This Girl Is One of 8 Siblings in a Family That Grew Up in Poverty, Sometimes Had No Electricity, and Stood in Line for Free Lunch Tickets

iturn0image0Sarah Jessica Parker, renowned for her role in “Sex and the City,” overcame a challenging childhood marked by poverty. Born in Nelsonville, Ohio, she was one of eight siblings in a family that often struggled financially. Her mother, Barbara, was a nursery school teacher, and after divorcing Parker’s father, she married Paul, a truck driver. The blended family faced significant financial hardships, sometimes living without electricity and relying on free lunch programs. Parker recalls the embarrassment of receiving free lunch tickets in school, a daily reminder of their economic struggles. Despite these challenges, she pursued acting from a young age, eventually achieving significant success in Hollywood. citeturn0search0

Similarly, Dolly Parton, the iconic country singer, grew up in a large family with 11 siblings in rural Eastern Tennessee. They lived in a house without running water, gas, or electricity, and often slept on straw beds. Despite these humble beginnings, Parton’s talent and determination propelled her to become one of the most celebrated figures in country music. citeturn0search7

These stories highlight how individuals from large families and impoverished backgrounds have risen above their circumstances to achieve remarkable success.