Woman's World

2026 Dove Awards Celebrate Women in Christian Music

mdillard — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 02:00:17 +0000

The 2026 GMA Dove Awards were full of memorable moments, heartfelt shoutouts and beautiful reminders of the incredible women making a difference in Christian music. From standout performances by Hope Darst, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Anne Wilson, Jamie MacDonald and Naomi Raine to appearances by Shawn Johnson East, Franni Cash, Jen Lilley, Jenn Johnson, Julie Chen Moonves and CeCe Winans, the night celebrated women whose gifts and faith have touched countless lives.

The evening also featured a magnificent Dolly Parton tribute by Natalie Grant and Amy Grant. Both women have been pillars of the Christian music community for decades, and seeing them come together to honor Dolly on a stage illuminated with pink sparkles was a magical moment.

But beyond the performances and awards, one of the most beautiful themes of the night was the way women celebrated one another. From heartfelt words of encouragement to moving acceptance speeches, these moments showed how the Christian music community continues to lift each other up.

Here are some of the most memorable moments from the 2026 Dove Awards that celebrated the incredible women whose music and faith continue to impact hearts around the world.

Hope Darst delivered a moving performance
GMA Dove Awards

Natalie Grant and Amy Grant honor Dolly Parton with heartfelt Dove Awards tribute

For both Natalie Grant and Amy Grant, honoring Dolly Parton at the 2026 Dove Awards with performances of “How Great Thou Art” and “I Will Always Love You” was the honor of a lifetime.

Before the performance, Amy shared heartfelt words about Dolly and the way her faith shaped her life and music.

“Faith was woven into who she was, how she lived, and the music she made. She was extraordinarily talented. What a singer! What a songwriter! A quick wit, funny. She took a lot of stand-up comedians to their knees,” Amy said with a laugh.

“She was creatively generous, and she was not afraid to stand up or stand down and be the person she was made to be.”

She went on to thank Dolly for showing the world how to live with love and generosity.

“And now let us run with endurance the race set before us, all of us. We love you, Dolly.”

For Natalie, the opportunity to sing in Dolly’s honor was also a chance to celebrate a friend. After the two sang together on the song “Step By Step,” they formed a sweet relationship.

Jamie MacDonald wins New Artist of the Year and honors CeCe Winans

Jamie MacDonald is making waves in Christian music after years of stepping through every door the Lord has opened for her. Her big night at the Dove Awards was made even more special by the women who celebrated her journey, both on the red carpet and onstage.

Before the show, Ellie Holcomb and Bodie shared heartfelt shoutouts to Jamie, expressing their excitement about watching her career grow. Later that evening, Jamie took home the New Artist of the Year award and used her acceptance speech to honor another woman who helped shape her faith and music: CeCe Winans.

“I was trying to heal after years of addiction and shame, and I got ahold of a CeCe Winans record. Or, should I say, a CeCe record got ahold of me,” Jamie said. “And it changed everything. I began to sing the truth over myself. And since then, this room has filled my heart and my mouth with the truth. So thank you, guys, all for the contribution you made!”

It was a powerful reminder that behind so many success stories are the artists whose music and encouragement helped pave the way.

Jamie MacDonald hugs Lauren Daigle after winning New Artist of the Year
Blueamberphoto / GMA Dove Awards

Ellie Holcomb and Bodie celebrate Jamie MacDonald’s rising career

Jamie MacDonald wasn’t just making an impression onstage. Before the show, fellow artists were already cheering her on and celebrating the way she has embraced her calling. Ellie Holcomb shared how meaningful it has been to watch Jamie grow into her gifts, while Bodie was eager to celebrate the rising star’s success.

“I have known Jamie MacDonald for a lot of years. It’s been so sweet to watch her lean into the invitation that God has given her to share her gift with all of us,” Ellie said.

And musician Bodie agreed. “I want to give a big shoutout to Jamie MacDonald. She’s taking the world by storm right now. I’m just so excited to watch her fly. She’s so humble, so talented.”

Their words were especially sweet in light of Jamie’s New Artist of the Year win. It was a full-circle moment that showed just how meaningful it can be when fellow artists recognize and encourage one another.

CeCe Winans and Tasha Cobbs Leonard with major Dove Awards wins

The night’s celebrations continued as more women took home honors for their contributions to Christian and Gospel music.

Reigning Christian music icon CeCe Winans won Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “More Than This.” She accepted the award with grace, directing the glory back to the Lord.

After delivering a jaw-dropping performance featuring her stunning vocals and compelling lyrics, Tasha Cobbs Leonard went on to win Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for her album TASHA.

Tasha had previously felt most comfortable recording live albums, but when God led her into the studio, she embraced the opportunity. She was surprised and excited to see how He guided her in writing the album.

Together, these wins celebrated not only the women’s extraordinary talent but also the faith and perseverance behind the music that continues to inspire listeners.

Shawn Johnson East, Hope Darst and Lauren Daigle give flowers to women who inspire them

Before the awards show, Woman’s World asked several beloved artists on the red carpet which women in the industry they wanted to shout out or “give flowers” to. Their answers offered a glimpse into the friendships, mentorships and everyday encouragement that make the Christian music community so special.

For Shawn Johnson East, one of her inspirations comes from the world of sports, while another made a lasting impact early in her career. “I always look up to Lindsey Vonn. She’s been such a leader in the women’s sports world, and I’ve always been her biggest fan,” she said. “And my first agent, when I started getting into this world, I was very overwhelmed. I was a little kid and I remember her gifting me my very first real Bible, and her saying, ‘Never forget this in the world that you’re about to go into.’”

Hope Darst, meanwhile, had a special shoutout for a fellow artist who knows all about balancing a busy career with family life. “Who am I gonna give my flowers to tonight? I have to give them to Natalie [Grant],” she said with a smile. “We are truly friends outside of this, and she was on a plane at 3 am and is now here. I’m just like, she gets the ‘working mom’ flowers. That’s what she gets right now.”

And when Lauren Daigle was asked to name the women she wanted to celebrate, she couldn’t choose just one. “I’ll give three,” the beloved singer/songwriter said. “One is Natalie Grant. Love her. Two is Amy Grant. Love her. And three is Ellie Holcomb. I was talking to all three of those women this week!”

The Dove Awards reminded us of the power of cheering each other on

The 2026 Dove Awards were a heartwarming celebration of the extraordinary women shaping Christian music and the many people who encourage them along the way. From honoring legends like Dolly Parton to celebrating rising stars like Jamie MacDonald, the evening was filled with reminders that there is room for everyone to shine.

At its heart, the Christian music community is made up of incredible women and men who continue to seek new ways to use their gifts to point the spotlight back to God. And when artists come together to lift one another up, they remind us all of what makes this community so special.

