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 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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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2021: Inclusion on Time 100 List

In 2021, Dolly Parton was included in the Time 100, Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She was also named as one of America's Most Beloved Divas by The New York Times.