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 highly acclaimed American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. Known as the "Queen of Country," she launched her solo career in 1967 with the album 'Hello, I'm Dolly,' after initially writing songs for other artists. Her career spans 60 years and includes 50 studio albums. She has earned numerous awards, including eleven Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and nominations for Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award, solidifying her status as one of the most honored female country performers.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1968: Released "Just Because I'm a Woman"

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

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1969: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry

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

1975: Linda Ronstadt covers I Will Always Love You

In 1975, Linda Ronstadt covered the song "I Will Always Love You" on her album Prisoner In Disguise.

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October 1978: Appearance on Playboy cover

In October 1978, Dolly Parton appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine wearing a Playboy bunny outfit and gave an extensive interview to Lawrence Grobel.

1978: CMA Entertainer of the Year

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

1980: Release of 9 to 5 Film

Dolly Parton's feature film 9 to 5 was released in 1980.

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1980: Use of fingernails as instrument on "9 to 5"

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

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1982: Recording 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 Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which became a number one country hit.

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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.

1986: Named one of Ms. Magazine's Women of the Year and inducted into 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.

1990: Honorary Doctorate from Carson-Newman College

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

1996: Kenny Rogers covers I Will Always Love You

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

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1997: LeAnn Rimes covers I Will Always Love You

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

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1999: Induction into Country Music Hall of Fame

In 1999, Dolly Parton received country music's highest honor, 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.

2001: Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval

In 2001, Dolly Parton received the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for her work in literacy; the first time it had been awarded to a person.

2001: Induction into 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: American Association of School Administrators – Galaxy Award

In 2002, Dolly Parton received the American Association of School Administrators – Galaxy Award for her work in literacy.

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.

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 for her work in literacy.

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

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

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.

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: Composing songs for 9 to 5: The 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.

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

In October 2005, Dolly Parton was composing songs for a Broadway musical theater adaptation of the film 9 to 5, according to Studio 360.

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 from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for her lifetime of contributions to the arts, with performances by Carrie Underwood, Alison Krauss, Shania Twain and Reba McEntire.

December 2006: Pledged to Hospital and Cancer Center

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 and Parton and Emmylou Harris allowed use of their music in a PETA ad campaign.

2006: Published Cookbook "Dolly's Dixie Fixin's: Love, Laughter and Lots of Good Food"

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

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

Check it on Amazon

June 2007: Industry presentation of 9 to 5: The Musical

In late June 2007, 9 to 5: The Musical was read for industry presentations.

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.

January 2008: Closure of Orlando Stampede location

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

2008: Release of Backwoods Barbie album

Dolly Parton released her album Backwoods Barbie in 2008. The title track was written for the musical 9 to 5's character Doralee.

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

On April 30, 2009, 9 to 5: The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, opened on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre in New York to mixed reviews.

May 8, 2009: Commencement Speech and Honorary Doctorate

On May 8, 2009, Dolly Parton gave the commencement speech at the graduation ceremony for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Arts and Sciences, and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from 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 148 performances and 24 previews.

2009: Interview on CNN's Larry King Live

During a 2009 interview on CNN's Larry King Live, Dolly Parton mentioned she has written at least 3,000 songs since age seven and writes something every day.

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November 16, 2010: Liseberg Applause Award for Dollywood

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 her Lifetime Achievement Grammy, adding to her total of 11 Grammy Awards and 55 Grammy Award nominations.

2011: Redesign of Myrtle Beach Stampede location

In 2011, the Dolly Parton's Stampede location in Myrtle Beach was redesigned under the name Pirates Voyage.

October 12, 2012: UK tour of Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical

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

2012: Songwriting and Record Sales

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 ever.

2015: New Lichen Species Named After Dolly Parton

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

2016: Telethon and "My People Fund" for Wildfire Victims

In 2016, Dolly Parton participated in a telethon and hosted her own to raise money for victims of the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires and established the "My People Fund" to provide financial assistance.

2016: Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires

In response to the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, Parton organized a telethon to raise money for victims of the fires.

April 2017: University of Tennessee College of Social Work professor Stacia West surveyed recipients of emergency relief funds

In April 2017, University of Tennessee College of Social Work professor Stacia West surveyed 100 recipients of the emergency relief funds to study the impact of cash transfers on poverty alleviation.

December 2017: Follow-up survey to study impact of cash transfers on poverty alleviation

In December 2017, there was a follow-up survey to the recipients of emergency relief funds in topics including housing, financial impact, physical and emotional health and sources of support.

February 2018: Donated 100 Millionth Book

In February 2018, Dolly Parton donated her 100 millionth free book, a copy of her children's picture book "Coat of Many Colors", to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and was honored by the Library of Congress.

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

In 2018, Dolly Parton was inducted onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris and was recognized in the Guinness World Records 2018 Edition for Most Decades with a Top 20 hit 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, awarding her the 2018 Director's Community Leadership Award at a ceremony at FBI Headquarters.

October 2020: Feature on "Pink" single and release of "A Holly Dolly Christmas"

In October 2020, Dolly Parton was featured on the single "Pink" to support Breast Cancer Research and released her album A Holly Dolly Christmas.

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2020: Grammy Award for "God Only Knows"

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

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2020: Publication of "Songteller: My Life in Lyrics"

In her 2020 book, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, Dolly Parton wrote of her mother's musical influence and her aunt Dorothy Jo.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

Check it on Amazon

March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination

In March 2021, Dolly Parton was vaccinated against COVID-19 at Vanderbilt University, encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and performing a song celebrating her vaccination.

2021: Appeared on Country Music Charts in Each of 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: Release of duet version of "Does He Love You" with Reba McEntire

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

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October 2022: Parton Announces She Will No Longer Tour

In October 2022, Dolly Parton stated 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 from Jeff Bezos

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

December 31, 2022: Co-hosting NBC's New Year's special

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 first rock album "Rockstar"

On January 17, 2023, Dolly Parton announced the release of her first rock album, titled Rockstar, during an interview on The View.

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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, written by Diane Warren and performed by Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry, and Gloria Estefan, was released.

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

On May 11, 2023, Dolly Parton released "World on Fire" as the lead single from her upcoming album, Rockstar, and it quickly reached number one.

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November 17, 2023: Release of "Rockstar" album

On November 17, 2023, Dolly Parton's album "Rockstar" was released. The album features collaborations with several artists and received generally positive reviews.

2023: American Library Association Honorary Membership

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

June 2024: Announcement of autobiographical musical "Hello, I'm Dolly"

In June 2024, Dolly Parton announced an autobiographical musical about her life and career initially titled Hello, I'm Dolly, with plans to open on Broadway in 2026.

2024: Dollywood attendance

In 2024, Dollywood had 3.1 million visitors, making it one of the most popular theme parks in the United States.

2024: Donation to Hurricane Relief Efforts

In the aftermath of 2024's Hurricane Helene, Dolly Parton announced a donation of $2 million to relief efforts, $1 million 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 Declined Funding Match for Imagination Library

In February 2025, Indiana Governor Mike Braun declined to continue a state 50% match for Parton's Imagination Library, leading to uncertainty about the program's future in the state.

March 7, 2025: Release of "If You Hadn't Been There" as tribute to husband

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

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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 Nashville

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's Las Vegas residency, initially scheduled for that month, was postponed until September 2026 due to health procedures.

January 16, 2026: Release of new version of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning"

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 several celebrity guests.

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