History of Dolly Parton in Timeline

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Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a highly successful American singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, primarily recognized for her contributions to country music. Beginning her career in 1967 with "Hello, I'm Dolly", she has released 49 studio albums over six decades, achieving significant commercial success. Her 2023 album, "Rockstar," peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, marking 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. He worked as a sharecropper and later tended a tobacco farm.

1923: Birth of Avie Lee Caroline Owens

In 1923, Avie Lee Caroline Owens, Dolly Parton's mother, was born. She later married Robert Lee Parton Sr.

January 19, 1946: Dolly Parton Born

On January 19, 1946, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean was born. She is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, primarily known as a country musician.

1964: Move to Nashville

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

1965: Signing with Monument Records

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

1966: "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" Success

In 1966, "Put It Off Until Tomorrow," recorded by Bill Phillips with Dolly Parton on harmony, reached number six on the country chart, leading her label to allow her to record country music.

1966: Charting Singles with Bill Phillips

In 1966, Dolly Parton, along with her uncle Bill Owens, wrote charting singles for Bill Phillips, including "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" which reached the Top 10.

1967: Debut Album Release

In 1967, Dolly Parton released her debut album, Hello, I'm Dolly. This event marked the beginning of her expansive career in the music industry.

1967: First Country Single

In 1967, Dolly Parton's first country single, "Dumb Blonde", reached number 24 on the country chart, and she released her first full-length album, Hello, I'm Dolly.

1967: Joining The Porter Wagoner Show

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

1967: Skeeter Davis Hit

In 1967, Skeeter Davis had a number 11 hit with "Fuel to the Flame", a song written by Dolly Parton and her uncle Bill Owens.

January 1968: Top 10 Duet with Porter Wagoner

In January 1968, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner's remake of Tom Paxton's "The Last Thing on My Mind" reached the country Top 10, launching a six-year streak of Top 10 singles for the pair.

1968: Released "Just Because I'm a Woman" as Title Song for RCA Album

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

1968: First Solo Single for RCA Victor

In the summer of 1968, Dolly Parton's first solo single for RCA Victor, "Just Because I'm a Woman", was released and reached number 17, and the duo was named Vocal Group of the Year by the Country Music Association.

1969: Wagoner's Financial Stake in Parton's Future

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

1969: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry

In 1969, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

1970: Recording Mule Skinner Blues

In 1970, Porter Wagoner persuaded Dolly Parton to record Jimmie Rodgers' "Mule Skinner Blues", leading to her first solo chart success.

February 1971: First Number One Single: Joshua

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

1972: Top 20 Singles

In 1972, Dolly Parton released 'Touch Your Woman' which reached the top 20 singles.

1973: Top 20 Singles

In 1973, Dolly Parton released 'My Tennessee Mountain Home' and 'Travelin' Man' which reached the top 20 singles.

1973: Release of Jolene

In late 1973, Dolly Parton released "Jolene", which topped the country chart the following year.

February 1974: Jolene Tops Country Chart

In February 1974, Dolly Parton's song "Jolene" topped the country chart, marking a significant milestone in her career.

April 1974: Last Duet Concert with Porter Wagoner

In April 1974, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner performed their last duet concert, marking the end of their professional partnership.

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 and Chart Successes

In 1974, Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You", written about her professional break from Porter Wagoner, went to number one on the country chart. She had three solo singles reach number one on the country chart in 1974, including "Jolene" and "Love Is Like a Butterfly".

1975: Final Duet Album Release

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

1975: The Bargain Store Tops Singles Chart

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

1975: "I Will Always Love You" Covered

In 1975, Linda Ronstadt covered Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" on Prisoner In Disguise.

1976: Jolene Charts in the UK

In 1976, "Jolene" charted in the U.K., reaching number seven and marking Dolly Parton's first U.K. success.

1976: Beginning of Crossover Campaign

In 1976, Dolly Parton began a high-profile crossover campaign, aiming her music in a more mainstream direction.

1977: Barbara Walters Special

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

1977: Release of Here You Come Again

In 1977, Dolly Parton released "Here You Come Again," which became her first million-seller, topping the country album chart and reaching number 20 on the pop chart.

1977: Release of New Harvest...First Gathering

In 1977, Dolly Parton released New Harvest...First Gathering, her first self-produced album, highlighting her pop sensibilities.

