Fox & Friends Remember Dolly Parton: A Look at Her Life and Legacy

Celebrating a Legendary Career

Fox & Friends recently took a moment to honor Dolly Parton, reflecting on her extraordinary life and diverse career following her passing at age 80. The segment touched upon her vast music catalog, the Imagination Library literacy program she initiated, and Dollywood, her theme park in Tennessee.

Seven Decades of Entertainment

Dolly Parton’s career in the entertainment industry spanned approximately seventy years. During this time, she rose from her debut on The Porter Wagoner Show in 1964 to receiving multiple Academy Award nominations. She became an influential figure in music, film, and philanthropy, setting an example for future female country artists.

The Beginning: “The Porter Wagoner Show”

Parton’s move to Nashville came right after high school in May 1964, aiming for success in country music. By February 1967, she released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, catching the attention of Porter Wagoner. He invited her to join his television show later that September, introducing her to a national audience.

Her duets with Wagoner, starting with “The Last Thing on My Mind,” became significant hits, earning her first Grammy nomination in 1970. This era also saw the release of popular songs like “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colors.” Parton’s departure for a solo career occurred in 1974.

Achieving Solo Success

Following her stint on The Porter Wagoner Show, Parton’s solo career flourished. Hits such as “Love Is Like a Butterfly,” “Here You Come Again,” and “Tennessee Homesick Blues” dominated the Billboard country charts. Her first Grammy win came in 1979 for “Here You Come Again.”

Covering songs like “Stairway to Heaven” revealed her ability to reinterpret others’ work in her style, garnering praise from artists like Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant.

Iconic Songwriting: “I Will Always Love You”

Parton penned “I Will Always Love You” in 1973 as she expressed her intention to leave Wagoner’s show for a solo career. The poignant song saw two peaks on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and received a remarkable reinterpretation by Whitney Houston in 1992, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 14 weeks.

Expanding into Television Variety Shows

Parton’s foray into television came with her variety shows, Dolly! (1976-1977) and Dolly (1987-1988), attracting guests like Kenny Rogers and Oprah Winfrey. These shows were well-received, reinforcing her status in the entertainment world.

Noteworthy Collaborations

Collaborations with industry icons like Kenny Rogers resulted in hits like “Islands in the Stream,” earning them Grammy nominations. Partnerships with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt in the Trio albums brought critical acclaim, including Grammy wins.

Parton continued collaborating with artists such as Brad Paisley and Miley Cyrus, showcasing her versatility.

Movie Stardom

Parton’s film debut in 9 to 5 earned her Golden Globe nominations. Subsequent films like The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Steel Magnolias reaffirmed her filmic prowess, attracting industry acclaim.

Award Recognition

Across her career, Parton garnered numerous awards. She received ten Grammy wins from 55 nominations, including honors for “9 to 5.” Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy Award for Christmas on the Square underscored her broad impact.

Commemorated Achievements

Recognition expanded beyond mere awards. Honors included a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2022, she joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering artist.

Philanthropy: Imagination Library

Parton’s philanthropic spirit was evident through the Imagination Library, started in 1995. The program has gifted over 330 million books worldwide, inspired by her father who never learned to read or write. It aims to foster children’s development through literature.

Entrepreneurship: Dollywood

Her entrepreneurial skills shone with Dollywood, a theme park opened in 1986 that attracts millions of visitors annually while providing local employment opportunities.

Prolific Songwriter for Others

Parton’s songwriting extended beyond her recordings, contributing tunes to artists such as Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings, bringing hits like “Kentucky Gambler” to fruition.

With a catalog exceeding 3,000 songs, her songwriting legacy is substantial.