History of Dolly Parton in Timeline

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Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and philanthropist, prominently known for her contributions to country music. Her career began in 1967 with the release of her debut album, "Hello, I'm Dolly," and has since spanned 60 years and 49 studio albums. Parton's forty-ninth solo studio album, "Rockstar" (2023), marked a significant achievement, reaching number three on the Billboard 200, her highest charting album to date.

1921: Birth of Robert Lee Parton Sr.

In 1921, Robert Lee Parton Sr., Dolly Parton's father, was born.

1923: Birth of Avie Lee Caroline (Owens)

In 1923, Avie Lee Caroline (née Owens), Dolly Parton's mother, was born.

January 19, 1946: Dolly Parton's Birth

On January 19, 1946, Dolly Rebecca Parton was born in a one-room cabin. She is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and philanthropist.

1964: Move to Nashville

In 1964, after graduating from Sevier County High School, Dolly Parton moved to Nashville the next day to pursue her career.

1965: Signing with Monument Records

In 1965, at age 19, Dolly Parton signed with Monument Records and was initially pitched as a bubblegum pop singer.

1966: "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" success

In 1966, Dolly Parton's composition "Put It Off Until Tomorrow", as recorded by Bill Phillips (with Parton, uncredited, on harmony), went to number six on the country chart.

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1966: Charting Singles with Bill Phillips

In 1966, Dolly Parton, with her uncle Bill Owens, wrote several charting singles for Bill Phillips, including "Put It Off Until Tomorrow", and "The Company You Keep".

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1967: Skeeter Davis's hit "Fuel to the Flame"

In 1967, Dolly Parton co-wrote Skeeter Davis's number 11 hit "Fuel to the Flame" with her frequent songwriting partner, her uncle Bill Owens.

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1967: First country single and album release

In 1967, Dolly Parton released her first country single, "Dumb Blonde", followed by "Something Fishy", and her first full-length album, Hello, I'm Dolly.

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1967: Release of Debut Album

In 1967, Dolly Parton's debut album, Hello, I'm Dolly, was released, marking the beginning of her extensive career.

1967: Joining The Porter Wagoner Show

In 1967, Porter Wagoner invited Dolly Parton to join his organization and offered her a regular spot on his weekly syndicated television program, The Porter Wagoner Show, and in his road show.

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January 1968: Top 10 Hit with Porter Wagoner

In January 1968, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner's remake of Tom Paxton's "The Last Thing on My Mind", released in late 1967, reached the country Top 10, starting a six-year streak of top 10 singles for the duo.

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1968: Release of First Solo Single and CMA Award

In 1968, Dolly Parton released her first solo single for RCA Victor, "Just Because I'm a Woman", which was a moderate hit. She and Porter Wagoner were also named Vocal Group of the Year by the Country Music Association.

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1968: Original Release of "Just Because I'm a Woman"

In 1968, the song "Just Because I'm a Woman" was originally the title song for Dolly Parton's first RCA album.

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1969: Financial Stake with Porter Wagoner

As of 1969, Porter Wagoner had a significant financial stake in Dolly Parton's future, serving as her co-producer and owning nearly half of Owe-Par, the publishing company she founded with Bill Owens.

1969: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry

Dolly Parton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1969, marking a significant milestone in her career.

1970: Recording Mule Skinner Blues

In 1970, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner had grown frustrated by her lack of solo chart success so Wagoner persuaded Parton to record Jimmie Rodgers' "Mule Skinner Blues", a gimmick that worked.

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February 1971: First Number One Single

In February 1971, Dolly Parton achieved her first number-one single with "Joshua".

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1972: Solo Hits and Duets

In 1972, Dolly Parton had numerous solo hits including "Touch Your Woman", in addition to her duets with Porter Wagoner.

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1973: Further Solo and Duet Successes

In 1973, Dolly Parton continued her solo success with "My Tennessee Mountain Home" and "Travelin' Man", and had duet success with Porter Wagoner.

