Happy Birthday Mom, from Dolly Parton

 

Today, my mom Lila Sullivan turns 71. She was born on Dec. 22, 1939, in Florence, SC. Since my father Mehmet Gokbudak died in 1983, when I was 13, and my mom remarried our last names are different.

We thought we'd salute her with an image from one of her favorite singers, Dolly Parton, the pride of Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Mom also likes Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffett and Tina Turner.

Parton will release her 43rd studio album next year, and she has a birthday herself on Jan. 19 when she turns 65.

I was curious to learn about those famous Dolly Parton pinball machines. As it turns out, collector Nibby Priest of Henderson, Ky., posted a Youtube video which revealed that the machines first came out in November of 1979 and there were 7,350 made.

We also found out that Parton made the cover of "Rolling Stone" (yes, we were surprised too!) for the magazine's Dec. 11, 1980 issue which also featured a story on a then-emerging band from Athens, Ga., called The B-52s. Another band from Athens, REM would, of course, soon follow.

So, Happy Birthday mom.

Jessica Alba turns 28 today. There are lots of celebrity birthdays today, particularly for very attractive women.

Penelope Cruz is turning 35, and Bridgette Moyhahan is now 38.