Celebrating Women’s History Month: Dolly Parton

It’s difficult to find a country performer who has moved from her country roots to international fame more successfully than Dolly Parton. Her autobiographical single “Coat of Many Colors” shows the poverty of growing up one of 12 children on a rundown farm in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. At 12 years old, she was appearing on Knoxville television; at 13 she was recording on a small label and appearing on the Grand Ole Opry. Her 1967 hit “Dumb Blonde” (which she’s not) caught Porter Wagoner’s ear, and he hired Parton to appear on his television show, where their duet numbers became famous. By the time her “Joshua” reached number one in 1970, Parton’s fame had overshadowed her boss’ and she struck out on her own, though she still recorded duets with him. During the mid-’70s, she established herself as a country superstar, and crossed over into the pop mainstream in the early ’80s when she smoothed out the rough edges in her music and began singing pop as well as country. At the same time, she also began appearing in movies, most notably the hit 9 to 5. Though her savvy marketing, image manipulation (her big dumb blond stage persona is an act), extracurricular forays into film, and flirtations with country-pop have occasionally overshadowed her music, at her core Parton is a country gal and a tremendously gifted singer/songwriter. Among her classics are “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” “Kentucky Gambler,” “I Will Always Love You,” “But You Know I Love You,” and “Tennessee Homesick Blues,” and they give a hint as to why her contribution to bringing country music to a wide audience, not only in America but throughout the world, cannot be overestimated.

Her songs have captured the hearts of generations. Her electric smile has brightened the lives of millions. Her trademark style is recognized across the globe.

Today, Dolly is one of an elite group of individuals to receive at least one nomination from all four major annual American entertainment award organizations; Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony. In 2004, the U.S. Library of Congress gave her the distinguished Living Legend Award.

While most know this song from Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You” was originally Dolly Parton’s hit. Here it is, live from 1974: