Career Timeline of Dolly Parton: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Dolly Parton built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Dolly Parton is a celebrated American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. Her career began with songwriting success for others, followed by her debut album in 1967. Over six decades and 50 albums, she became known as the "Queen of Country," receiving numerous awards including 11 Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award, as well as an honorary Oscar for humanitarian work in 2025.
1968: RCA Album Title Song
In 1968, the song 'Just Because I'm a Woman' was originally the title song for Dolly Parton's first RCA album, and in 2003, she re-recorded it for the tribute album of the same name.
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.
1975: Cover of "I Will Always Love You" by Linda Ronstadt
In 1975, Linda Ronstadt covered "I Will Always Love You" on her album Prisoner In Disguise.
October 1978: Playboy Cover Appearance
In October 1978, Dolly Parton appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine wearing a Playboy bunny outfit, accompanied by an extensive interview.
1978: Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year
In 1978, Dolly Parton won the Country Music Association's highest honor, Entertainer of the Year.
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 while backstage on the set of the film 9 to 5.
1980: Starred in 9 to 5
In 1980, Dolly Parton starred in the feature film "9 to 5" alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
1980: Dolly, Dolly, Dolly Album Release
In 1980, Dolly Parton's album Dolly, Dolly, Dolly was released.
1980: Release of 9 to 5 movie
In 1980, Parton's feature film 9 to 5 was released. The score for 9 to 5: The Musical was based on the movie.
February 1981: Triple Number-One Hit with 9 to 5
In February 1981, Dolly Parton's theme song to the film "9 to 5" achieved a triple number-one hit, topping the country, pop, and adult-contemporary charts. This success made Parton one of the few female country singers to simultaneously have a number-one single on both the country and pop charts.
1982: Release of "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 film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which became a number one country hit.
1982: Re-recorded I Will Always Love You
In 1982, Dolly Parton's re-recorded version of "I Will Always Love You", from the feature film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", reached the Top 50 on the pop charts.
1983: Islands in the Stream Success
In 1983, Dolly Parton's duet with Kenny Rogers, "Islands in the Stream," written by the Bee Gees and produced by Barry Gibb, spent two weeks at number one.
1984: Star on the 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.
1984: God Won't Get You Top 10 Hit
In 1984, Dolly Parton's song "God Won't Get You" reached the country Top 10.
1985: Top 10 Hits
Between 1981 and 1985, Dolly Parton had twelve Top 10 hits, with half of them reaching number one, and continued to make inroads on the pop charts.
1985: Don't Call It Love Top 10 Hit
In 1985, Dolly Parton's song "Don't Call It Love" reached the country Top 10.
1986: RCA Contract Ends
Despite relative success in the mid-1980s, Dolly Parton's contract with RCA Records expired in 1986, and was not renewed.
1986: Ms. Magazine Woman of the Year and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction
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: Trio Album Release
In 1987, Dolly Parton, along with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, released the album "Trio" to critical acclaim. The album revitalized Parton's music career and won a Grammy Award.
1989: White Limozeen Success
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".
1991: Rockin' Years Hit
In 1991, Dolly Parton's duet with Ricky Van Shelton, "Rockin' Years", reached number one.
1992: The Bodyguard Soundtrack Success
In 1992, Whitney Houston's recording of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" for "The Bodyguard" soundtrack became a massive commercial success.
1993: Slow Dancing with the Moon Album
In 1993, Dolly Parton's album "Slow Dancing with the Moon" was released, receiving critical acclaim and reaching number four on the country albums chart and number 16 on the Billboard 200 album chart. She also recorded "The Day I Fall in Love" with James Ingram for the film Beethoven's 2nd.
1994: Honky Tonk Angels Release
In the fall of 1993 Dolly Parton released the collaborative album Honky Tonk Angels with Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. In 1994, Parton contributed the song "You Gotta Be My Baby" to the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Country and released the live acoustic album Heartsongs: Live from Home.