It’s an honor to be a fan of so many talented, faith-filled people who share their gifts with the world and invite us to join them in worship and praise.

Dove Awards Surprise! Amy Grant Joins Natalie Grant for Dolly Tribute

mdillard — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:30:48 +0000

The 57th annual celebration of Christian and Gospel music will bring together some of the biggest voices in the genre on October 9th!

Among the newly announced performances are Brandon Lake with country superstar Lainey Wilson, Tye Tribbett, Hope Darst and Elevation Worship, while two legendary women in Christian music, Amy Grant and Natalie Grant, will join forces for a special tribute to the late Dolly Parton. The lineup feels especially fitting for this year’s “Together For One” theme, which celebrates the way different generations, genres and voices can come together through faith and music. This is a night you aren’t going to want to miss!

Brandon Lake and Lainey Wilson bring faith-filled country duet to the Dove Awards stage

One of the evening’s most anticipated performances will be Brandon Lake and Lainey Wilson singing their collaboration, “The Jesus I Know Now.” The song grew out of a conversation between the two artists at a Nashville writers’ retreat, where Wilson opened up to Lake about how her understanding of Jesus had changed throughout her faith journey.

Lake later shared the story during a stop on his King of Hearts Tour, recalling that Wilson told him, “You know, the Jesus I know now isn’t really like the Jesus I grew up being taught about.” That conversation became the inspiration for the song. The collaboration is another example of the way Christian and country music have continued to meet in the middle. The song went on to earn a Dove Awards nomination for Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year.

Amy Grant and Natalie Grant make history with a special Dove Awards Dolly tribute

For the first time in history, Amy Grant and Natalie Grant will share the stage for a special tribute to Dolly Parton. Both women are icons of contemporary Christian music in their own right. Amy Grant began releasing Christian music as a teenager in the late 1970s and has spent nearly five decades shaping the contemporary Christian music genre with 22 GMA Dove Awards under her belt.

Meanwhile, Natalie Grant began her professional Christian music career with the group Truth before launching her solo career, releasing her debut album in 1999. She has won five Dove Awards, including four consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year honors from 2006 through 2009 and another in 2012.

While both women have been fixtures at the Dove Awards and within the Christian music community for decades, their tribute to Dolly Parton is set to create a particularly meaningful moment for Christian music fans.

Star-studded presenters: Who is appearing at the 2026 GMA Dove Awards?

But this year, the performances aren’t the only reason to watch. The presenter lineup includes some of Christian music’s most recognizable names, including Chris Tomlin, Cory Asbury, Jenn Johnson, Marvin Sapp and Christine D’Clario. And fans of The Chosen will have a reason to tune in with George H. Xanthis and Paras Patel — who play John and Matthew — joining the presenter lineup alongside Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East.

The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards promise a night that brings together beloved Christian artists, rising voices, worship leaders, country stars and familiar faces from entertainment. It’s the kind of evening that can remind fans just how wide-reaching Christian music has become — while still celebrating the faith at the heart of it all.

How and when to watch the 57th annual GMA Dove Awards live

The ceremony will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET, and will be simulcast on SiriusXM’s The Message.

Miranda Lambert Kicks Off Her New ‘Crisco’ Era With an Iconic Surprise

mdillard — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:27:05 +0000

Miranda Lambert is kicking off a new chapter in true Miranda fashion with her signature country charm and a touch of sparkly disco. Her new album, Crisco, is officially out today, featuring Ella Langley on “Snakeskin Boots” and Chris Stapleton on “A Song to Sing.” On October 1st, Miranda brought her new era to life when she took the stage for the opening night of Nashville’s newest music venue, The Truth. In front of a sold-out crowd, she performed several songs from Crisco alongside the hits from her catalog.

Miranda Lambert’s ‘Crisco’ era brings country and disco together

“It was one of my favorite projects I’ve gotten to work on in a really long time,” she told the crowd. “Country and disco equals Crisco. Y’all get it, right? It’s the first time I’ve recorded with strings, and it’s the first time I’ve ever really dove into that area of country music I’ve never explored. So thank y’all for coming along for the ride!” After more than two decades in country music, the Grammy-winning singer’s new album, Crisco is a reminder of what makes Miranda so iconic and beloved.

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Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton deliver a Dolly-and-Kenny moment

One of the most special moments of the night came when Lambert welcomed Chris Stapleton to the stage to perform their new song, “A Song to Sing.” Before he joined her, she explained how the collaboration helped inspire the entire Crisco era.

“As you know, I’m entering a new era of Crisco tonight, and the whole thing started with this song that I wrote with two of my friends, Jesse Frasure and Chris Stapleton,” she said. “We just got in the room one day and we were like, ‘We’re gonna do some Dolly and Kenny s**t today.’ And we did the damn thing, and it set me on a whole path of Crisco. And my friend was kind enough to come out and sing with me tonight. Please welcome to the stage, Mr. Chris Stapleton. We’re gonna do our best Dolly and Kenny for y’all tonight! You ready? Here we go.”

Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert previously performed together at the 59th Annual CMA Awards in 2025
Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage

The two then sang the toe-tapping duet together, bringing their own spin to the kind of classic country sound made famous by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. And Lambert later had one more nod to the legendary pair up her sleeve when she closed out her bows to “Islands in the Stream,” putting the spotlight on the country icons who helped inspire her sound.

Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley’s friendship goes beyond music

The first new hit Miranda played from her new album was “Snakeskin Boots” featuring Ella Langley. The two first connected creatively while writing “Choosin’ Texas” with Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor, and Lambert went on to co-produce Langley’s album Dandelion. The song became a massive breakthrough for Langley, while her friendship with Miranda also took off.

Lambert has been candid about how much she wants to support younger women coming up in country music, recently telling Billboard, “What I’ve done is try to use the knowledge that I’ve gained by being in the industry for over 20 years to really lift up the younger generations coming up and trying to be there for them and answer questions. Sometimes I know the right way to do it, because I did it wrong.”

Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards in 2026
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

And when it comes to Langley, Lambert sees herself simply as her biggest “hype girl,” saying, “I’m either talking her off a ledge or hyping her up, because she knows exactly what she wants. We’re girls. We talk each other off the ledge all the time.”

Their relationship has continued to grow beyond songwriting, with the pair also teaming up on “Butterfly Season” for Dandelion and now “Snakeskin Boots” for Crisco. It’s clear that what started in a songwriting room has turned into a genuine friendship.

The Miranda Lambert songs you didn’t know she wrote

Not only is Miranda an incredible performer and powerhouse vocalist, but her talent for songwriting also makes her a monumental asset to the country music industry.

