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Dolly Parton

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Dolly Parton
Photo: Curtis Hilbun / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Dolly Parton wrote "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors" and "I Will Always Love You," and both "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" went to No. 1 on the country charts in 1974. The CMA named her Entertainer of the Year in 1978, and she joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. She passed away on August 25, 2026, in Nashville.

Born
January 19, 1946
Hometown
Sevierville, Tennessee
Grand Ole Opry
Member since 1969
Music, books and more

Shop Dolly Parton

  • Behind the Seams: My Life in RhinestonesBook · 2023The stories behind her stage outfits, written with Holly George-WarrenSee it on Amazon
  • Dolly Parton’s Favorite Yellow Cake MixBaking · Duncan HinesFrom her Duncan Hines baking lineSee it on Amazon
  • JoleneVinylWith “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”See it on Amazon

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Latest Stories

Who Was the Real Jolene? Dolly Parton Revealed the Woman With a ‘Terrible Crush’ on Carl Dean and Got Her ‘Revenge’

Dolly Parton's 'Jolene' began with a bank teller who paid Carl Dean too much attention. The name came from someone else, and Dolly later got her revenge.

Dolly Parton’s Brothers and Sisters Made Music in Her Shadow, and One Brother Wrote the Song They Sang at His Funeral

Dolly Parton's brothers and sisters sang, wrote and recorded too. From Stella's 1975 hit to the No. 1 song a brother wrote for Dolly, here is the family's story.

Dolly Parton at 14 Sang Unbilled on Rare Records for the Uncle She Said She ‘Wouldn’t Be Here’ Without

A 14-year-old Dolly Parton and her sisters, billed as the Vocalaires, sang behind uncles Bill and Louis Owens on rare 1961 and 1962 singles, now remastered.

Nashville Reporter Jimmy Carter, Who Met Elvis Twice and Interviewed Dolly Parton, Dies in His Sleep at 73

Jimmy Carter, the WSMV and WSM voice who covered Nashville's stars for decades, died in his sleep at 73. His granddaughter shared what got him up at 4 a.m.

Dolly Parton’s Nephew Bryan Seaver Fires Back at Her Manager’s ‘Incomplete Story’ Before Their Court Date

Bryan Seaver, the nephew who announced Dolly Parton's death, is firing back at her manager's lawsuit. His lawyers say his side of the story is coming.

Dolly Parton’s Secret Final Song Is Sealed at Dollywood Until Her 100th Birthday in 2046

Dolly Parton's unreleased song "My Place in History" waits in a chestnut box at Dollywood until 2046. She told Kelly Clarkson she wanted to dig it up "so bad."

Dolly Parton Day Is Here With Book Drives, Sparkle, and a Lot of Giving Across the Country

Cities across America are marking Dolly Parton Day on September 25 with parades, pink lights, and book drives benefiting her Imagination Library.

Dolly Parton’s Nephew Who Announced Her Death Was Reportedly Fired From Guarding Her Properties

Bryan Seaver, who announced Dolly Parton’s death, was reportedly dismissed from guarding her properties. He accuses her estate managers of acting in bad faith.

The CMA Will Honor Dolly Parton With a Two-Hour Live Special on October 21

The Country Music Association will air “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” live on ABC from Belmont University in Nashville.

Reba Wore Dolly Parton’s Rhinestone Earrings and Butterfly Ring During Her Emmys Tribute

Reba McEntire borrowed rhinestone earrings and a butterfly ring from Dolly Parton’s niece for her Emmys tribute, and her gown echoed Dolly’s 1983 look.

Sally Field Called Dolly Parton an Angel on Earth in Her Emmys Tribute Speech

Sally Field honored her Steel Magnolias co-star Dolly Parton at the 78th Emmy Awards, remembering her humor, humility, and the way she changed Tennessee.

Reba McEntire Sang “Appalachian Memories” for Dolly at the Emmys and Got Emotional at the End

Reba McEntire performed Dolly Parton's "Appalachian Memories" at the 78th Emmy Awards, the same song Dolly sang on that stage in 1983.

A Massive Dolly Parton Mural Went Up on a Fort Worth Honky-Tonk and People Keep Pulling Over

Juan Velazquez painted Dolly Parton on the Stagecoach Ballroom in Fort Worth after her death saddened his daughter. Fans are stopping for photos every day.