October 1978: Playboy Cover Appearance

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

1978: Grammy Win and Television Appearances

In 1978, Dolly Parton won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for her "Here You Come Again" album and appeared on Cher's ABC television special.

1978: Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year

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

1979: Chart Success and Television Appearances

In 1979, Dolly Parton continued to have hits with "Baby I'm Burning" and "You're the Only One", and her visibility increased with television appearances.

1979: Hosted NBC Special "The Seventies: An Explosion of Country Music"

In 1979, Dolly Parton hosted the NBC special "The Seventies: An Explosion of Country Music", which was performed live at the Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C., with President Jimmy Carter in attendance.

1980: Series of Country Hits

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

1980: Inspiration for 9 to 5 beat

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

1980: Commercial Success with Chart-Topping Hits

In 1980, Dolly Parton experienced commercial success with three consecutive country chart number-one hits, including "Starting Over Again," "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You," and the theme song to the feature film "9 to 5".

1980: Starred in "9 to 5" film

In 1980, Dolly Parton starred in the feature film "9 to 5" along with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

1980: Release of 9 to 5 Movie

In 1980, the movie 9 to 5 was released.

1980: "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You" was included on the "Dolly, Dolly, Dolly" album.

In 1980, the song "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You" was included on Dolly Parton's album "Dolly, Dolly, Dolly".

February 1981: "9 to 5" Reaches Number One

In February 1981, Dolly Parton's theme song to the film "9 to 5" reached number one on the pop and adult-contemporary charts, achieving a triple number-one hit.

1981: "9 to 5" tops Country and Pop charts

In early 1981, "9 to 5" topped both the country and pop charts. Parton also had another Top 10 single that year with "Making Plans," released from a 1980 album with Porter Wagoner.

1982: Release of Second Version of "I Will Always Love You"

In 1982, Dolly Parton recorded a second version of "I Will Always Love You" for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

1982: Starring in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

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

1982: Re-recorded "I Will Always Love You"

In 1982, Dolly Parton's re-recorded version of "I Will Always Love You", from the film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", reached the Top 50.

1983: Duet "Islands in the Stream" Reached Number One

In 1983, Dolly Parton's duet with Kenny Rogers, "Islands in the Stream," spent two weeks at number one.

1984: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1984, Dolly Parton received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her music.

1984: Released "God Won't Get You"

In 1984, Dolly Parton released the single "God Won't Get You" and also had success with "Tennessee Homesick Blues".

1984: Starring in Rhinestone

In 1984, Dolly Parton starred in the film Rhinestone, adding to her acting credits.

1985: Continued success with Top 10 hits

Between 1981 and 1985, Dolly Parton consistently had singles appear in the country Top 10, with half of them reaching number one.

1985: Released "Don't Call It Love"

In 1985, Dolly Parton released "Don't Call It Love", achieving a Top 10 country hit.

1986: Released "Think About Love"

In 1986, Dolly Parton released the single "Think About Love", which reached number one on the country chart. RCA Records also did not renew her contract after it expired.

1986: Ms. Magazine's Women of the Year and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

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

1987: Signed with Columbia Records

In 1987, Dolly Parton signed with Columbia Records after her contract with RCA Records expired in 1986.

1987: Released "Trio" with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt

In 1987, Dolly Parton, along with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, released "Trio" to critical acclaim, revitalizing Parton's music career.

1989: Released "White Limozeen"

In 1989, Dolly Parton released "White Limozeen," which produced two number-one hits: "Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That" and "Yellow Roses".

1989: Starring in Steel Magnolias

In 1989, Dolly Parton starred in the film Steel Magnolias, further solidifying her presence in the acting world.

1990: Honorary Doctorate from Carson-Newman College

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

1991: Public Support for LGBTQ Families in "Family"

In 1991, Dolly Parton first publicly showed support for LGBTQ families in her song "Family".

1991: Duet "Rockin' Years" Reached Number One

In 1991, Dolly Parton's duet with Ricky Van Shelton, "Rockin' Years," reached number one.

1992: Starring in Straight Talk

In 1992, Dolly Parton starred in the movie Straight Talk, adding another film to her acting repertoire.

1992: Whitney Houston Recorded "I Will Always Love You"

In 1992, Whitney Houston recorded Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" for the film "The Bodyguard", achieving massive commercial success.