She hasn’t just spent the past two decades writing her own hits and selling out shows. She’s created a musical family around her, sharing her gift for turning heartbreak and relatable experiences into country hits for other artists she admires.

Over the years, she has written or co-written songs recorded by fellow country stars and artists across genres, including:

“Choosin’ Texas” — Ella Langley
“Thought You Should Know” — Morgan Wallen
“Outrunnin’ Your Memory” — Luke Combs feat. Miranda Lambert
“What Am I Gonna Do” — Chris Stapleton
“The Lost” — Jelly Roll
“Good Horses” — Lainey Wilson feat. Miranda Lambert
“We Ain’t Good at Breaking Up” — Brothers Osborne
“Falling Apart” — Parker McCollum
“My Only Child” — The Highwomen
“Don’t Blame It on Whiskey” — Jon Pardi feat. Lauren Alaina
“You’re My Texas” — Gabby Barrett
“Suffocating” — Blake Shelton
“I’m Good at Leavin’” — Ashley Monroe
“Love Like Whiskey” — The War and Treaty
“It Takes One to Know One” — Natalie Hemby

Crisco brings Miranda Lambert’s ‘country disco’ era to Nashville

With Crisco out now, Miranda Lambert is proving again that she knows how to make country music feel fresh. Whether she’s writing alongside a fellow country icon like Stapleton, cheering on a rising star like Langley or putting her own unforgettable twist on a new song, Miranda has spent more than 20 years lifting other artists while remaining an enduring force in country music. With a twang of country and shimmery disco, Crisco is proof that despite the time she’s already put in, Miranda’s shiny star is still rising.

How Dolly Parton Changed Country Artist Belles’ Life (Excl)

mdagnese — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 23:15:00 +0000

Sometimes chasing a dream takes you farther than you imagined. For singer-songwriter Belles, the journey led her from Nebraska to Nashville and, eventually, to Dolly Parton. “In my heart, I always knew I wanted to do music,” Belles tells Woman’s World. “There was this moment in 2018 where I thought, If I don’t do this now, I don’t know if I ever will.”

In the years that followed, Belles wrote hundreds of songs and continued playing live across the country. But she never expected that one of those songs would land her a duet with Dolly…a duet that would become one of the final collaborations of Dolly’s legendary 60-plus year career.

Recently, Woman’s World sat down with Belles at Starstruck Studios on Nashville’s famed Music Row to discuss her rising country career and her song “Son of Jolene.” Plus, we discussed what it was really like working with Dolly, the life-changing advice the icon gave her and what’s coming up next in Belles’ world.

Where it all began: ‘It was always a passion’

Red Light Management

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Belles grew up surrounded by music—literally. “I have a very musical family,” she says. “My grandma was a jazz singer in Chicago and my mom and her three sisters were a pop vocal harmony group. Growing up, I’d be backstage watching them do vocal warm-ups, writing songs and recording and I just knew it was a passion of mine, too.”

At first, her family—who knew all too well the turbulence of the music industry—was cautious. “The industry is just so hard and they knew that firsthand,” she says. “I think they were hesitant to watch me go through that. But unfortunately, or fortunately, I was just obsessed. In kindergarten, they asked the class, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I raised my hand and said, ‘A singer-songwriter.’ There was really no turning back.”

When it comes to specific musical influences, Belles remembers country playing in the house constantly growing up. “My mom grew up loving country. And my grandfather was obsessed with Dolly,” she says. “We’d always listen to her and Loretta Lynn, especially their trio album [Honky Tonk Angels], Shania, The Chicks. Wide Open Spaces is one of my favorite albums of all time. This music was always playing and it really impacted me. I started singing at a young age and everyone was like, ‘You sound like a country singer.’”

In late 2018, at just 19 years old, Belles packed up and made the trek to Tennessee. She immersed herself in the local scene, attending nightly writers’ rounds and meeting a core group of fellow musicians and writers, thanks in part to friends from her hometown country radio station, KAT 103.7, who helped her make some key connections.

The song that changed it all: ‘It just kind of fell out of the sky’

Red Light Management

In the fall of 2024, Belles was touring the country with her opening act, Trevor Martin. “He’s an incredible artist,” she says. “His mom came out to a show one night and his mom’s name is Jolene. I was struck by it—I had never met anyone named Jolene before.”

She kept thinking of Dolly’s iconic 1973 hit “Jolene,” and it inspired an idea. “The next day in the van, I just turned to him and I was like, ‘Trevor, you should write a song about being the son of Jolene.’ He was like, ‘Ah, I don’t really know if I would write that.’ So I was like, ‘Well, would you care if I took a stab at it?’ And he said, ‘Sure.’”

In the music writing world, the irony is that all the best songs are the ones written quickly and effortlessly. Like magic. And that was true with “Son of Jolene.”

“So that next week, I wrote this song with two of my best friends here in Nashville that I’ve known for years, Dan Harrison and Tyler Bank,” she recalls. “We just sat down and wrote this song literally in 40 minutes. It just kind of fell out of the sky.”

They say ‘don’t meet your heroes’—but Dolly was the exception

Ashley Summerford

Belles’ song “Son of Jolene” opens with a haunting melody and sweeping pedal steel that complements the sweetness of her vocals. Lyrically, the song was written as a sequel to Dolly’s “Jolene.” But her team had one idea before it was released.

“My amazing publisher Stephanie Greene got the song to Dolly’s longtime producer, Kent Wells, and somehow Dolly heard it and loved it so much she wanted to sing on it. I couldn’t believe it.”

Belles says meeting Dolly was a turning point in her life in more ways than one. “She was a ray of pure sunshine,” Belles, full name Kelli Rachel Belles, remembers.

“The day we met in person we shot a bunch of videos together. We got to sing harmonies together and I was so nervous. I think I blacked out the first five minutes. Literally, I watched that footage back, and I don’t even remember the first couple minutes. But she was just so kind and so much fun—it was one of the best days of my life.”

The song, which is a character-driven continuation of Dolly’s hit, impressed the country icon from the start. “When I heard ‘Son of Jolene,’ I thought it was very clever,” Dolly said in an interview with People. “No one had ever thought of it that way.”

Two things Dolly told Belles that she’ll never forget

Dolly Parton in 1976
Getty

Dolly’s boundless talent was only matched by her boundless generosity in everything she did—from donating books to millions of children to investing in medical research and giving young country artists a chance. “Her generosity was one of the things I loved most about Dolly,” Belles reflects. “She had no idea who I was, but she heard something in the song and took a chance on me. She gave me such an incredible gift.” Dolly was also known to give wise advice and that’s something Belles can attest to.

“She shared two pieces of advice that have really stuck with me, especially now,” she says. “Firstly, she told me to always follow my ‘God gut.’ And I love that. Then, she told me that there are a lot of chances in this world, so don’t sacrifice your character or your beliefs for a chance that you’re not sure about because there will be another one.”

“When you’re trying to accomplish a dream as an artist, it’s kind of like a ‘say yes to everything’ attitude,” she explains. “And I’ve had that for years. It’s very hard for me to say no, but after a certain point it becomes more important what you say ‘no thanks’ to than what you say yes to—and she really taught me that.”

Charting songs, new singles and carrying Dolly’s legacy forward

Red Light Management

The moment the news of Dolly’s passing became public, Belles was in the middle of a radio interview. “I was in shock and heartbroken,” she recalls. “She meant the world to me.”

In the weeks since, Belles has found comfort in the outpouring of love for Dolly from around the world. “It’s been so beautiful to see how many lives she touched. I just feel so grateful to be a small part of her incredible legacy.”

Then in mid September, “Son of Jolene” debuted at No. 51 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The song drew more than a million listeners—up 68% from the week prior. And Belles’ debut album, Midwestern, releases on October 16. Her newest single off the forthcoming album, “Everything But Over You,” is out today and it’s one of her “favorites” on the record. “I’ve been working on this project for almost two years and it’s been such a labor of love,” she says. “I’m so proud of this project and can’t wait for everyone to hear it. It’s been a long time coming.”

When asked how she’ll honor Dolly going forward, Belles’ answer is immediate. “Honestly, I’m just gonna continue to do what I think Dolly would do,” she says. “I just hope that I can make her proud with everything I do going forward.”

For more information on Belles’ upcoming music, visit BellesMusic.com and follow her on Instagram @bellesmusic.

Discover Dolly Parton’s Faith, Tragic Heartbreak, and Gospel Hits

mdillard — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 21:00:12 +0000

Throughout her remarkable life, Dolly Parton has taught us about love, joy, laughter, and unforgettable music — but perhaps her most powerful gift to the world has been showing us the strength that comes from unwavering faith.

Growing up in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton was the fourth of 12 children in a close-knit Christian family. Dolly relied on her faith to carry her through every day of her life and remained a steadfast inspiration to us all.

“I grew up in a family that believed in God. My mother was very spiritual and my grandpa was a preacher,” Dolly once said. “It’s just very important because I never try to cram religion down anybody’s throat. I just am who I am and I just hope that if somebody sees something good in me, I want God to have the credit.”

Dolly and her mother, Avie Lee, who inspired her to follow God
Dolly Parton

Here, we’re sharing Dolly’s heartfelt remarks about faith from her interview with Woman’s World’s sister magazine, Simple Grace, and how she’s kept her faith as an unshakeable pillar of strength.

Why Dolly Parton turned to God

When Dolly was 9, she experienced one of the most painful times in her life when her baby brother, Larry, died when he was just four days old. “Losing my baby brother was my first encounter with death and the deepest hurt I’ve ever known,” Dolly told Simple Grace. “It was my first true feeling of loss and of questioning God. I remember asking, ‘God, why are you doing this?’” This was the first time Dolly encountered such heartache that caused her to run towards God.

“It’s a hard lesson, because we love our families and our babies and our pets, and you can’t lose anything that you love with all your being and it not break your heart,” Dolly said. “Bad things happen, loss happens, but I don’t think God causes them to happen. I think He’s there to comfort us and help us through it.”

Ever since that heartbreaking loss, Dolly has found that leaning on God in times of suffering and trusting Him even when we don’t understand helps us find the courage to love fearlessly and opens our hearts to love even more deeply. “You never know how God works,” she said with a smile. “You just have to have faith and know that it’s going to be alright.”

Dolly Parton’s faith kept her strong through hard times
Dolly Parton

How Dolly discovered God as her ‘best buddy’

In her 1994 autobiography, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, Dolly described praying in an abandoned church as a young woman. She wrote, “One day as I prayed in earnest, I broke through some sort of spirit wall and found God.”

She went on to say that she rediscovered God not as someone intimidating, but as someone she could speak with personally at any time of the day. It was at this moment that her relationship with God shifted and deepened.

“God is my best buddy,” Dolly told Simple Grace with a burst of joy-filled laughter. “I grew up in a faith-based family. I’ve always loved Him. Every day I thank God for letting me see another day.”

One of the biggest influences on Dolly’s faith was her mother, Avie Lee, who taught her the value of falling on her knees. Dolly recalls: “Mama would say to trust God and pray when you didn’t know what to do.”

The faith-filled songs Dolly Parton has written

Dolly was known for her masterful songwriting and storytelling, and the music she gave to the world will live on for generations to come. She often used songwriting as a way to express her faith and trust in God, weaving her beliefs as a recurring thread throughout her music.

She released her first gospel album, The Golden Streets of Glory in 1971, in which she wrote the title track about what Heaven might be like: “Hallelujah, I just hope my feet are clean enough / to walk upon the golden streets of glory.”

The Golden Streets of Glory by Dolly Parton
Spotify

Her 1971 hit “Coat of Many Colors” relates her childhood in poverty and the biblical account of Joseph. Another early original song, “Letter to Heaven,” takes the form of a child turning to God after losing her mother. Sacred music has continued to appear throughout her career, including a rendition of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” on her 1994 album Heartsongs: Live from Home. Her 1999 collection Precious Memories is devoted to well-known hymns, among them “In the Garden,” “Amazing Grace” and “Power in the Blood.”

Dolly’s faith-filled music has earned widespread recognition. Of her 11 Grammy awards, two were for powerful collaborations with Christian artists: “There Was Jesus” with Zach Williams and “God Only Knows” with For King and Country.

In 2004, “Stand by the River,” Dolly’s duet with gospel artist Dottie Rambo, was nominated for the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award for Best Recorded Country Song. She was nominated for the same award the following year for “When I Get Where I’m Going,” a duet with country singer Brad Paisley, and in 2021, she and Zach Williams also won Song of the Year at the K-Love Fan Awards for “There Was Jesus.”

Living out her faith through kindness

Underneath the wigs, the makeup, and the rhinestones, Dolly has lived her life in a way that allows others to see the good she does for the world and she gives God the credit for it. Her message was never about perfection or hitting all the right marks, but rather about showing up with love, leaning on God when times get tough, and trusting that even in our darkest moments, we’re never alone. As Dolly reminds us with her trademark warmth: “You just have to have faith and know that it’s going to be alright.”

I Visited Dolly Parton’s Home to Say 'Thank You'

mdagnese — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:15:09 +0000

There are some people you feel like you know even though you don’t really know them. For me, Dolly Parton is one of those people. I’ve been a Dolly fan for as long as I can remember, but my appreciation for the Queen of Country blossomed tenfold the minute I moved to Tennessee.

