Top 10 Iconic Dolly Parton Moments
#10: Opening Dollywood
Before 1986, this venue went through several names and variations. Dolly Parton then became a part owner and the place got a major upgrade. Few other people can claim to have a theme park named after them. The country singers input helped bring in more interest and money to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dollywood certainly helps the local economy with added tourism and the need for so many workers on staff. Theres also rides like Wild Eagle and attractions like the artists repurposed tour bus. Its a fun way to spend the day, but its also filled with details celebrating the performer. Is there anything cooler than that?
#9: Compensating a Female Buffy Producer
If you didnt already know, Dolly Parton played a part in helping Buffy the Vampire Slayer happen. The singers production company Sandollar helped produce the TV series. Not only that, Parton stepped in when she realized producer Gail Berman wasnt getting her fair share. Many of Bermans male colleagues received sizable royalties, but she didnt earn as much. The legendary performer then wrote a check to show support for the TV executive. It just goes to show that the icon puts her money where her mouth is, providing personal help when somebody isnt being treated fairly.
#8: Working with the Trio
The only thing better than one legend is three of them. Dolly Parton teamed up with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. They eventually released the album Trio in 1987. Winning Grammys and wowing audiences, the three developed incredible musical chemistry. They came back again with the Trio II record in 1999. Once again, the group showed their skills with awesome covers. Their ability to interpret the work of other stellar artists like Neil Young deserves more attention. Even if they only have two official albums, their work should be commended for bringing together such talent.
#7: Islands in the Stream with Kenny Rogers
As a solo artist, Dolly Partons career is undeniably great. She also knows how to make a duet special. With the help of Kenny Rogers, the singer turned Islands in the Stream into a certifiable classic. Both of their voices make this love song sound incredible. Its both catchy and memorable, making listeners smile ever since the release in 1983. Written by the Bee Gees, this feels like a high-class assembly of musical excellence. It went to number-one on multiple Billboard charts and was hugely successful for both performers. While they recorded again together, Rogers and Parton were arguably never better together than here.
#6: Donating to Wildfire Victims
When somebody is in need, Dolly Parton doesnt hesitate to find a way to offer a helping hand. This was the case when a wildfire hit Tennessee in 2016. Disaster struck the Great Smoky Mountains area, inspiring Parton to help those that lost their homes. The My People Fund helped give families $1,000 in monthly payments. This led to millions being disbursed to those in need, with displaced people receiving much-needed aid. Partons foundation helped out victims for six months. In a quick turnaround, the singers organization stepped in to provide support for Sevier County.
#5: Refusing & Then Accepting the Rock Hall Nomination
As a leading voice in her genre, Dolly Parton is synonymous with country. Shes also attracted the attention of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The organization wanted to acknowledge her influence on music, but the singer didnt want the nomination. Parton later changed her mind and became an official inductee in 2022. The fun didnt stop there either. After becoming a member of the hall, she released an album of covers. Rockstar was her chance to try out the rock sound in a more formal way. The Rock Hall has a recent history of broadening their horizons, inviting a wider array of artists into the fold. Its only fitting that theyd choose to honor an iconic musician.
#4: 9 to 5
In the year 1980, Dolly Parton had an impressive year across multiple mediums. She starred in the movie 9 to 5 and wrote the theme song. The comedy has an all-star cast, showing women taking back control of their male-dominated office. Parton holds her own opposite legends Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. To reiterate the films classic status, the country entertainer released a fun track with a hook to remember it by. The artist showed on the same project that shes also an indispensable screen performer. Some of the films best lines and scenes feature her at the forefront, making her a movie star in her own right.
#3: Funding the Moderna Vaccine
Time and time again, this talented artist proves that she has a tremendous influence outside the world of music. Her extraordinary help with medical research happens to be just one example of that. After a car crash, Dolly Parton had a chance meeting with Dr. Naji Abumrad. Her connection to the doctor inspired a donation, with the money being integral in making the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19. Donations from Parton helped continue essential research at Vanderbilt University. With her important and pointed support, the iconic singer added another stellar and surprising footnote to her legacy.
#2: Writing I Will Always Love You
This work is such a part of pop culture that its hard to believe anybody wrote it. In the 1970s, Dolly Parton was enjoying a tremendous solo career that included fantastic work like Jolene. She also worked on other generational tunes like I Will Always Love You. Her version is great on its own, highlighting her skills as a writer and vocalist. However, its hard to deny the power of the Whitney Houston version. Houston took the song into another dimension and made it a new standard. Some people might not know and others might have forgotten, but the singles enduring legacy starts with Parton.
#1: Dollywood Foundation & Charity Work
Along with her incredible music career, Dolly Parton will be remembered for her charity work. Her foundation and its many projects support noble causes. This includes helping people in need from her home state of Tennessee and beyond. One notable program is the Imagination Library, helping kids get access to books and to promote literacy. Shes continuously shown that she loves to give back to her community and never forgets where she came from. Its easy to look at her tremendous work and call her something of a miracle worker. Without her contributions, many Americans would not be where they are today.
Did we forget another amazing highlight from Dollys life? Let us know in the comments below.