1995: 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: Cover of "I Will Always Love You" by Kenny Rogers
In 1996, Kenny Rogers covered "I Will Always Love You" on his album Vote for Love.
1997: Cover of "I Will Always Love You" by LeAnn Rimes
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes covered "I Will Always Love You" on her album Unchained Melody: The Early Years.
1998: Hungry Again Album Release
In 1998, Dolly Parton's country-rock album "Hungry Again", made up entirely of her own compositions, was released.
1998: Ranked Wealthiest Country Music Star
In 1998, Nashville Business ranked Dolly Parton as the wealthiest country music star.
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.
1999: The Grass Is Blue Release
In 1999, Dolly Parton released "The Grass Is Blue", a bluegrass-inspired album that won a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.
1999: Trio II and Hall of Fame Induction
In early 1999, Dolly Parton released "Trio II", a collaboration with Harris and Ronstadt, which won a Grammy Award. Parton was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
2000: Association of American Publishers Honors Award
In 2000, Dolly Parton received the Association of American Publishers Honors Award for her work in literacy.
2001: Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval
In 2001, Dolly Parton received the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, marking the first time the seal was awarded to an individual, in recognition of her literacy efforts.
2001: Little Sparrow Release
In 2001, Dolly Parton released the album "Little Sparrow", with its cover of Collective Soul's "Shine" winning 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.
2002: CMT's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music Ranking
In 2002, Dolly Parton ranked No. 4 in CMT's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music.
2002: Literacy Awards
In 2002, Dolly Parton received the American Association of School Administrators Galaxy Award and the National State Teachers of the Year Chasing Rainbows Award for her literacy initiatives.
2002: Halos & Horns Release
In 2002, Dolly Parton released "Halos & Horns", which included a bluegrass version of the Led Zeppelin song "Stairway to Heaven".
2003: Partnership Award from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
In 2003, Dolly Parton received the Partnership Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for her efforts to preserve bald eagles at the American Eagle Foundation's sanctuary at Dollywood.
2003: Parents as Teachers National Center Award
In 2003, Dolly Parton was honored with the Parents as Teachers National Center Child and Family Advocacy Award for her commitment to literacy.
2003: Tribute Album Release
In 2003, the tribute album "Just Because I'm a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton" was released, featuring various artists covering Dolly Parton's 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 29, 2005: Song composition for 9 to 5: The Musical
As of 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: 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, which led to death threats. She also reached number one on the country chart with Brad Paisley's ballad, "When I Get Where I'm Going".
2005: Those Were The Days Release
In 2005, Dolly Parton released "Those Were The Days", consisting of 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. The award is presented by the U.S. President.
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. During the show, Carrie Underwood performed "Islands in the Stream" with Rogers, Krauss performed "Jolene" and duetted "Coat of Many Colors" with Twain. McEntire and Reese Witherspoon also came to pay tribute.
December 2006: Hospital Donation and PETA Ad
In December 2006, Dolly Parton pledged $500,000 toward a hospital and cancer center in Sevierville and participated in a PETA ad campaign with Emmylou Harris, encouraging pet owners to keep their dogs indoors.
2006: Publication of Cookbook
In 2006, Dolly Parton published her cookbook, "Dolly's Dixie Fixin's: Love, Laughter and Lots of Good Food."
June 2007: Readings for industry presentations
In late June 2007, 9 to 5: The Musical was read for industry presentations. The readings starred Megan Hilty, Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, Bebe Neuwirth and Marc Kudisch.
September 2007: Dolly Records Single Release
In September 2007, Dolly Parton released her first single, "Better Get to Livin'", from her own record company, Dolly Records.
November 8, 2007: 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 for her public service.
February 26, 2008: Backwoods Barbie Album Release
On February 26, 2008, Dolly Parton released the studio album "Backwoods Barbie", which reached number two on the country chart and number 17 on the Billboard 200, her highest charting album.
2008: Live From London Concerts
Dolly Parton's sold-out 2008 concerts at London's The O2 Arena were filmed and later released as a live DVD and album in October 2009.
