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 an American singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and philanthropist, primarily recognized as a country musician. Her career began with her debut album, Hello, I'm Dolly, in 1967, and spans 60 years, encompassing 49 studio albums. Notably, her forty-ninth solo studio album, Rockstar (2023), achieved a peak position of number three on the Billboard 200, marking her highest-charting album to date.
1968: Title Song for First RCA Album
In 1968, Dolly Parton's song "Just Because I'm a Woman" was the title song for her first RCA album.
1969: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry
In 1969, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
1975: "I Will Always Love You" Covered by Linda Ronstadt
In 1975, Linda Ronstadt covered Dolly Parton's "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, marking one of her earliest high-profile interviews with the mainstream press.
1978: Country Music Association's 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 nails together while backstage on the set of the film 9 to 5.
1980: Release of 9 to 5 Film
In 1980, Dolly Parton's feature film 9 to 5 was released.
1982: 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. The second version was a number one country hit and also reached number 53 on the pop charts.
1984: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
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: Ms. Magazine's Women 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.
1996: "I Will Always Love You" Covered by Kenny Rogers
In 1996, Kenny Rogers covered Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" on his album Vote for Love.
1997: "I Will Always Love You" Covered by LeAnn Rimes
In 1997, LeAnn Rimes covered Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" on her album Unchained Melody: The Early Years.
1999: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
In 1999, Dolly Parton received country music's highest honor: 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, marking the first time it was awarded to an individual.
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: American Association of School Administrators – Galaxy Award and National State Teachers of the Year – Chasing Rainbows Award
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 contributions to 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.
November 4, 2003: Honored as BMI Icon
On November 4, 2003, Dolly Parton was honored as a BMI Icon at the 2003 BMI Country Awards.
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 covering her songs.
2003: Parents as Teachers National Center – Child and Family Advocacy Award
In 2003, Dolly Parton was honored with the Parents as Teachers National Center – Child and Family Advocacy Award for her literacy advocacy.
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 29, 2005: Composition for 9 to 5: The Musical
According to Studio 360, in October 2005, Dolly Parton was composing songs for a Broadway musical theater adaptation of the film 9 to 5.
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, presented by the U.S. President.
2005: Academy Award Nominations and Awards
In 2005, Dolly Parton was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "9 to 5" and "Travelin' Thru" from the film Transamerica. "Travelin' Thru" won Best Original Song at the 2005 Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards.
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 contributions to the arts. The show included performances of her songs by other artists, such as "Islands in the Stream", "Jolene", and "Coat of Many Colors".
December 2006: Pledge towards hospital and cancer center, PETA ad campaign
In December 2006, Dolly Parton pledged $500,000 towards a proposed hospital and cancer center in Sevierville named after Robert F. Thomas and announced a benefit concert to raise additional funds. In the same year, Parton and Emmylou Harris allowed their music to be used in a PETA ad campaign encouraging pet owners to keep their dogs indoors.
2006: Publication of '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".
June 2007: Industry Presentations for 9 to 5: The Musical
In late June 2007, 9 to 5: The Musical was read for industry presentations, starring Megan Hilty, Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, Bebe Neuwirth, and Marc Kudisch.
November 8, 2007: Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service
On November 8, 2007, Dolly Parton received the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution at a ceremony in Nashville.
2008: Backwoods Barbie Album Release
In 2008, Dolly Parton released her album Backwoods Barbie, with the title track written for the character Doralee in the musical 9 to 5.
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 Parton's feature film 9 to 5, opened on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre in New York to mixed reviews.
May 8, 2009: Honorary Doctorate from University of Tennessee, Knoxville
On May 8, 2009, Dolly Parton delivered the commencement speech at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Arts and Sciences graduation ceremony and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university. This was only the second honorary degree given by the university.
September 6, 2009: Closure 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 the musical debut of actress Allison Janney.
2009: Songwriting Prolificacy
In a 2009 interview on CNN's Larry King Live, Dolly Parton said she had written "at least 3,000" songs, having written seriously since the age of seven, and that she writes something every day.
2011: Lifetime Achievement Grammy
In 2011, Dolly Parton received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
October 12, 2012: UK Tour for Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical
On October 12, 2012, Ambassador Theatre Group commenced a UK tour for Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: The Musical at Manchester Opera House.
2012: More than 3,000 songs written
As of 2012, Dolly Parton had written more than 3,000 songs and sold over 100 million records, marking her as one of the best-selling female artists of all time.
2016: Participation in telethon and hosting of 'My People Fund' for Great Smoky Mountains wildfire victims
In 2016, following the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires, Dolly Parton participated in a telethon and hosted her own telethon to raise money for victims. She established the "My People Fund", providing financial assistance to affected families.
