How Dolly Parton built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
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.
In 1964, Dolly Parton moved to Nashville after graduating from Sevier County High School to pursue her music career.
In 1965, Dolly Parton signed with Monument Records at the age of 19 and was initially pitched as a bubblegum pop singer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1968, Dolly Parton originally released "Just Because I'm a Woman" as the title song for her first RCA album.
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.
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.
In 1969, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1970, Porter Wagoner persuaded Dolly Parton to record Jimmie Rodgers' "Mule Skinner Blues", leading to her first solo chart success.
In February 1971, Dolly Parton achieved her first number-one single with "Joshua".
In 1972, Dolly Parton released 'Touch Your Woman' which reached the top 20 singles.
In 1973, Dolly Parton released 'My Tennessee Mountain Home' and 'Travelin' Man' which reached the top 20 singles.
In late 1973, Dolly Parton released "Jolene", which topped the country chart the following year.
In February 1974, Dolly Parton's song "Jolene" topped the country chart, marking a significant milestone in her career.
In April 1974, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner performed their last duet concert, marking the end of their professional partnership.
Between 1974 and 1980, Dolly Parton had a series of country hits, with eight singles reaching number one.
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".
In 1975, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner released their final duet album, Say Forever You'll Be Mine.
In 1975, Dolly Parton topped the singles chart again with "The Bargain Store."
In 1975, Linda Ronstadt covered Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" on Prisoner In Disguise.
In 1976, "Jolene" charted in the U.K., reaching number seven and marking Dolly Parton's first U.K. success.
In 1976, Dolly Parton began a high-profile crossover campaign, aiming her music in a more mainstream direction.
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".
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.
In 1977, Dolly Parton released New Harvest...First Gathering, her first self-produced album, highlighting her pop sensibilities.
In October 1978, Dolly Parton appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine wearing a Playboy bunny outfit.
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.
In 1978, Dolly Parton won the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award.
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.
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.
Between 1974 and 1980, Dolly Parton had a series of country hits, with eight singles reaching number one.
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.
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".
In 1980, Dolly Parton starred in the feature film "9 to 5" along with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
In 1980, the movie 9 to 5 was released.
In 1980, the song "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You" was included on Dolly Parton's album "Dolly, Dolly, Dolly".
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.
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.
In 1982, Dolly Parton recorded a second version of "I Will Always Love You" for 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.
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.
In 1983, Dolly Parton's duet with Kenny Rogers, "Islands in the Stream," spent two weeks at number one.
In 1984, Dolly Parton received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her music.
In 1984, Dolly Parton released the single "God Won't Get You" and also had success with "Tennessee Homesick Blues".
In 1984, Dolly Parton starred in the film Rhinestone, adding to her acting credits.
Between 1981 and 1985, Dolly Parton consistently had singles appear in the country Top 10, with half of them reaching number one.
In 1985, Dolly Parton released "Don't Call It Love", achieving a Top 10 country hit.
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.
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.
In 1987, Dolly Parton signed with Columbia Records after her contract with RCA Records expired in 1986.
In 1987, Dolly Parton, along with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, released "Trio" to critical acclaim, revitalizing Parton's music career.
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".
In 1989, Dolly Parton starred in the film Steel Magnolias, further solidifying her presence in the acting world.
In 1991, Dolly Parton first publicly showed support for LGBTQ families in her song "Family".
In 1991, Dolly Parton's duet with Ricky Van Shelton, "Rockin' Years," reached number one.
In 1992, Dolly Parton starred in the movie Straight Talk, adding another film to her acting repertoire.
In 1992, Whitney Houston recorded Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" for the film "The Bodyguard", achieving massive commercial success.
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".
In 1994, Dolly Parton released "Honky Tonk Angels" with Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, reviving both Wynette and Lynn's careers.
In 1996, Kenny Rogers covered Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" on Vote for Love.
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes covered Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" on Unchained Melody: The Early Years.
In 1998, Dolly Parton released her country-rock album, "Hungry Again", which was made up entirely of her own compositions.
In 1998, Nashville Business ranked Dolly Parton the wealthiest country music star.
In 1999, Dolly Parton released "The Grass Is Blue", a bluegrass-inspired album that won a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.
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.
In 2001, Dolly Parton was inducted into the National Academy of Popular Music/Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In 2001, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In 2002, Dolly Parton ranked number 4 in CMT's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music.
In 2002, Dolly Parton released "Halos & Horns", including a bluegrass version of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven".
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.
In 2003, a tribute album called 'Just Because I'm a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton' was released, featuring various artists covering her songs.
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.
In October 2005, Parton was in the midst of composing songs for a Broadway musical theater adaptation of the film 9 to 5.
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.
In 2005, Dolly Parton released "Those Were The Days", featuring her interpretations of hits from the folk-rock era.
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.
On December 3, 2006, Dolly Parton received the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime contributions to the arts.
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.
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.
In September 2007, Dolly Parton released "Better Get to Livin'", her first single from her own record company, Dolly Records.
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.
In January 2008, the Orlando, Florida, location of Dolly Parton's Stampede closed after the land and building were sold to a developer.
On February 26, 2008, Dolly Parton released the album "Backwoods Barbie", which reached number two on the country chart.
In 2008, Dolly Parton filmed her sold-out "Live From London" concerts at London's The O2 Arena.
In 2008, Dolly Parton's album "Backwoods Barbie" was released. The title track was written for the musical's character Doralee.
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.
On September 6, 2009, 9 to 5: The Musical closed on Broadway after 24 previews and 148 performances.
In October 2009, Dolly Parton released her second live DVD and album, "Live From London", filmed during her 2008 concerts at The O2 Arena.
On October 27, 2009, Dolly Parton released a four-CD box set, "Dolly", featuring 99 songs spanning most of her career.
In 2009, Dolly Parton publicly came out in support of same-sex marriage.
In a 2009 interview on CNN's Larry King Live, Dolly Parton stated that she had written at least 3,000 songs.
On August 10, 2010, Dolly Parton released the album "Brother Clyde" with Billy Ray Cyrus, featuring "The Right Time", which she co-wrote.
On November 16, 2010, Dolly Parton accepted the Liseberg Applause Award on behalf of Dollywood theme park.
On January 6, 2011, Dolly Parton announced her new album would be titled "Better Day".
In February 2011, Dolly Parton announced the "Better Day" World Tour, starting on July 17, 2011.
On May 23, 2011, Dolly Parton released "Together You and I", the lead-off single from the "Better Day" album.
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.
Starting in June 2011, the Myrtle Beach location became Pirates Voyage Fun, Feast and Adventure; Dolly Parton appeared for the opening.
The Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show which was purchased by the Dollywood Company on June 12, 2015 opened in June 2011.
On June 28, 2011, Dolly Parton released the album "Better Day".
On July 17, 2011, Dolly Parton began the "Better Day" World Tour, with shows in northern Europe and the U.S.
In 2011, Dolly Parton received her Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, making it one of her 11 Grammy Awards.
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.
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.
On October 12, 2012, the UK tour for Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical commenced at Manchester Opera House.
As of 2012, Dolly Parton had written more than 3,000 songs and sold over 100 million records.
In 2012, Dolly Parton starred in the film Joyful Noise, continuing her acting career.
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.
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".
On June 12, 2015, it was announced that the Dollywood Company had purchased the Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge.
On March 6, 2016, Dolly Parton announced that she would be embarking on a tour in support of her new album, Pure & Simple.
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.
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.
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.
In 2016, the Dollywood Company opened the new, renovated Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show.
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.
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.
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".
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.
In 2018, the FBI honored Dolly Parton with the 2018 Director's Community Leadership Award for her wildfire aid work.
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.
In 2019, Dolly Parton collaborated with Christian alternative rock duo For King and Country, releasing a version of their hit "God Only Knows."
On April 10, 2020, Dolly Parton re-released 93 songs from six of her classic albums.
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.
On May 28, 2020, Dolly Parton released a music video for "When Life Is Good Again", which premiered on Time 100 talks.
In 2020, Dolly Parton received a Grammy Award for her collaboration with For King & Country on their song, "God Only Knows".
In March 2021, Dolly Parton received her COVID-19 vaccination at Vanderbilt University, encouraging others to get vaccinated and performing a song to celebrate.
As of 2021, Dolly Parton had appeared on the country music charts in each of seven decades, the most of any artist.
In October 2022, Dolly Parton announced in an interview that she would no longer tour, but would continue to play live shows occasionally.
On November 5, 2022, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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.
On December 31, 2022, Dolly Parton co-hosted NBC's New Year's special, Miley's New Year's Eve Party.
On January 17, 2023, Dolly Parton announced her first rock album, titled Rockstar.
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.
On May 11, 2023, Dolly Parton released the lead single "World on Fire" from her upcoming rock album, "Rockstar".
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.
Dolly Parton was ranked at No. 27 on Rolling Stone′s 2023 list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
In 2023, Dolly Parton released Rockstar, which became her highest-charting Billboard 200 album, peaking at number three.
In 2023, Dolly Parton was awarded American Library Association Honorary Membership.
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.
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.
The goal to open on Broadway Dolly Parton's autobiographical musical about her life and career initially titled Hello, I'm Dolly.