2008: Release of Backwoods Barbie album
In 2008, Dolly Parton released the album Backwoods Barbie. The title track of her 2008 album Backwoods Barbie 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, a musical-theater adaptation of Dolly Parton's film, opened on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre in New York to mixed reviews.
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 which she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
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, despite praise for Parton's score and actress Allison Janney.
October 2009: Live From London Release
In October 2009, Dolly Parton released her second live DVD and album, "Live From London", filmed during her sold-out 2008 concerts at London's The O2 Arena.
October 27, 2009: Dolly Box Set Release
On October 27, 2009, Dolly Parton released a four-CD box set, "Dolly", featuring 99 songs spanning her career.
2009: Public Support of Same-Sex Marriage
In 2009, Dolly Parton publicly came out in support of same-sex marriage, known for her history of openly supporting the gay community.
2009: Songwriting interview on CNN's Larry King Live
In a 2009 interview on CNN's Larry King Live, Dolly Parton revealed that she had written at least 3,000 songs, having written seriously since the age of seven and she writes something every day, be it a song or an idea.
August 10, 2010: Brother Clyde Album Release
On August 10, 2010, Dolly Parton released the album "Brother Clyde" with Billy Ray Cyrus, featuring Parton on "The Right Time", which she co-wrote.
January 6, 2011: Better Day Album Announcement
On January 6, 2011, Dolly Parton announced that her new album would be titled "Better Day".
February 2011: Better Day World Tour Announcement
In February 2011, Dolly Parton announced that she would embark on the Better Day World Tour on July 17, 2011, with shows in northern Europe and the U.S.
May 23, 2011: Together You and I Release
On May 23, 2011, Dolly Parton released "Together You and I", the lead-off single from her upcoming album "Better Day".
June 28, 2011: Better Day Album Release
On June 28, 2011, Dolly Parton released her album "Better Day".
July 17, 2011: Better Day World Tour
On July 17, 2011, Dolly Parton embarked on the Better Day World Tour, performing in northern Europe and the U.S.
2011: Lifetime Achievement Grammy
In 2011, Dolly Parton received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
October 12, 2012: UK Tour Announcement for Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical
On October 12, 2012, Ambassador Theatre Group announced a UK tour for Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical, commencing at Manchester Opera House.
2012: Songwriting and Record Sales Stats
As of 2012, Dolly Parton had written more than 3,000 songs and sold more than 100 million records, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling female artists ever.
2013: Collaborations with Lulu Roman and Kenny Rogers
In 2013, Dolly Parton re-recorded "I Will Always Love You" with Lulu Roman for Roman's album, and reunited with Kenny Rogers for the title song of his album "You Can't Make Old Friends".
June 29, 2014: Glastonbury Festival Performance
On June 29, 2014, Dolly Parton performed for the first time at the UK Glastonbury Festival, singing songs like "Jolene", "9 to 5" and "Coat of Many Colors" to a crowd of more than 180,000.
2015: New Lichen Species Named After 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.
March 6, 2016: Pure & Simple Tour Announcement
On March 6, 2016, Dolly Parton announced her Pure & Simple tour to support her new album, marking one of her biggest tours in the United States in over 25 years.
November 2016: "Jolene" Single with Pentatonix and The Voice Performance
In November 2016, Dolly Parton released "Jolene" as a single with Pentatonix and performed on The Voice with Pentatonix and Miley Cyrus.
2016: Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires Relief Efforts
In 2016, Dolly Parton participated in telethons and hosted her own to raise money for victims of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires. Her "My People Fund" provided financial assistance to affected families.
2016: Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires
In 2016, the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires prompted Dolly Parton to create and support various relief efforts, including the 'My People Fund'.
April 2017: University of Tennessee Survey
In April 2017, the University of Tennessee College of Social Work conducted a survey on 100 recipients of the 'My People Fund' to evaluate the impact of emergency financial assistance after the 2016 wildfires.
