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Dolly Parton's path from Nashville newcomer to Billboard's No. 1 country music artist of all time
ReDolly Parton's path from Nashville newcomer to Billboard's No. 1 country music artist of all time
Dolly Parton's seven-decade career, from a Nashville newcomer to Billboard's No. 1 country music artist, is marked by iconic songs, collaborations, and philanthropy.
Dolly Parton's journey from a small-town Tennessee girl to Billboard's No. 1 country music artist of all time is a testament to her enduring talent and determination. Over a career spanning roughly seven decades, Parton has not only become a legendary figure in country music but also a successful actress and philanthropist, leaving an indelible mark on American culture.
Parton moved to Nashville in May 1964, the day after graduating from high school, to pursue her dream of a career in country music. Three years later, in February 1967, she released her debut album, "Hello, I'm Dolly," which caught the attention of singer Porter Wagoner. He invited her to join his TV show, "The Porter Wagoner Show," in September of that same year. Her time on the show provided her with national exposure and established her as a recording artist. Her duets with Wagoner, starting with "The Last Thing on My Mind," became major country hits, and their partnership earned Parton her first Grammy nomination in 1970.
During this era, Parton also released many of her most beloved songs, including "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," "My Tennessee Mountain Home," and "Just Because I'm a Woman." After seven years on the show, Parton decided it was time to pursue a solo career, leaving in 1974. Shortly after, she released "Love Is Like a Butterfly," which quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard country charts. She continued to release hit after hit, including "Here You Come Again," which earned her first Grammy Award win in 1979. In total, she had 26 songs reach No. 1 on the Billboard country charts, including "The Bargain Store," "Heartbreaker," "Starting Over Again," "Tennessee Homesick Blues," and "Why'd You Come in Here Lookin' Like That."
One of Parton's most iconic songs, "I Will Always Love You," was written in 1973 as a heartfelt farewell to Wagoner when she decided to leave his show. She played it for him, and he was moved to tears, saying it was the best song she had ever written. The song was released in 1974 and climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It returned to No. 1 again in 1982 when Parton released a different version for the film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." Nearly two decades later, Whitney Houston's R&B ballad version, recorded for "The Bodyguard" soundtrack, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for 14 consecutive weeks. It became Billboard's No. 1 song of 1993, went 19-times Platinum in the U.S., and won two Grammy Awards at the 1994 ceremony. Houston's version is also the highest-selling single written by a female artist.
Parton's career also included significant collaborations, most notably with Kenny Rogers. The two first connected in 1983 when they recorded "Islands In the Stream," a massive crossover hit that spent two consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned them a Grammy nomination. They later released a joint Christmas album, "Once Upon a Christmas," in 1984, and collaborated on "Real Love," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart. Nearly 30 years later, they released "You Can't Make Old Friends" in 2013, earning them another Grammy nomination.
Beyond her music, Parton has also made her mark in television and film. She started her own variety show, "Dolly!" in 1976, which aired 26 half-hour episodes and featured guest stars such as Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Anne Murray. A decade later, she released a second variety show, "Dolly," in 1987, which aired 22 one-hour episodes and was a huge ratings success, featuring guests such as Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Willis, Loretta Lynn, and even Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
Parton's influence extends far beyond her music. She has received multiple Academy Award nominations for her work in films and has become a beloved philanthropist, known for her literacy programs and support for various causes. Her legacy as a trailblazer for female country singers is undeniable, and her music continues to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.
