Grand Ole Opry Member Spotlight: Dolly Parton

Grand Ole Opry Country Music Show - Nashville

Dierks Bentley - The Opry's Youngest Member

She knows she's not dumb, she knows she's not blonde, and everyone knows who she is — Grand Ole Opry member Dolly Parton is arguably one of the most successful and universally recognized country music icons in the history of the genre. With a personality that demands the spotlight and a voice that demands attention, Dolly Parton continues to share her successes, both artistically through music and film, as well as charitably through a host of sponsored organizations. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

Background and Early Career

• Dolly Parton was born January 19, 1946 in Sevierville, Tennessee, as the fourth of twelve children. What the family lacked in money and riches, they made up for in love, making Dolly's decision to move to Nashville the day after graduating high school a difficult one. However, she met Carl Dean, the man she would marry two years, on the very day she arrived in Nashville. By the time she was 20, Dolly was a regular on The Porter Wagoner Show, sparking a creative partnership that has yet to be rivaled.
• Dolly also found remarkable success on her own as a solo artist, and to date has written more than 600 songs — many of which are autobiographical in nature. Other musical partnerships with artists like Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and others have also led to music magic. Dolly has made a name outside of the music world with blockbuster films, successful business endeavors, and charitable contributions, many of which continue to benefit the youths of Sevier County, Tennessee.

Grand Ole Opry Induction

• Dolly Parton was welcomed as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 4, 1969.

Dolly Parton at the Opry

• Dolly continues to draw huge crowds everywhere that she goes, including the Grand Ole Opry. To see if Dolly will be at the Opry in the coming weeks, visit the VME Grand Ole Opry Blog.

Notable Hits

• "Mule Skinner Blues"
• "Joshua"
• "Coat of Many Colors"
• "Touch Your Woman"
• "Jolene"
• "I Will Always Love You"
• "The Bargain Store"
• "The Seeker"
• "Here You Come Again"
• "Two Doors Down"
• "Heartbreaker"
• "Baby I'm Burning"
• "You're the Only One"
• "9 to 5"
• "But You Know I Love You"
• "Tennessee Homesick Blues"
• "Think About Love"
• "Silver and Gold"
• "When I Get Where I'm Going"

More Information

• See the complete list of current Grand Ole Opry members!