Actress, singer, country music legend, and the “Queen of Tennessee,” Dolly Parton is celebrating her birthday today.
Parton burst onto the music scene in 1967 with the release of Hello, I’m Dolly. From there she has released albums that went gold and multi-platinum, she has created iconic solos and duets, and starred in many movies. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, she has composed over 3,000 songs, and earned multiple nominations for her acting.
In honor of her birthday, here are some of our favorite Dolly Parton songs:
“The Pain of Loving You”
This song first appeared on a duet album with Parton and Porter Wagoner. The album was 1971’s Two of a Kind.
“The Bridge”
In 1968, Parton released Just Because I’m a Woman; one song on the album is touted as one of her greatest vocal performances-- “The Bridge”.
“9-to-5"
Parton originally wrote this song for the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. Later that same year, it would also be featured on the album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. The song would go on to get both an Academy Award nomination and Grammy Award nomination-- winning both Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.
“Backwoods Barbie”
This is one of her newest songs on this list, but still iconic. Released in 2008, Backwoods Barbie was the first mainstream country album Parton released in almost ten years. It was also the first on her own label. The album would reach number 2 on the country charts.
“I Will Always Love You”
A song that transcended any one artist. This song was originally recorded and written by Parton back in 1973. It was released the following year and was dedicated to Porter Wagoner. For years, Parton suggested that singer Patti Labelle should record her own version, but she never did. In 1992, Whitney Houston recorded the song for the movie The Bodyguard.
“Coat of Many Colors”
According to Parton, this is her favorite song she had ever written. It was released in 1971 as the second single to Coat of Many Colors. She wrote the song back in 1969 while touring with Porter Wagoner. When the lyrics came to her head, she had to use the dry cleaning receipt from one of his suits for paper.
“Islands in the Stream” with Kenny Rogers
“Islands in the Stream” was originally written by the Bee Gees. However, Parton and Rogers got a hold of it and it was released on Roger’s 1983 album Eyes that See in the Dark. It would go on to be Parton’s second number one pop song. It is considered by some as the best country duet of all time.
“Jolene”
“Jolene” is arguably one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs. It was released back in 1973. It is ranked #217 on Rolling Stonemagazine’s “500 greatest Songs of All Time”. It earned her two Grammy nominations, but 43 year later she would receive a Grammy for her collaboration with the Pentatonix on the song. In 2012, Miley Cyrus, the goddaughter of Parton, did her own version.
Related:
Statue of Dolly Parton may be coming to Tennessee’s capitol
Dolly Parton set to grace the cover of Playboy in celebration of her birthday
Dolly Parton donation helping with COVID vaccine
Dolly Parton releases first Christmas album in 30 years
Dolly Parton named Tennessean of the year