December 2017: Follow-up Survey on "My People Fund"
In December 2017, a follow-up survey was conducted to assess the continuing impact of Dolly Parton's 'My People Fund' on the 2016 wildfire victims.
2017: Estimated Net Worth of $500 Million
As of 2017, Dolly Parton's net worth was estimated at $500 million.
2017: Collaborations with Kesha and Miley Cyrus
In 2017, Dolly Parton appeared on Kesha's album "Rainbow" performing "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You" and co-wrote and sang on "Rainbowland" on Miley Cyrus' album "Younger Now".
February 2018: 100 Millionth Book Donation
In February 2018, Dolly Parton donated the 100 millionth free book from her Imagination Library, a copy of her children's picture book "Coat of Many Colors", to the Library of Congress and was honored for her charitable efforts.
2018: Second Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2018, Dolly Parton received a second star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, inducted alongside Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris in recognition of their work as a trio. 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 with the 2018 Director's Community Leadership Award for her wildfire aid, presented at FBI Headquarters.
July 2019: Newport Folk Festival Appearance
In July 2019, Dolly Parton made an unannounced appearance at the Newport Folk Festival and performed several songs with the Highwomen and Linda Perry.
April 10, 2020: Re-release of Classic Albums
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 new song called "When Life Is Good Again" to help uplift spirits during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
May 28, 2020: Premiere of When Life Is Good Again Music Video
On May 28, 2020, the music video for Dolly Parton's "When Life Is Good Again" premiered on Time 100 talks.
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".
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 the tune of her hit, Jolene, to celebrate.
2021: Seven Decades on Country Music Charts
As of 2021, Dolly Parton had appeared on the country music charts in each of seven decades, 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.
October 2022: Announcement of Not Touring Anymore
In October 2022, Dolly Parton announced 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: Courage and Civility Award
In late 2022, Dolly Parton received a $100-million Courage and Civility Award from the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, because of her charity work focused on improving children's literacy around the world.
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 Rockstar album
On January 17, 2023, during an interview on The View, Dolly Parton announced the upcoming release of her first rock album, titled Rockstar.
January 20, 2023: Release of "Gonna Be You"
On January 20, 2023, the soundtrack single "Gonna Be You" from the movie 80 for Brady, written by Diane Warren and performed by Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry and Gloria Estefan, was released.
May 11, 2023: Release of Rockstar's lead single "World on Fire"
On May 11, 2023, Dolly Parton released "World on Fire", the lead single from her Rockstar album, which subsequently peaked at number one.
November 17, 2023: Release of the album Rockstar
On November 17, 2023, Dolly Parton released her rock album, Rockstar, featuring collaborations with numerous artists and receiving positive reviews, and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.
2023: Support for the Trans Community
In 2023, Dolly Parton voiced her support for the trans community after a series of anti-trans measures came into law in Tennessee.
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, following Hurricane Helene, Dolly Parton announced a donation of $2 million to relief efforts, with $1 million from her personally and another $1 million through her various businesses and the Dollywood Foundation.
February 14, 2025: Featured on Sabrina Carpenter's song "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.
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 late husband, who had passed away the week prior, reaching number twenty-one on the UK sales and downloads chart.
June 23, 2025: Announcement of Las Vegas Residency
On June 23, 2025, Dolly Parton announced a six-date Las Vegas residency, "Dolly: Live in Las Vegas", at Caesars Palace.
July 2025: Opening of Dolly: A True Original Musical
In July 2025, Dolly: A True Original Musical opened at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
December 2025: Postponement of Las Vegas Residency
In December 2025, Dolly Parton postponed her Las Vegas residency, initially scheduled for December 2025, until September 2026 due to health procedures.
January 16, 2026: Release of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" Live Version
On January 16, 2026, in anticipation of her 80th birthday, Dolly Parton released a new live version of the song "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" featuring celebrity guests.
March 13, 2026: Keynote Address at Dollywood's 41st Anniversary
On March 13, 2026, Dolly Parton made her first major appearance since a health scare to give the keynote address at Dollywood during its 41st anniversary celebration.
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