A few years ago, my husband and I moved from Los Angeles to Nashville and within a day, I was in awe over how present Dolly was in town. I’d walk by open windows on side streets and hear a raspy rendition of “Jolene.” I’d be stuck in traffic downtown and look up to see a colorful handpainted mural of Dolly. I’d hear stories from locals about how she truly is as kind as you think she is. Little did I know, I’d soon start covering the ‘Dolly beat’ at Woman’s World. This allowed me to attend the premiere of her Broadway show here in Nashville, which turned out to be one of two times I’d see her in person. (More on that later!)

Proof of her goodness is everywhere—from her Imagination Library to her local donations to pediatric disease research and her willingness to still give new artists a chance. When I heard the news of her passing, my heart sank into my stomach. It was like a light went out. I thought, Please no. If anyone could live forever it was Dolly, right? I was traveling out of state at the time, so my trek back to Tennessee was heavy. As the plane prepared for landing, I saw a faint pink glow glistening from the airport below in honor of Dolly. I smiled and mentally corrected myself, Of course a light didn’t go out. Her sparkle is stronger than ever. If it were anyone else, that might sound hyperbolic but for Dolly it’s true.

I kept thinking about Dolly, and her light, long after the plane landed. For days, I cried as I watched video clips and read stories from strangers about how much they loved her. Feeling grief for superstars is sometimes considered parasocial these days, but the universal outpouring of sadness, love and gratitude for Dolly proves that these feelings, and her impact, are very real for millions of us.

She was a true pioneer not only in music, but in following your dreams, staying true to yourself and in turn accepting yourself and others. In many ways, Dolly’s kindness, self-love and empathy for others inspired people to not only love her immensely in return but also love themselves a little more. She empowered women and all people. I can’t think of a more powerful legacy. So on Sunday, I took the 24-minute drive from my house to Dolly’s house to say the one thing I never got to tell her in person—thank you.

The first day I saw Dolly sparkle in person

The day we saw Dolly! Here, Director Bartlett Sher, Dolly and Dolly’s sister Willadeene Parton.
Courtesy of Sam Simpkins/Belmont University

But first, let’s rewind for a minute and revisit the first time I saw Dolly in person. It was a hot day in August 2025 when I received a press confirmation to attend the premiere of Dolly’s Broadway play here in Nashville. And thanks to long-time Woman’s World writer Deborah Evans Price, who has known Dolly for decades, we were approved to interview her on the red carpet.

I immediately made an appointment to get my hair blown out. “What style are you looking for today,” the hairstylist asked me. “Big and bouncy—with a lot of volume,” I answered. If you’re potentially meeting Dolly Parton, it’s really the least you could do.

A few hours later, I pulled up to the Fisher Center for Performing Arts at Belmont University with my mini mics and interview questions in hand. We were told Dolly is always on time so to be ready for her, and we were. I saw the looks of astonishment on other people’s faces before I saw Dolly…so I followed their line of vision and there she was.

As soon as I saw her, I felt like I was going to cry tears of joy. I had goosebumps head to toe. She graciously made her way to every journalist and when she walked over to Deb and me, I couldn’t believe it. She really did sparkle. I’ve always heard people talk about certain celebrities having an aura and I’m here to tell you, dear reader, that Dolly Parton had one. It was golden pink and shimmered as much as the iridescent sequins on her outfit that day. Whenever people ask, I always say I “unofficially” met Dolly. I didn’t speak with her directly, but getting to see her, smile with her and laugh along with her while recording the interview for Woman’s World was more than I could ever ask for.

When Deb asked Dolly what she hopes people—women in particular—will take away from her Broadway play (which debuts in New York City in December) she was quick to answer. “That we’re good. We’re strong. We’re stout and we can do things—and that dreams can come true,” Dolly told us. “So if you work hard enough and believe in what you are doing, I think it will all happen.”

(L) Deborah Evans Price and me just after chatting with Dolly! (R) Setting up on the carpet and trying to hide my excitement.
Melissa D'Agnese

Dolly’s last public appearance was in Cookesville—and I was there

Danny Nozell, Dolly Parton and Gregory H Sachs cutting the ribbon at the grand opening.
Courtesy of Dolly Parton

Another one of the reasons Dolly is so beloved is that despite all her fame and fortune, she always remained a woman of the people. Her final public appearance was a testament to that. It wasn’t a fancy televised gala or a stadium concert. It was at a truck stop in Cookeville, but it was just as magical.

On June 24th, I showed up excited to cover the grand opening of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop. I knew there would be live music, food and all things Dolly, but I had no idea she would actually show up. Midway through the event, we were told she was there. I was ecstatic. Hundreds of us braved the Tennessee heat to see Dolly in person, and when she stepped outside in a signature glistening outfit complete with 5-inch platform heels, she was luminous. “How’s everybody doing today out in that hot boiling sun?” she asked the crowd with a wink. (I wrote more about this event in detail here.)

Her megawatt smile, humor and grace were on full display that day. Later that evening, I told family and friends about seeing her in person again. My mom asked what she was like. I said she was just as spectacular—and funny—as ever. She brought joy with her everywhere she went and her final appearance was no different.

Just last month, I covered Dolly’s symphony show during its residency here in Nashville. The team invited me backstage to a recreation of Dolly’s dressing rooms over the years, complete with framed photos, handwritten lyrics and letters—and, of course, wigs galore. It was perfect.

Backstage in “Dolly’s dressing room” ahead of her symphony show!
Melissa D'Agnese

I interviewed the three talented “Dollys” performing vocals for the show and each one shared her own personal stories with the Queen of Country. They expressed their love for her, her music and how she changed their lives for the better. Afterward, I watched the show from the 15th row and listened to the lyrics of Dolly’s life—from “The Coat of Many Colors” to “My Tennessee Mountain Home” and “I Will Always Love You.” I left the theater once again inspired by the extraordinary life of a girl who grew up in a two-room cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Driving to Dolly’s house to say ‘thank you’

Dolly’s house.
Melissa D'Agnese

On Sunday, my husband, Ian, drove me to Dolly’s house. He knows how much she means to me and wanted to offer support in some small way. I sat in the passenger seat, my carefully curated Dolly playlist playing as we drove down the winding roads of Brentwood. “It’s been a long dark night. And I’ve been a-waiting for the morning. It’s been a long hard fight,” Dolly’s honey-sweet voice sang as we inched closer to her house.

We knew we had arrived when we saw lines of cars and police directing traffic. As we pulled up, I hopped out of the car while he parked. I wanted a few moments alone to pay tribute.