1993: Released "Slow Dancing with the Moon"

In 1993, Dolly Parton released the album "Slow Dancing with the Moon", which won critical acclaim and did well on the charts and also recorded "The Day I Fall in Love" with James Ingram for the movie "Beethoven's 2nd".

1994: Released "Honky Tonk Angels" with Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette

In 1994, Dolly Parton released "Honky Tonk Angels" with Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, reviving both Wynette and Lynn's careers.

1994: Autobiography Documenting Initial Audience Resistance

In 1994, Dolly Parton's autobiography documented the initial resistance from much of Wagoner's audience to her replacing Norma Jean.

1995: Won CMA Vocal Event of the Year Award

In 1995, Dolly Parton's re-recording of "I Will Always Love You" with Vince Gill won the Country Music Association's Vocal Event of the Year Award.

1996: "I Will Always Love You" Covered

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

1997: "I Will Always Love You" Covered

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

1998: Asteroid Discovered

In 1998, Asteroid (10731) Dollyparton, the former 1998 BL3, was discovered. It was eventually named in her honor.

1998: Released "Hungry Again" Album

In 1998, Dolly Parton released her country-rock album, "Hungry Again", which was made up entirely of her own compositions.

1998: Ranked Wealthiest Country Music Star

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

1999: Released "The Grass Is Blue"

In 1999, Dolly Parton released "The Grass Is Blue", a bluegrass-inspired album that won a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.

1999: Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame

In 1999, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and "Trio II" won a Grammy Award.

2000: Death of Robert Lee Parton Sr.

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

2001: Released "Little Sparrow"

In 2001, Dolly Parton released "Little Sparrow", which included a cover of Collective Soul's "Shine" that won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

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 Songwriters Hall of Fame

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

2002: Ranked in CMT's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music

In 2002, Dolly Parton ranked number 4 in CMT's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music.

2002: Released "Halos & Horns"

In 2002, Dolly Parton released "Halos & Horns", including a bluegrass version of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven".

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 Parton

In 2003, Avie Lee Caroline Parton (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, discussing her cosmetic surgeries.

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

In 2003, Dolly Parton received the Partnership Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for her work preserving bald eagles through the American Eagle Foundation's sanctuary at Dollywood.

2003: Tribute Album Release

In 2003, a tribute album called 'Just Because I'm a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton' was released, featuring various artists covering her songs.

April 14, 2004: Living Legend Medal by 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 2005: Musical in the Works

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

October 29, 2005: Composing Songs for 9 to 5: The Musical

According to a public-radio program, on October 29, 2005, Dolly Parton was in the midst of composing songs for a Broadway musical theater adaptation of the film 9 to 5.

2005: Second Academy Award Nomination for "Travelin' Thru"

In 2005, Dolly Parton earned her second Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for "Travelin' Thru", written for the film "Transamerica".

2005: Receiving the National Medal of Arts

In 2005, Dolly Parton received the National Medal of Arts, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.

2005: Released "Those Were The Days"

In 2005, Dolly Parton released "Those Were The Days", featuring her interpretations of hits from the folk-rock era.

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.

December 3, 2006: Kennedy Center Honors

On December 3, 2006, Dolly Parton received the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime contributions to the arts.

December 2006: Pledging Funds to Hospital and Cancer Center

In December 2006, Dolly Parton pledged $500,000 towards a proposed $90 million hospital and cancer center in Sevierville, named after Robert F. Thomas. She also announced a benefit concert to raise more funds. In December 2006, Parton also allowed the use of her music in a PETA ad campaign with Emmylou Harris.

June 2007: Industry Presentations

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.

September 2007: Released "Better Get to Livin'"

In September 2007, Dolly Parton released "Better Get to Livin'", her first single from her own record company, Dolly Records.

November 8, 2007: Receiving the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service

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

January 2008: Closure of Orlando Location

In January 2008, the Orlando, Florida, location of Dolly Parton's Stampede closed after the land and building were sold to a developer.

February 26, 2008: Released "Backwoods Barbie"

On February 26, 2008, Dolly Parton released the album "Backwoods Barbie", which reached number two on the country chart.

2008: Filmed "Live From London" concerts

In 2008, Dolly Parton filmed her sold-out "Live From London" concerts at London's The O2 Arena.