Garth Brooks Declared September 25 ‘Dolly Day’ and Is Giving the Full Day’s Bar Sales to the Imagination Library

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will donate every dollar their Nashville bar earns on September 25 to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and it will become an annual event.

American Airlines Is Renumbering a Nashville Flight to 925 in Honor of Dolly Parton

American Airlines will change its daily Dallas-Fort Worth-to-Nashville flight from 1396 to 925, starting March 28, 2027, a nod to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5."

Dolly Parton’s Heartfelt Wish Was That Dollywood Keep Going and the Show Must Go On

Dollywood opens Wednesday, one day after Dolly Parton died at 80. The park says she wanted her memory honored with laughter and music instead of silence.

Dolly Parton Has Died at 80, and the Whole World Is Mourning the Queen of Country

Dolly Parton died Tuesday at 80 at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer, her family never shared publicly.

Dolly Parton Shares Her Surprisingly Simple Secret to Staying Young at 80

Dolly Parton celebrates turning 80 with grace, grit, and a whole lot of sparkle as she shares her simple secret to staying young and proves age is just a number when you are doing what you love.

Dolly Parton’s Sister Freida Says “You Mean So Much to Me” in Emotional Birthday Post

Freida Parton shares a heartfelt birthday tribute to her sister, Dolly, celebrating their lifelong bond and reminding fans that behind the country icon is a deeply rooted family love.

Gov. Lee Proclaims January 19 as ‘Dolly Parton Day’ in Honor of Her 80th Birthday

Tennessee just made it official. Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed January 19 as Dolly Parton Day in honor of her 80th birthday, celebrating her unmatched impact on music, philanthropy, and the Volunteer State.

Dolly, Lainey, Miley, Reba, and Queen Latifah Just Gave Us the Comfort Song of the Year

Dolly Parton teams up with Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Reba McEntire, and Queen Latifah for a soul-stirring version of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," delivering a powerful anthem of hope, healing, and resilience.

Lainey Wilson Teams Up With Reba, Miley and Queen Latifah to Reimagine a Beloved Dolly Parton Song

Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus, and Queen Latifah join Dolly Parton for a soulful new version of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," blending country legacy with hope, strength, and unity.

Dolly Parton Says She Won’t Attend Her 80th Birthday Celebration at the Grand Ole Opry

Dolly Parton will miss her 80th birthday bash at the Grand Ole Opry, but the country queen is still sending love as fans celebrate with music, Dolly-themed fun, and a whole lot of sparkle in her honor.

Country Stars Are Gearing Up to Blow the Roof Off the Opry for Dolly Parton’s 80th Birthday Bash

Country stars, including Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson, are set to honor Dolly Parton's 80th birthday with a one-of-a-kind Opry Goes Dolly show celebrating her songs, legacy, and lasting impact on country music.

Freida Parton Clarifies the Viral Prayer Message About Dolly and What She Really Meant

Freida Parton clears up the viral prayer post about Dolly, saying it came from love and faith, not alarm, as Dolly continues recovering and staying strong.

Dolly Parton’s Goddaughter Once Covered “Jolene” and Some Say It’s the Best Version Since the Original

Miley Cyrus stripped it down for a raw take on "Jolene" and showed the world her country blood runs deep. Even Dolly Parton had to stand back and smile.

Steel Magnolias Star Shirley MacLaine Makes a Rare Malibu Outing at 91 and Turns Heads in a Bold Red Hat

At 91, Shirley MacLaine turned heads in Malibu with a bold red hat and Hollywood flair, proving she's still every bit the steel magnolia we know and love.

Is Dolly Parton Okay After Skipped Events and Canceled Appearances?

Dolly Parton addresses health rumors after skipping events and canceling appearances, assuring fans she is OK, healing at home, and not done working anytime soon.

Dolly Parton Never Upgraded Her Sears Wedding Ring Because It Meant More Than Money Ever Could

Dolly Parton never upgraded her small Sears wedding ring, proving that love means more than diamonds. Her simple love story with Carl Dean is the real country gold.

Dolly Parton Finally Gets an Oscar and Proves Once Again She’s in a League of Her Own

Dolly Parton finally takes home her first Oscar with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, delivering a heartfelt video message from Nashville that proves she is still in a league of her own.

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