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1973: Release of Jolene

In late 1973, Dolly Parton released "Jolene", which would top the country chart in February 1974.

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February 1974: "Jolene" Tops Country Chart

In February 1974, Dolly Parton's song "Jolene", released in late 1973, topped the country chart.

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April 1974: Last Duet Concert with Porter Wagoner

In April 1974, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner performed their last duet concert, marking her decision to leave Wagoner's organization.

1974: Series of Country Hits

Between 1974 and 1980, Dolly Parton had a series of country hits, with eight singles reaching number one.

1974: "I Will Always Love You" reaches number one

In 1974, Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You", written about her professional break from Wagoner, reached number one on the country chart. She refused to sign over half of the publishing rights to Elvis Presley for the song.

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1975: "The Bargain Store" tops singles chart

In 1975, Dolly Parton again topped the singles chart with "The Bargain Store".

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1975: Final Duet Album

In 1975, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner released their final duet album, Say Forever You'll Be Mine.

1975: I Will Always Love You Covered by Ronstadt

In 1975, Ronstadt covered "I Will Always Love You" on Prisoner In Disguise.

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1976: "Jolene" Charts in the UK

In 1976, "Jolene" reached number seven in the U.K., marking Dolly Parton's first success in the UK.

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1976: Crossover Campaign Begins

In 1976, Dolly Parton started aiming her music in a more mainstream direction to increase her visibility outside country music and began working with manager Sandy Gallin. She also began taking a more active role in production with the album All I Can Do, which she co-produced with Porter Wagoner.

1977: Barbara Walters Special

In 1977, Dolly Parton appeared in a highly publicized candid interview on a Barbara Walters Special, timed to coincide with the release of Here You Come Again.

1977: Self-Produced Album Release

In 1977, Dolly Parton released her first entirely self-produced effort, New Harvest...First Gathering, highlighting her pop sensibilities. Though it topped the country albums chart, it didn't make a big impression on the pop charts.

1977: Release of Here You Come Again

In 1977, Dolly Parton released the album Here You Come Again, produced by Gary Klein, which became her first million-seller, topping the country album chart and reaching number 20 on the pop chart. The title track became her first Top 10 pop single.

October 1978: Playboy Cover Appearance

In October 1978, Dolly Parton appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine wearing a Playboy bunny outfit.

1978: Grammy Award and Television Appearances

In 1978, Dolly Parton won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her Here You Come Again album. She appeared on Cher's ABC television special, and her own joint special with Carol Burnett on CBS, Dolly & Carol in Nashville.

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1978: Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year

In 1978, Dolly Parton won the Country Music Association's highest honor, Entertainer of the Year.

1979: Continued Chart Success

In 1979, Dolly Parton continued to have hits with "Baby I'm Burning" and "You're the Only One", both charting in the pop Top 40 and topping the country chart. "Sweet Summer Lovin'" became the first Parton single in two years to not top the country chart.

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1980: End of Hit Series

Between 1974 and 1980, Dolly Parton had a series of country hits, with eight singles reaching number one.

1980: Nail Clacking on 9 to 5

In 1980, Dolly Parton derived the beat for her song "9 to 5" from clacking her nails together while backstage on the set of the film 9 to 5.

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1980: Starring in 9 to 5 film

In 1980, Dolly Parton starred in the film 9 to 5, for which she earned a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination.

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1980: Release of 9 to 5 Movie

In 1980, Dolly Parton starred in the movie 9 to 5.

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1982: I Will Always Love You for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

In 1982, Dolly Parton recorded a second version of "I Will Always Love You" for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. The second version was a number one country hit and also reached number 53 on the pop charts.

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1982: Starring in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

In 1982, Dolly Parton starred in the film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, earning a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination.

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1984: Starring in Rhinestone

In 1984, Dolly Parton starred in the film Rhinestone.

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1984: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1984, Dolly Parton was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her music, located at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

1986: Named Ms. Magazine's Woman of the Year and Induction into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1986, Dolly Parton was named one of Ms. Magazine's Women of the Year. In the same year, she was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

1989: Starring in Steel Magnolias

In 1989, Dolly Parton starred in the film Steel Magnolias.