2008: Album Release

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

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

On April 30, 2009, 9 to 5: The Musical, for which Dolly Parton wrote the score, opened on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre in New York.

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

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

October 2009: Released "Live From London" DVD and album

In October 2009, Dolly Parton released her second live DVD and album, "Live From London", filmed during her 2008 concerts at The O2 Arena.

October 27, 2009: Released Four-CD Box Set "Dolly"

On October 27, 2009, Dolly Parton released a four-CD box set, "Dolly", featuring 99 songs spanning most of her career.

2009: Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage

In 2009, Dolly Parton publicly came out in support of same-sex marriage.

2009: Interview on CNN's Larry King Live

In a 2009 interview on CNN's Larry King Live, Dolly Parton stated that she had written at least 3,000 songs.

August 10, 2010: Released Album "Brother Clyde"

On August 10, 2010, Dolly Parton released the album "Brother Clyde" with Billy Ray Cyrus, featuring "The Right Time", which she co-wrote.

November 16, 2010: Liseberg Applause Award for Dollywood

On November 16, 2010, Dolly Parton accepted the Liseberg Applause Award on behalf of Dollywood theme park.

January 6, 2011: Announced New Album "Better Day"

On January 6, 2011, Dolly Parton announced her new album would be titled "Better Day".

February 2011: Announced "Better Day" World Tour

In February 2011, Dolly Parton announced the "Better Day" World Tour, starting on July 17, 2011.

May 23, 2011: Released "Together You and I" Single

On May 23, 2011, Dolly Parton released "Together You and I", the lead-off single from the "Better Day" album.

June 3, 2011: Dolly Parton Day in South Carolina

Starting in June 2011, the Myrtle Beach location became Pirates Voyage Fun, Feast and Adventure; Parton appeared for the opening, and the South Carolina General Assembly declared June 3, 2011, as Dolly Parton Day.

June 2011: Opening of Pirates Voyage Fun, Feast and Adventure

Starting in June 2011, the Myrtle Beach location became Pirates Voyage Fun, Feast and Adventure; Dolly Parton appeared for the opening.

June 2011: Opening of Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show

The Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show which was purchased by the Dollywood Company on June 12, 2015 opened in June 2011.

June 28, 2011: Released "Better Day" Album

On June 28, 2011, Dolly Parton released the album "Better Day".

July 17, 2011: Began "Better Day" World Tour

On July 17, 2011, Dolly Parton began the "Better Day" World Tour, with shows in northern Europe and the U.S.

2011: Lifetime Achievement Grammy

In 2011, Dolly Parton received her Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, making it one of her 11 Grammy Awards.

January 19, 2012: Announcement of Water and Snow Park

On January 19, 2012, Dolly Parton's 66th birthday, Gaylord Opryland and Dollywood announced plans to open a $50 million water and snow park in Nashville.

February 11, 2012: Statement After Whitney Houston's Death

On February 11, 2012, Dolly Parton expressed her sorrow and gratitude for Whitney Houston's performance of "I Will Always Love You" after Houston's death.

September 29, 2012: Withdrawal of Support for Nashville Park

On September 29, 2012, Dolly Parton officially withdrew her support for the Nashville park due to the restructuring of Gaylord Entertainment Company after its merger with Marriott International.

October 12, 2012: UK Tour of 9 to 5: The Musical

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

2012: Number of Songs Written

As of 2012, Dolly Parton had written more than 3,000 songs and sold over 100 million records.

2012: Drag Queen Contest

In 2012, Dolly Parton revealed 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, continuing her acting career.

2013: Rerecorded "I Will Always Love You" with Lulu Roman

In 2013, Dolly Parton joined Lulu Roman for a re-recording of "I Will Always Love You" for Roman's album, At Last and also reunited with Kenny Rogers for the title song of his album You Can't Make Old Friends.

June 29, 2014: Performed at Glastonbury Festival

On June 29, 2014, Dolly Parton performed for the first time at the UK Glastonbury Festival, singing songs such as "Jolene", "9 to 5" and "Coat of Many Colors".

June 12, 2015: Purchase of Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show

On June 12, 2015, it was announced that the Dollywood Company had purchased the Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge.