Dolly’s estate stood proudly on acres of lush green grass. Fans of all ages approached the home’s gates armed with fresh flowers, letters, cards, balloons and handpainted artwork. Though there were dozens of people there, it was nearly quiet. I was moved by how peaceful it felt. Walking in front of the gates, I saw her home’s front doors and at my feet were piles of colorful flowers—sunflowers, tulips, hydrangeas, red roses, daisies and the like.

How Dolly’s light continues to shine

Giving thanks to Dolly.
Melissa D'Agnese

One man wept silently. One woman whispered to her friend, “I still can’t believe it.” Then, a mom wearing a cowboy hat walked up with her two young sons, each holding small bouquets. The mom was clearly a devoted Dolly fan, but her tears weren’t what struck me. It was her son’s words: “Mom, where is Dolly now? Is she up in heaven?” It was quiet enough that everyone gathered nearby heard the sweet exchange. We all looked at each other for a beat. His mom answered, “Yeah buddy, she is.”

At this moment, the sunlight was reflecting off the cellophane balloons and bouquet wraps. It was unexpectedly beautiful, but why was I surprised? If anyone could make an impromptu driveway tribute a sight to behold, it was Dolly. And if her sparkle is still shining like this, maybe the best thing we can all do is keep looking for ways to reflect it.

I left my handwritten note of gratitude along with a pretty pink faux flower bouquet—a slight nod to one of my favorite quotes of hers: “I think there’s a little magic in the fact that my heart is so totally real, but I appear so artificial.”

I didn’t expect this quick visit to Dolly’s house to be so moving, but it was. It was the ideal way to say thank you and a welcome reminder that her joy is still all around us.

As we pulled away, that little song she recorded in 1977 resumed playing. Dolly sang as if on cue, “I see a brand new day dawning. I’ve been looking for the sunshine. You know I ain’t seen it in so long, but everything’s gonna work out just fine. Everything’s gonna be all right.” Leave it to Dolly…still finding ways to provide comfort and light. For that, I’m more grateful than ever.

I will always love you, Dolly and I’ll be thinking of you “each step of the way.”

Thank you for everything, Dolly.
Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Were Friends for Nearly 40 Years: Inside Their ‘Electric’ Bond

mdagnese — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:30:47 +0000

As the world mourns the passing of the one and only Dolly Parton, fans are coming together to share their favorite songs, movies and moments starring the Queen of Country. But one particularly moving musical moment has gone viral across social media this week—it’s Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers singing ‘We’ve Got Tonight’ in 1985. Kenny begins the song and Dolly enters a few minutes later across the stadium, singing the lyrics ‘deep in my soul.’ The second Kenny hears her voice, he can’t hide his awe. He drops his mic slightly, bites his lip and smiles, eyes twinkling with adoration. Fans cannot get enough of this moment and frankly, neither can we!

The two music legends each had massive solo careers, but collaborated on long-loved hits like ‘Islands in the Stream’ and ‘Real Love,’ cementing a heartfelt lifelong friendship. They even faced speculation over the years regarding their relationship, but the two always maintained they were strictly platonic. (Well, with some ‘electric’ flirting sprinkled across three decades, according to Kenny.)

From their first meeting in 1976 to their final song release in 2013 and beyond, here’s the heartwarming story of a legendary nearly 40-year-long friendship that won the hearts of millions.

Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers shared similar paths to stardom

Young Dolly and Kenny had no idea how much magic they’d make together.
Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer / ©The Estate of Kenny Rogers

Dolly and Kenny bonded over songwriting and fame, but their similarities ran even deeper than music. Both grew up in poverty—Dolly was famously raised in a two-room shack in the Great Smoky Mountains while Kenny was born in a housing project in Houston. Their humble beginnings created a sort of unspoken understanding between them.

“He, like me, was brought up very poor. We understood that world, and how much we wanted things,” Parton told Biography.com.

She continued to reiterate how their early life was a strong foundation for their bond through the decades, including during a Today show interview. “Kenny and I have been friends for so many years,” she told Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. “He was from Texas and I was from Tennessee…and we just connected. You know how there are some people you feel like you know all your life? We just knew each other so well.”

When Dolly split from her longtime collaborator Porter Wagoner in 1974, she went on to achieve solo success in Nashville. Kenny, who started his career in bands like Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, branched out on his own in 1975.

When did Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers first meet?

Dolly Parton in 1976—the year she met Kenny Rogers.
Getty

Dolly and Kenny first crossed paths in the 1970s when Dolly was hosting her own television show, Dolly—a vibrant weekly music and variety series.

In 1976, Kenny appeared on the show to perform “Love Lifted Me” and “The World Needs a Melody,” alongside duets and a musical medley with Dolly. This marked the very first time the icons worked and performed together.

‘Islands in the Stream’ almost never happened

Dolly and Kenny performing “Islands in the Stream” in 1985.
Gary Gershoff/Getty Images

In 1983, Kenny was having a difficult day in the studio singing his potential new single “Islands in the Stream.” The song, titled after an Ernest Hemingway novel of the same name, was written by the Bee Gees and produced by Barry Gibb.

“I sang that song for four days and I finally just said ‘Barry, I don’t even like this song anymore,’” Kenny told journalist Dan Rather in an interview in 2014. And apparently, that’s when inspiration struck.

“And Barry said—I swear it was like an epiphany—’we need Dolly Parton.’ And I thought, well, I had met Dolly but I didn’t really know her. And then my manager Ken Kragen said, ‘Oh, I just saw her downstairs. So I said, ‘well, go get her and let’s see if she likes it.”

A rare photo of Dolly and Kenny during a press conference in 1987.
Photo by Paul Wright/Fairfax Media via Getty Images

The next thing they knew, Dolly waltzed into the studio and history was made. “She marched in the room as only Dolly could do and once she came in the song was never the same,” Kenny continued. “I mean, it was really different when she sang with me than when I sang it by myself. It had a different meaning, a different set of values to it and musically it was so much better.”

Dolly’s contributions transformed the song into something extraordinary. Soon after, the track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs and Adult Contemporary charts and went on to become a certified platinum hit multiple times over.

A musical bond that kept going: From ‘Real Love’ to ‘You Can’t Make Old Friends’

“Our voices really blended well,” Dolly said in 2020.
Photo by Mike Slaughter/Toronto Star via Getty Images

In 1985, they recorded “Real Love,” which marked their second duet and second No. 1 hit on country radio, topping the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart by August. Between their magnetic stage presence and their palpable chemistry, fans were simply enamored with the duo.

Other duets over the years included festive holiday tracks like “The Greatest Gift of All” and 2013’s “You Can’t Make Old Friends.” The latter song was their final duet. “That was written for us by songwriter Don Schlitz, who wrote ‘The Gambler,’” Kenny said.

“It was written for us about our relationship and our career. It’s wonderful and it’s very touching. It asks, what will I do when you’re gone?”