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1990: Honorary Doctorate Degree from Carson-Newman College

In 1990, Dolly Parton received an honorary doctorate degree from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee.

1992: Starring in Straight Talk

In 1992, Dolly Parton starred in the film Straight Talk.

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1994: Publication of Autobiography

In 1994, Dolly Parton's autobiography documented initial audience resistance to her replacing Norma Jean on The Porter Wagoner Show, but with Wagoner's help, she was eventually accepted.

1996: I Will Always Love You Covered by Kenny Rogers

In 1996, Kenny Rogers covered "I Will Always Love You" on Vote for Love.

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1997: I Will Always Love You Covered by LeAnn Rimes

In 1997, LeAnn Rimes covered "I Will Always Love You" on Unchained Melody: The Early Years.

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1998: Wealthiest Country Music Star

In 1998, Nashville Business ranked Dolly Parton the wealthiest country music star.

1998: Discovery of Asteroid (10731) Dollyparton

In 1998, the asteroid (10731) Dollyparton, formerly known as 1998 BL3, was discovered.

1999: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame

In 1999, Dolly Parton received country music's highest honor with an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

2000: Association of American Publishers Honors Award

In 2000, Dolly Parton received the Association of American Publishers Honors Award for her work in literacy.

2000: Death of Robert Lee Parton Sr.

In 2000, Robert Lee Parton Sr., Dolly Parton's father, passed away.

2001: Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval

In 2001, Dolly Parton received the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, marking the first time the seal had been awarded to a person.

2001: Induction into the National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2001, Dolly Parton was inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2001: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2001, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2002: American Association of School Administrators – Galaxy Award and National State Teachers of the Year – Chasing Rainbows Award

In 2002, Dolly Parton was awarded the American Association of School Administrators – Galaxy Award and the National State Teachers of the Year – Chasing Rainbows Award for her literacy work.

2002: Ranked No. 4 in CMT's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music

In 2002, Dolly Parton was ranked No. 4 in CMT's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music.

November 4, 2003: BMI Icon Award

On November 4, 2003, Dolly Parton was honored as a BMI Icon at the 2003 BMI Country Awards.

2003: Death of Avie Lee Caroline (Owens)

In 2003, Avie Lee Caroline (née Owens), Dolly Parton's mother, passed away.

2003: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

In 2003, Dolly Parton appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and discussed her cosmetic surgery.

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2003: Parents as Teachers National Center – Child and Family Advocacy Award

In 2003, Dolly Parton received the Parents as Teachers National Center – Child and Family Advocacy Award in recognition of her efforts in literacy.

2003: Partnership Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

In 2003, Dolly Parton's efforts to preserve the bald eagle through the American Eagle Foundation's sanctuary at Dollywood earned her the Partnership Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

2003: Tribute Album: Just Because I'm a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton

In 2003, a tribute album called Just Because I'm a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton was released featuring artists such as Melissa Etheridge, Alison Krauss, Shania Twain, Meshell Ndegeocello, Norah Jones, and Sinéad O'Connor covering Parton's songs. Parton herself contributed a re-recording of the title song.

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April 14, 2004: Living Legend Medal from the U.S. Library of Congress

On April 14, 2004, Dolly Parton was awarded the Living Legend Medal by the U.S. Library of Congress for her contributions to the cultural heritage of the United States.

October 29, 2005: Composing songs for 9 to 5 Musical

In October 2005, Dolly Parton was in the midst of composing songs for a Broadway musical theater adaptation of the film 9 to 5.

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2005: Receiving the National Medal of Arts

In 2005, Dolly Parton received the National Medal of Arts.

2005: National Medal of Arts

In 2005, Dolly Parton was honored with the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given by the U.S. government for excellence in the arts.

2005: Academy Award Nomination for Travelin' Thru

In 2005, Dolly Parton was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Travelin' Thru" from the film Transamerica.

