How Dolly Parton Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

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

Dolly Parton is a multifaceted American entertainer, known for her success as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Her career launched in 1967 with her debut album and has spanned over six decades, resulting in 50 studio albums. Widely recognized as the "Queen of Country," Parton has received numerous awards, including eleven Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards, alongside nominations for Academy, Golden Globe, and Tony Awards.

Sections (5)

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

1992: "I Will Always Love You" Success

In 1992, Whitney Houston's recording of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" for the soundtrack of The Bodyguard became a massive commercial success.

Loading Video...

1999: Grammy Award and Hall of Fame Induction

In early 1999, Dolly Parton won a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for her cover of Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush" with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, and she was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

Loading Video...

April 14, 2004: Living Legend Medal from 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. She is also the focus of a Library of Congress collection exploring the influences of country music on her life and career.

2004: "AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs"

In 2004, Parton's song "9 to 5" was no. 78 on the "AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs" list released by the American Film Institute.

Loading Video...

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 contributions to the arts. During the show, many country music stars showed their admiration.

2015: Japewiella dollypartoniana

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: Hollywood Walk of Fame and Guinness World Records

In 2018, Dolly Parton received a second star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, inducted alongside Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris and was recognized in the Guinness World Records 2018 Edition.

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

In her 2020 book, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, Dolly Parton wrote about her family and community influences, highlighting her mother's folk songs and her Aunt Dorothy Jo's musical talents.

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

Check it on Amazon

2021: Time 100

In 2021, Dolly Parton was included on the Time 100, Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2022: Asteroid Named After Dolly Parton

In 2022, Asteroid (10731) Dollyparton, was named in honor of Dolly Parton.

January 2024: New Humanist Magazine Interview

In January 2024, Dolly Parton discussed her liberal approach to faith in the January 2024 issue of New Humanist magazine, stating that she wouldn't even say she's religious, though she grew up with that background.