The truth about their relationship: ‘We flirted for 30 years’

In 1983, “Islands in the Stream” sold more than 2 million physical copies, went triple Platinum and won multiple awards.
Ron Galella / Gary Null / NBCU Photo Bank

Over the years, Dolly and Kenny’s ongoing chemistry led to speculation that the two were more than musical collaborators and friends. Both Dolly and Kenny spoke and joked about these rumors numerous times over the years. They both always said that they had an enduring, creative friendship with mutual admiration—and it was platonic. But there was flirting, Kenny noted.

In the interview with Dan Rather, he asked Kenny point blank: “You’re telling me, there was never anything romantic between you and Dolly Parton?”

Kenny smiled and answered earnestly, “I am telling you from the bottom of my heart. I met her husband first of all. And I was married to Marianne through that whole time. But what we did was we flirted with each other for 30 years—and it was much more electric,” Kenny explained.

“I think once you consummate a relationship like that it loses something and she and I both believe that theory, so we did some massive flirting in front of the nation but there was never anything more than that.”

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton in 1987.
Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Dolly echoed similar sentiments time and time again. “We are both kind of goofy and silly with a warped sense of humor so we always had a lot of fun times together,” she told Hoda and Jenna in 2020. “We had the same outlook on life. Traveling around the world like we did for so many years, we became very, very close. It was a very warm, real, deep passionate relationship. Not a sexual relationship at all,” she continued.

“Though…had we both been free that might’ve happened. But that never passed through us because we were always tied up,” she added with a laugh and a smile. “But we loved the fact that we were passionate and that we could feel that excitement on stage.”

Dolly’s promise to Kenny: ‘I’m going to hold you there forever’

Performing ‘Islands in the Stream’ on CMT’s 100 Greatest Duets Concert. (2005)
Ed Rode/WireImage

In the fall of 2017, Kenny Rogers said farewell to his fans with a final concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Naturally, Dolly was there to celebrate her dear friend. They performed their hits together, but the real treat was when Dolly sang “I Will Always Love You” to Rogers. During the emotional performance, he sat on a stool while Dolly sang to him. They both smiled and hugged and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

“I know I’m artificial, but I like to think my heart is real, and that’s probably the only thing that’s real about me,” she said to Kenny. “But in that heart of mine, I have a spot for you that’s never ever going to be touched by anybody else, and I’m going to hold you there forever.”

Since Dolly’s passing at 80 due to a short battle with cancer, tributes and messages from all over the world have flooded social media, and many of them are about her friendship with Kenny. One fan said of the duo: “They made true magic together—look at how he looks at her. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing.” Another said, “Their chemistry was undeniable. The best musical duo of all time.”

A friendship that will always live on

“They made true magic together—look at how he looks at her,” one fan wrote.
Gary Gershoff/Getty Images

Kenny Rogers passed away at 81 in 2020, leaving Dolly heartbroken. In 2023, Dolly opened up to People about how much she missed her friend. “I miss him so much,” she said. “I’ve lost so many wonderful people in my life in the last few years. But Kenny—he was very, very dear and special and I never get tired of hearing us sing, all the years that we were on stage together.”

She went on to say that their legendary hit “Islands in the Stream” remained a favorite of hers over the years—no matter how many times she’s performed it.

“You know how sometimes you get tired of singing something because it just becomes routine?” she questioned, with a laugh. “But I would always lighten up when that particular song was due in the setlist. It just always made everybody feel so good in the audience and the audience always loved singing it. I never got tired of Kenny’s voice.”

Now, as the world continues to mourn the ultimate Queen of Country, this beautiful friendship lives on in their timeless duets, in that viral video of Kenny’s adoring smile—one fan even remarked “you could almost imagine this is the reaction Kenny Rogers has as Dolly Parton greets him in heaven”—and in the hearts of fans everywhere who witnessed a bond that truly was, as Kenny called it, electric.

The Stories Behind Dolly Parton’s Songs—In Her Own Words

mdagnese — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 02:12:36 +0000

Dolly Parton was a beloved country music legend, an actress, a philanthropist and above all, a songwriter—or as she always called herself a ‘songteller.’ Today, the world mourns as we say goodbye to the true Queen of Country. For more than six decades, the superstar enchanted the world with her majestic voice, her larger-than-life personality and, of course, her music. A spirited storyteller at her core, Dolly turned heartbreak and hard times into songs, making us laugh, cry and dream in equal measure.

Dolly grew up in a tiny cabin at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains before making her way to the sparkling city of Nashville, Tennessee. “As a songwriter, I am influenced by everything around me—by the people around me, by the feelings of people I know and by my own joys and sorrows,” Dolly wrote in her 2020 book Songteller.

“I write a lot from my own heart. But I also just have a big imagination. When I was young, we didn’t go to the movies, so I just created my own stories. It’s kind of embedded in me to make up songs and stories,” she continued.

As we mourn the loss of an extraordinary human in every way, we’re also celebrating the extraordinary songs she gifted the world. Now, we’re looking back at the stories behind some of Dolly’s greatest hits—the inspiration that gave these once-in-a-lifetime songs their meaning. And here at Woman’s World, we’re all just beyond heartbroken by this news. We will always love you, Dolly.

Dolly Parton (1976)
David Redfern / Staff

The story behind Dolly Parton’s iconic stage debut

Dolly was born on January 19, 1946, and according to her family, she began writing songs as a toddler and performing for people around age 8. She made her celebrated Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 13. Introduced by Johnny Cash, Dolly sang George Jones’ ‘You Gotta Be My Baby’ and received three encores.

“As I heard the band play my introduction, I lifted my head and looked up toward the lights. I smiled at the people in the balcony and then let ‘er rip,” she recalled in an official note.

Becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry was one of Dolly’s very first dreams. “I had always wanted to be a member,” she wrote on Instagram. “Back home and in country music, the epitome of success was to be on the Grand Ole Opry. To become a member was a big deal.”

Then on January 4, 1969, 23-year-old Dolly was officially inducted. “I thought back to how I’d perform on my porch at my Tennessee mountain home, imagining that one day I was going to be on the Grand Ole Opry,” she added. “By becoming an official member, I would forever be associated with the Opry. It was a dream come true. And it still is.”

The stories behind the songs: ‘Coat of Many Colors’ — a lesson in love and acceptance

(L-R) Actress Jennifer Nettles, executive producer Dolly and actress Alyvia Alyn Lind speak onstage during NBC’s ‘Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors’ movie panel discussion. (2015)
Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Dolly Parton turned one of her childhood memories into one of her most beloved songs with “Coat of Many Colors.” Released in 1971, the song climbed to No. 4 on the country charts and later lent its name to a Top 10 country album. Its message has remained strong over the decades, inspiring covers by artists including Shania Twain and Alison Krauss. But the story behind the song began long before Dolly became a star, when her family had very little and her mother lovingly stitched together a coat for her—along with a lesson she would never forget.