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December 3, 2006: Kennedy Center Honors

On December 3, 2006, Dolly Parton received the Kennedy Center Honors from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for her lifetime of contributions to the arts. Carrie Underwood performed "Islands in the Stream" with Rogers, Krauss performed "Jolene" and duetted "Coat of Many Colors" with Twain, and McEntire and Reese Witherspoon also paid tribute.

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December 2006: Pledge and Benefit Concert for Hospital and PETA Ad Campaign

In December 2006, Dolly Parton pledged $500,000 toward a proposed hospital and cancer center in Sevierville named after Robert F. Thomas and announced a benefit concert to raise additional funds. That same year, Parton and Emmylou Harris allowed use of their music in a PETA ad campaign that encouraged pet owners to keep their dogs indoors.

2006: Publication of Dolly's Dixie Fixin's

In 2006, Dolly Parton published a cookbook titled Dolly's Dixie Fixin's: Love, Laughter and Lots of Good Food.

Dolly's Dixie Fixin's: Love, Laughter and Lots of Good Food
Dolly's Dixie Fixin's: Love, Laughter and Lots of Good Food

June 2007: Readings for industry presentations of 9 to 5: The Musical

In late June 2007, 9 to 5: The Musical was read for industry presentations starring Megan Hilty, Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, Bebe Neuwirth, and Marc Kudisch.

November 8, 2007: Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service

On November 8, 2007, Dolly Parton received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution at a ceremony in Nashville.

2008: Backwoods Barbie Album Release

In 2008, Dolly Parton released her album Backwoods Barbie, with the title track written for the musical's character Doralee.

April 30, 2009: Opening of 9 to 5: The Musical on Broadway

On April 30, 2009, 9 to 5: The Musical, a musical-theater adaptation of Parton's feature film 9 to 5, opened on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre in New York to mixed reviews.

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May 8, 2009: Honorary Doctorate from University of Tennessee

On May 8, 2009, Dolly Parton delivered the commencement speech at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Arts and Sciences graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university, the second honorary degree given by the university.

September 6, 2009: Closing of 9 to 5: The Musical on Broadway

On September 6, 2009, 9 to 5: The Musical closed on Broadway after 24 previews and 148 performances.

2009: Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage

In 2009, Dolly Parton publicly came out in support of same-sex marriage, adding to her long history of openly supporting the gay community.

2009: Songwriting on Larry King Live

In a 2009 interview on CNN's Larry King Live, Dolly Parton said she had written "at least 3,000" songs, having written seriously since the age of seven.

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November 16, 2010: Liseberg Applause Award

On November 16, 2010, Dolly Parton accepted the Liseberg Applause Award, the theme park industry's most prestigious honor, on behalf of Dollywood theme park during a ceremony held at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 in Orlando, Florida.

2011: Lifetime Achievement Grammy

In 2011, Dolly Parton earned a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, adding to her collection of 11 Grammy Awards and 55 Grammy Award nominations.

October 12, 2012: UK Tour for Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical

On October 12, 2012, Ambassador Theatre Group commenced a UK tour for Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical at Manchester Opera House.

2012: Over 3,000 Songs Written and 100 Million Records Sold

As of 2012, Dolly Parton had written more than 3,000 songs and sold more than 100 million records, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time.

2012: Drag Queen Contest

In 2012, Dolly Parton said that she had entered a Dolly Parton drag queen lookalike contest and lost.

2012: Starring in Joyful Noise

In 2012, Dolly Parton starred in the film Joyful Noise.

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2015: Lichen Species Named in Honor of Dolly Parton

In 2015, a newly discovered species of lichen found growing in the southern Appalachians was named Japewiella dollypartoniana in honor of Dolly Parton's music and her efforts to bring national and global attention to that region.

2016: Creation of "My People Fund" in response to wildfires

In 2016, Dolly Parton created the "My People Fund" to provide financial relief to victims of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires.

