Dolly Parton once said that she always wore heels and makeup at home so she was “ambulance-ready at all times” — but the country music icon was far from flash over substance.
Parton died on Tuesday after a lifetime of philanthropy and songwriting excellence. She was 80 years old.
The singer, a self-described “professionalist,” first topped the Billboard chart in 1981 and earned the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. She released her 49th and final album, “Rockstar,” in 2023.
Parton’s signature songs from her decadeslong career are listed below in chronological order.
“Jolene” (1974)
“Jolene” is the title track from Parton’s 13th studio album of the same name. It was released as a single in January 1984 and quickly rose to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
Today, “Jolene” is one of the most celebrated country songs of all time, including by other artists. The song has been covered by Olivia Newton-John, the White Stripes, and Parton’s own goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, on multiple occasions.
More recently, Beyoncé put her own spin on “Jolene” for her 2024 country album “Cowboy Carter.” Parton also serves as one of three narrators throughout the album, alongside Willie Nelson and Linda Martell.
“I Will Always Love You” (1974)
“I Will Always Love You” was released as the second single from “Jolene.” Parton is the sole songwriter credited on the track; in fact, Parton later revealed that she wrote both of the album’s beloved singles on the same day.
“I Will Always Love You” was famously covered by Whitney Houston, who reimagined the song as a soaring pop power ballad. Houston’s version won record of the year at the 1994 Grammy Awards and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks.
“Here You Come Again” (1977)
“Here You Come Again” was Parton’s biggest hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, spending five weeks at No. 1.
It was released as the lead single from Parton’s album of the same name, which was Parton’s first album to be certified platinum in the US.
The album also earned Parton her first Grammy Award for best country vocal performance (female) at the 1979 ceremony.
“9 To 5” (1980)
Parton wrote and recorded “9 To 5” for the comedy film of the same name, in which she starred opposite Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.
The song became her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking in 1981.
“Rockin’ It” (2023)
Parton’s final album, “Rockstar,” was a mix of original material and classic rock covers. She said she was inspired by her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination to craft a tribute to the genre.
“Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right,” Parton said when she tried to decline the nomination.
“I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again — if I’m ever worthy,” she continued. “This has, however, inspired me to put out a hopefully great rock ‘n’ roll album at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do!”
Despite her statement, Parton was inducted later that year and debuted a new song, “Rockin’ It,” at the induction ceremony. The live recording was later included on the deluxe version of “Rockstar.”
“I’ve been rockin’, rockin’, rockin’ since the day I was born,” Parton sings in the chorus. “I’ll be rockin’ ’til the day I’m gone.”
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