2016: Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires
In 2016, the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires prompted Dolly Parton's philanthropic efforts to aid the victims.
April 2017: University of Tennessee Survey on 'My People Fund' Recipients
In April 2017, a professor from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work surveyed 100 recipients of the "My People Fund" emergency relief funds to assess the impact of the cash transfers.
December 2017: Follow-up Survey on 'My People Fund' Recipients
In December 2017, a follow-up survey was conducted on recipients of the "My People Fund" to further assess the impact of the cash transfers provided after the 2016 wildfires.
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 and was recognized in the Guinness World Records for holding records related to Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart.
2018: FBI Director's Community Leadership Award
In 2018, Dolly Parton was honored with the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award for her aid work related to the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires. The award was accepted on her behalf by David Dotson.
July 2019: Unannounced Appearance at Newport Folk Festival
In July 2019, Dolly Parton made an unannounced appearance at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, where she 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 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: Premiere of "When Life Is Good Again" Music Video
On May 28, 2020, Dolly Parton released a music video for "When Life Is Good Again", which 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".
2020: Release of "Songteller: My Life in Lyrics"
In her 2020 book Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, Dolly Parton credits her mother and Aunt Dorothy Jo as significant influences on her music.
March 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination at Vanderbilt University
In March 2021, Dolly Parton received her COVID-19 vaccine at Vanderbilt University, documenting the event on social media with the caption "Dolly gets a dose of her own medicine." She also strongly encouraged others to get vaccinated and performed a song set to the tune of "Jolene" 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, which is the most of any artist.
2021: Duet Version of Does He Love You Released
In 2021, a duet version of the song Does He Love You with singer Reba McEntire was released.
October 2022: Announcement of No Longer Touring
In October 2022, Dolly Parton stated in an interview that she would no longer tour, but would continue to play live shows occasionally.
November 5, 2022: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On November 5, 2022, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2022: 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 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 First Rock Album
On January 17, 2023, Dolly Parton announced on The View that she would release her first rock album, titled Rockstar, later that year.
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 "World on Fire"
On May 11, 2023, Dolly Parton released "World on Fire", the lead single 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 numerous artists. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and topped the Country and Rock Albums charts.
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 plans to open on Broadway in 2026.
2024: Donation to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
In 2024, Dolly Parton announced a donation of $2 million to relief efforts for Hurricane Helene, with $1 million coming from her personally and another $1 million through her 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.
February 2025: Indiana Governor Declines to Support Parton's Imagination Library
In February 2025, Indiana Governor Mike Braun declined to support a state 50% match for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, leading to concerns about the program's funding in Indiana. Dollywood Foundation President Jeff Conyers expressed hope that the state would restore funding. Afterwards, Braun tasked his wife Maureen with exploring ways to sustain the Imagination Library's Indiana chapter.
March 7, 2025: Release of "If You Hadn't Been There"
On March 7, 2025, Dolly Parton released the single "If You Hadn't Been There", as a tribute to her husband, who had died a week before.
2026: Target Opening Year for Autobiographical Musical on Broadway
Dolly Parton has targeted 2026 as the year her autobiographical musical Dolly: An Original Musical will open on Broadway.
Mentioned in this timeline
Jeff Bezos is an American businessman renowned as the founder...
Oprah Winfrey is a highly influential American talk show host...
Cher an American singer actress and television personality is celebrated...
Linda Ronstadt is a versatile American singer renowned for her...
Kenny Rogers was a highly successful American singer and songwriter...
Washington D C the capital of the United States is...
Trending
54 minutes ago Young Thug's new song snippet vows faithfulness to Mariah the Scientist: Album tease.
54 minutes ago Draisaitl's Overtime Goal Secures Oilers' Game 2 Victory, Leading Series 2-0.
54 minutes ago Edmonton Launches $1.5B Construction Season: Downtown Park, Residential Roads, and City Expansion.
54 minutes ago NHL Playoffs: Wilson assists Carlson, Pacioretty impresses, Hurricanes stay calm in Game 1
55 minutes ago Manon Fiorot's Journey to the title shot and flyweight GOAT debate.
55 minutes ago Stephen King's 'The Long Walk' gets a chilling trailer after years in development.
Popular
Jane Goodall is a renowned English primatologist zoologist and anthropologist...
Pope Francis is the current head of the Catholic Church...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is an American businessman...
Cristiano Ronaldo often nicknamed CR is a highly decorated Portuguese...
The Real ID Act of is a US federal law...
Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player currently...