2015: Lichen Species Named in Her Honor

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

March 6, 2016: Announced Pure & Simple Tour

On March 6, 2016, Dolly Parton announced that she would be embarking on a tour in support of her new album, Pure & Simple.

November 2016: Performed on The Voice with Pentatonix and Miley Cyrus

In November 2016, Dolly Parton performed on The Voice with Pentatonix and Miley Cyrus and released "Jolene" as a single with the a cappella group Pentatonix.

2016: Participating in Telethons for Wildfire Victims

In 2016, Dolly Parton participated in a telethon to raise money for victims of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires and hosted her own telethon, raising around $9 million. She also created the "My People Fund" to provide financial assistance to affected families.

2016: "My People Fund" established

In 2016, Dolly Parton's "My People Fund" was established in response to the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, providing monthly financial assistance to affected families.

2016: Renovated Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show

In 2016, the Dollywood Company opened the new, renovated Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show.

April 2017: Survey of "My People Fund" Recipients

In April 2017, a University of Tennessee professor surveyed 100 recipients of the "My People Fund" emergency relief funds, focusing on housing, finances, health, and support sources.

December 2017: Follow-Up Survey of "My People Fund" Recipients

In December 2017, a follow-up survey was conducted with recipients of the "My People Fund" to assess the long-term impact of the financial assistance.

2017: Net Worth Estimation

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

2017: Appeared on Kesha's album Rainbow

In 2017, Dolly Parton appeared on Kesha's third studio album, Rainbow, performing a duet of "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You".

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

In 2018, Dolly Parton received a second star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. She was also recognized in the Guinness World Records for her achievements on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart.

2018: FBI Director's Community Leadership Award

In 2018, the FBI honored Dolly Parton with the 2018 Director's Community Leadership Award for her wildfire aid work.

July 2019: Made Unannounced Appearance at Newport Folk Festival

In July 2019, Dolly Parton made an unannounced appearance at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, performing several songs accompanied by the Highwomen and Linda Perry.

2019: Collaboration with For King and Country

In 2019, Dolly Parton collaborated with Christian alternative rock duo For King and Country, releasing a version of their hit "God Only Knows."

2019: Parton Describes Composing Jolene and I Will Always Love You

In 2019, on Brian Johnson: A Life on the Road, Dolly Parton described realizing she had composed both "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" in the same songwriting session.

April 10, 2020: Re-released 93 Songs From Six Classic Albums

On April 10, 2020, Dolly Parton re-released 93 songs from six of her classic albums.

May 27, 2020: Released Brand New Song "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.

May 28, 2020: Premiered Music Video for "When Life Is Good Again"

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

October 2020: Release of "Pink" single and "A Holly Dolly Christmas" album

In October 2020, Dolly Parton was featured on the single "Pink" with other artists to support Breast Cancer Research. Also in October 2020, she released "A Holly Dolly Christmas" album.

2020: Grammy Award for "God Only Knows"

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

2020: Publication of Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

In her 2020 book, "Songteller: My Life in Lyrics", Dolly Parton credits much of her inspiration to her family and community. She wrote about her mother's influence and her Aunt Dorothy Jo, who inspired her.

March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination

In March 2021, Dolly Parton received her COVID-19 vaccination at Vanderbilt University, encouraging others to get vaccinated and performing a song to celebrate.

2021: Chart Appearances Over Seven Decades

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

2021: Inclusion on the 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: Request to Remove Statue Bill

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.

October 2022: Announcement of Retirement from Touring

In October 2022, Dolly Parton announced 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 honor of Dolly Parton.

2022: Courage and Civility Award

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

December 31, 2022: Co-hosting 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.

January 17, 2023: Announcement of Rock Album

On January 17, 2023, Dolly Parton announced her first rock album, titled Rockstar.

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

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

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

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

November 17, 2023: Release of Rockstar Album

On November 17, 2023, Dolly Parton released her rock album "Rockstar", featuring collaborations with various artists. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200.

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

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

2023: Rockstar Album Release

In 2023, Dolly Parton released 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.

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: Donation to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

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

2024: Publication of Good Lookin' Cookin'

In 2024, Good Lookin' Cookin', a cookbook co-written by Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel, was published.

2026: Goal to open on Broadway

The goal to open on Broadway Dolly Parton's autobiographical musical about her life and career initially titled Hello, I'm Dolly.

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