2016: Response to the Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires

In 2016, Dolly Parton participated in a telethon to raise money for victims of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires held on December 9th. Parton hosted her own telethon on December 13 and reportedly raised around $9 million. Her "My People Fund" provided $1,000 a month for six months to over 900 families affected by the wildfires, culminating with $5,000 to each home in the final month for a total of $10,000 per family.

April 2017: University of Tennessee Study on "My People Fund"

In April 2017, University of Tennessee professor Stacia West surveyed 100 recipients of emergency relief funds from the "My People Fund" on topics including housing, financial impact, and health following the 2016 wildfires.

December 2017: Follow-up Survey on "My People Fund"

In December 2017, a follow-up survey was conducted regarding the "My People Fund", revealing that the monthly financial disbursements allowed participants to return to baseline financial stability reported prior to the wildfire, and improve their ability to set aside savings for future emergencies.

2017: Net Worth Estimation

As of 2017, Dolly Parton's net worth is estimated at $500 million.

2018: Second Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame and Guinness World Records Recognition

In 2018, Dolly Parton received a second star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. Parton was also recognized in the Guinness World Records 2018 Edition for holding records for the Most Decades with a Top 20 hit on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart and Most Hits on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart by a Female Artist.

2018: FBI Director's Community Leadership Award

In 2018, the FBI honored Dolly Parton for her wildfire aid work, awarding her the 2018 Director's Community Leadership Award at a ceremony at FBI Headquarters in Washington. The honor was accepted on Parton's behalf by David Dotson, the CEO of the Dollywood Foundation.

2019: Songwriting Session Revelation

In a 2019 episode of Brian Johnson: A Life on the Road, Dolly Parton described discovering old cassette tapes and realizing she composed both "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" in the same songwriting session.

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April 10, 2020: Re-release of 93 songs

On April 10, 2020, Dolly Parton re-released 93 songs from six of her classic albums: Little Sparrow, Halos & Horns, For God and Country, Better Day, Those Were The Days, and Live and Well.

May 27, 2020: Release of "When Life Is Good Again"

On May 27, 2020, Dolly Parton released a brand new song called "When Life Is Good Again" to help keep the spirits up of those affected by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

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May 28, 2020: Music Video Premiere on Time 100 Talks

On May 28, 2020, Dolly Parton released a music video for her song, "When Life Is Good Again", which premiered on Time 100 talks.

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October 2020: Featured on "Pink" and Release of "A Holly Dolly Christmas"

In October 2020, Dolly Parton was featured on the single "Pink" alongside Monica, Jordin Sparks, Sara Evans and Rita Wilson in aid of Breast Cancer Research. Also in October 2020, Parton released A Holly Dolly Christmas.

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2020: Grammy Award for "God Only Knows" Collaboration

In 2020, Dolly Parton received a Grammy Award for her collaboration with For King & Country on their song, "God Only Knows".

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2020: Inspiration from Family and Community

In her 2020 book, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, Dolly Parton credits much of her inspiration to her family and community, particularly her mother and Aunt Dorothy Jo.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics
Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination and Encouragement

In March 2021, Dolly Parton was vaccinated against COVID-19 at Vanderbilt University after donating $1 million towards research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which helped fund the Moderna vaccine's early development. She labeled the social media accounts of the occasion "Dolly gets a dose of her own medicine" and encouraged everyone to get vaccinated when eligible, performing a song celebrating her vaccination.

2021: Charts in Seven Decades

As of 2021, Dolly Parton had appeared on the country music charts in each of seven decades, which is the most of any artist.

2021: Release of "Does He Love You" Duet

In 2021, Dolly Parton released a duet version of the song Does He Love You with singer Reba McEntire.

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2021: Inclusion on Time 100 List

In 2021, Dolly Parton was included on the Time 100, Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2021: Rejection of Statue Proposal

In response to a 2021 proposal by the Tennessee legislature to erect a statue of Dolly Parton, she released a statement asking the legislature to remove the bill from consideration, stating she did not think it was appropriate at that time.

