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The Song That Launched Dolly Parton’s Career—How ‘Joshua’ Made Her a Star

Dolly Parton’s Joshua became her first No. 1 hit, launching her solo career and proving she was destined for country music stardom.
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Dolly Parton is one of the most celebrated artists in country music history, with countless hits that have stood the test of time. But before “Jolene,” before “9 to 5”, before “I Will Always Love You,” there was “Joshua”—the song that gave Parton her first No. 1 hit and proved she was a star in her own right.

Though “Joshua” may not be as well-known today as some of her later classics, the song changed everything, setting her on the path to becoming the queen of country music.

The Story Behind “Joshua”

By 1970, Dolly Parton was already making a name for herself, but mostly as Porter Wagoner’s duet partner. While she had released solo music, she hadn’t yet broken through as a major country star. That all changed with “Joshua,” a song that perfectly captured her storytelling charm, Appalachian roots, and one-of-a-kind voice.

According to an article by American Songwriter, Parton wrote “Joshua” herself, drawing inspiration from the mountain men she knew growing up in rural Tennessee.

“I based the character on two or three mountain men I knew as a kid—reclusive people who lived alone way back in the mountains,” she shared in her 2020 book Songteller.

The song tells the story of a fearless young girl who seeks out a mysterious, rough-around-the-edges man named Joshua despite warnings that he’s mean and dangerous. Instead of finding a scary recluse, she discovers a kindhearted man who needs a little companionship—and, by the end of the song, she falls in love with him.

It’s a classic country love story, but with Parton’s signature wit and warmth, making it feel fun, fresh, and deeply personal.

The Song That Made Dolly Parton a Star

Released in November 1970, “Joshua” started gaining traction right away. It was different from the sad, somber country ballads of the time—this was upbeat, catchy, and full of energy.

By February 6, 1971, it had climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making it Dolly Parton’s first-ever chart-topping hit as a solo artist.

This moment was huge. Until then, many saw her as just Porter Wagoner’s duet partner—but “Joshua” proved that she could stand independently.

The song also earned Parton her first Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female, setting the stage for the countless awards and accolades she would win.

With “Joshua,” Dolly wasn’t just a singer anymore—she was a force to be reckoned with.

Why “Joshua” Still Matters Today

More than 50 years later, Dolly Parton’s catalog is packed with legendary songs, but “Joshua” holds a special place in history as the song that started it all.

It introduced the world to her gift for storytelling, her ability to create vivid, relatable characters, and her unique blend of country, bluegrass, and pop influences—all of which would define her career for decades.

While “Joshua” may not get as much attention today as songs like “Jolene” or “Coat of Many Colors,” it remains a defining moment in Dolly’s journey to superstardom.

It was the first of many No. 1 hits, but more importantly, it was the song that proved Dolly Parton was meant to be a legend.

If you want to see Dolly bring this classic to life, watch her 2019 Grand Ole Opry performance of “Joshua”—a true reminder of the song that started it all.

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