How Dolly Parton Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Dolly Parton continue to shape the world today.

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.

Sections (5)

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

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.

1998: Discovery of Asteroid 10731

In 1998, the asteroid that would eventually be named (10731) Dollyparton was discovered and given the designation 1998 BL3.

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.

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.

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".

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2015: Newly Discovered Lichen Species Named After Dolly 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.

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.