October 2022: Announcement of No More Tours

In October 2022, Dolly Parton stated in an interview that she would no longer tour, but would continue to play live shows occasionally.

November 5, 2022: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On November 5, 2022, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2022: Asteroid Named in Her Honor

In 2022, Asteroid (10731) Dollyparton was named in Dolly Parton's honor.

2022: Courage and Civility Award from Jeff Bezos

In late 2022, Dolly Parton received a $100 million Courage and Civility Award from the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, for her charity work focused on improving children's literacy around the world.

December 31, 2022: Co-hosted NBC's New Year's special Miley's New Year's Eve Party

On December 31, 2022, Dolly Parton co-hosted NBC's New Year's special Miley's New Year's Eve Party.

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January 17, 2023: Announcement of Rockstar Album

On January 17, 2023, Dolly Parton announced she would release her first rock album, titled Rockstar, later that year, during an interview on The View.

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January 20, 2023: Release of "Gonna Be You"

On January 20, 2023, the soundtrack single "Gonna Be You" from the movie 80 for Brady was released, written by Diane Warren and performed by Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry and Gloria Estefan.

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May 11, 2023: Release of "World on Fire"

On May 11, 2023, Dolly Parton released the lead single "World on Fire" from her upcoming album Rockstar.

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November 17, 2023: Release of Rockstar

On November 17, 2023, Dolly Parton released her rock album, Rockstar, featuring collaborations with various artists.

2023: Release of Rockstar Album

In 2023, Dolly Parton released her forty-ninth solo studio album, Rockstar, which became her highest-charting Billboard 200 album, peaking at number three.

2023: American Library Association Honorary Membership

In 2023, Dolly Parton was awarded American Library Association Honorary Membership.

2023: Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time

In 2023, Dolly Parton was ranked at No. 27 on Rolling Stone's list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

June 2024: Announcement of Autobiographical Musical

In June 2024, Dolly Parton announced an autobiographical musical about her life and career initially titled Hello, I'm Dolly, with a goal of opening on Broadway in 2026.

2024: Release of Cookbook

In 2024, Dolly Parton's cookbook, Good Lookin' Cookin', co-written with her sister Rachel, was released, recalling numerous family meals.

Good Lookin' Cookin': A Year of Meals - A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food [A Cookbook]
Good Lookin' Cookin': A Year of Meals - A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food [A Cookbook]

2024: Donation to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, Dolly Parton announced a donation of $2 million to relief efforts, with $1 million coming from her personally and another $1 million through her various businesses and the Dollywood Foundation.

February 14, 2025: Featured on Sabrina Carpenter's "Please Please Please"

On February 14, 2025, Dolly Parton was featured on Sabrina Carpenter's song "Please Please Please" on the deluxe edition of her album Short n' Sweet and its accompanying music video.

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February 2025: Indiana Governor Declines to Support Imagination Library

In February 2025, Indiana governor Mike Braun declined to support a state 50% match for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Dollywood Foundation President Jeff Conyers expressed hope that Governor Braun and the Indiana Legislature would restore the state's funding match for local Imagination Library programs. Braun later tasked his wife Maureen with finding ways to keep the Imagination Library's Indiana chapter alive.

March 7, 2025: Release of "If You Hadn't Been There"

On March 7, 2025, Dolly Parton released the single "If You Hadn't Been There", as a tribute to her husband, who had died a week before.

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June 23, 2025: Announcement of Las Vegas Residency

On June 23, 2025, it was announced that Dolly Parton would be embarking on a six-date Las Vegas residency, Dolly: Live in Las Vegas, at Caesars Palace.

December 2025: Las Vegas Residency

In December 2025, Dolly Parton's six-date Las Vegas residency, Dolly: Live in Las Vegas, will take place at Caesars Palace.

2025: Honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

In 2025, Dolly Parton will be honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

2026: Broadway Opening Goal for Hello, I'm Dolly

In 2026, Dolly Parton aims to open her autobiographical musical Hello, I'm Dolly on Broadway.