly Parton singing "Happy Birthday" to the pooch when he turned 5 years old. The pupper seems a bit confused at being serenaded by the global icon, but Parton's affection for Billy is evident. The singer actually co-authored a series of children's picture books inspired by the French bulldog, including "Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Makes It Big" (2023), "Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas" (2024), and "Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out" (2025). These lighthearted stories chronicle the plucky pup's adventures as he follows his dreams to Nashville and finds success there — with a little help from the queen of country music. It seems that both the real and the fictional Billy the Kid benefited from their fairy godmother's musical magic.

Parton's love for Billy the Kid was palpable and inspiring. Even if she wasn't Billy's owner, she loved him just as much, often including him in her own career endeavors. Want to learn about other celebs like Dolly Parton whose devotion to darling doggos is obvious for everyone to see? Read about Brooke Shields, who expanded her family by adopting a cuddly new puppy in 2026, and Sally Field, whose cavapoo adorably mimics her expressions as she sits for an interview. If cats are more your pet of choice, then meet Gizmo, the cat of "Heated Rivalry" star Hudson Williams, who fans are "obsessed" with.