“My mom made me this little coat,” Dolly wrote in Songteller. “In order to make me proud of that little coat, I know now, she told me the story about Joseph from the Bible and his coat of many colors.” Unfortunately, the kids at Dolly’s school didn’t see that and she was bullied about the coat. This traumatic moment made such an impact on her and the song came about many years later.

“That little song is like a world of things. It teaches about bullying, about love, about acceptance, about good parents,” Dolly continued. “That little story has even been written into a schoolbook to teach children about being different. You have to accept everything and everyone.”

‘I Will Always Love You’—a bittersweet goodbye to Porter Wagoner

Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner in a candid portrait in Nashville (1968)
Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer via Getty

An undisputed favorite among many Dolly fans, ‘I Will Always Love You’ was a No. 1 country hit when it was released in 1974 off the Jolene album. Dolly even recorded it for the soundtrack of her 1982 movie with Burt Reynolds, The Best Little Whore House in Texas. Then, 10 years later it was famously covered by Whitney Houston for The Bodyguard.

But what was Dolly’s inspiration when she first wrote it? Well, it is technically a breakup song, but not a romantic one. She originally wrote this song while trying to free herself from working exclusively with her musical collaborator Porter Wagoner.

Dolly spent seven years performing alongside him on The Porter Wagoner Show, the TV series that helped introduce her to a national audience. But one day, she knew it was time to move on. Instead of arguing or making a phone call, Dolly wrote “I Will Always Love You” as a heartfelt goodbye and thank you for everything they’d shared.

“The song came straight from the bottom of my heart,” Dolly wrote. “When I started to sing the song, he [Porter] started to cry. He knew that I had been crying when I wrote it. He got it. He said, ‘That’s the best song you ever wrote. And you can go, if I can produce that song. I said, ‘it’s a deal!’

“Now that song is going to live forever,” she continued. “I thank Porter for that song.”

‘Jolene’—inspired by a pretty bank teller—yes, really!

Album cover for “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, which was released in 1974.
Photo by Donaldson Collection/Getty Images

Dolly has hundreds of songs—and “Jolene” is the one most frequently covered by other artists. Released in 1973, the song topped the country charts and later earned Dolly a Grammy in 2017. But its origins can be traced back to her years performing with Porter Wagoner. During that time, a young fan once asked Dolly to sign an autograph “to Jolene.” The name caught her attention—so much so that she held onto it, eventually giving it to the woman at the center of one of country music’s most famous songs.

“Then later, I came up with a story that I knew women could relate to. Of course, then I thought of a story loosely based on Carl flirting with a girl down at the bank, which was true,” Dolly wrote in Songteller. “I went down there, and she was pretty. And he was flirting. And I made the whole thing into my song’s lyrics.”

A jaw-dropping fun fact: Dolly says she may have written ‘Jolene’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’ on the same day. “When we were going through all my old tapes to put my songs on hard drives, we found that ‘I Will Always Love You’ and ‘Jolene’ were on the same cassette tape, back-to-back…it very well could have been on the same day.”

‘Here You Come Again’—Dolly’s first million-selling single

This song—which was released in 1977—was a monumental one for Dolly in a few ways. Firstly, it marked a rare time where she sang a song she didn’t write. And secondly, it was her first single to sell a million copies.

“Here You Come Again” was written by legendary husband and wife songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil before it found its way to Dolly and her team.

“Gary Klein, I think, was producing Dolly Parton, and he heard it, and he loved it. Dolly, who was so gracious and adorable, thanks us every time she sees us for the song,” Weil told Huff Post in 2017. “At the time, she felt it might be a little too slick and might cost her some of her country fans. But she was talked into doing it and now she’s thrilled that she did.”

Though it became one of Dolly’s go-to songs to perform over the years, at first she didn’t want the polished song to alienate her fans. The solution? She added in some steel guitar and turned it all the way up.

‘Do I Ever Cross Your Mind’—one of Dolly’s favorites to sing live

(L-R) Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt first connected in the early 70s.
Photo by Julie Fineman/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

This song was one of Dolly’s most played songs live and remained in her set list for decades. As the flip side of her 1982 version of “I Will Always Love You,” it became a No. 1 hit in 1982. Its most recognized moment was when Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt recorded it together for their 1999 album Trio II. Other music stars have also recorded renditions of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” including Randy Travis, Tom Jones and Joan Osbourne.

“[This song] has always been one of those fun songs for me to sing,” she wrote in Songteller. “We do it a capella in my concerts, using our voices like instruments.”

“When I first recorded it, it did not have that little bridge that goes ‘Do you ever wake up lonely in the middle of the night ‘cause you miss me?’ I added that later, and that’s the version that’s on Trio II.

‘9 to 5’—a song Dolly wrote on set while ‘clicking’ her nails

(L-R) Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton act in a scene from the movie “9 to 5” which was released in 1980.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Dolly’s high-energy and infectious ‘9 to 5’ became one of her biggest crossover hits in the 1980s. In fact, the upbeat song brought Dolly’s songwriting into the pop sphere for the first time. It also went No. 1 on country and adult contemporary radio, won two Grammys and earned an Oscar nomination.

Dolly wrote ‘9 to 5’ during the filming of the movie of the same name—her first major film role. The comedy starred Dolly alongside Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. Dolly recalled the long wait times on set and how she used that time to write. “I would just take my nails and make them sound like a typewriter,” she wrote. “Off by myself, I would click my nails and use that sound as my music. I wrote ‘9 to 5’ in my head that way. I’d go back to my hotel at night and put down what I had written that day…”

“Over a long period of time, I wrote the song on my nails. I’m famous for that now. Every time I go on TV, I have to ‘play’ my nails like a typewriter.”

‘Islands in the Stream’—serendipity in the studio

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton performing onstage together (1990)
Getty

This 1983 song became one of Dolly’s most treasured duets with Kenny Rogers, but it was actually written by the Bee Gees—and originally intended for Marvin Gaye! (An even lesser-known fact: The love song’s title was inspired by a novel of the same name written by Ernest Hemingway.) While Barry Gibb and Kenny worked on ‘Islands in the Stream’ in the studio, Kenny recalled getting stuck creatively.

“We had been singing this song in my studio in L.A. for four days,” he told People magazine. “And I finally said, ‘Barry, I don’t even like this song anymore.’ “And Barry said, ‘We need Dolly Parton.’ So I said, ‘Well, why not, you know?’ And Ken Kragen, my manager, said, ‘I saw her downstairs.’ I said, ‘Well, go get her.’

It turns out fate was in their favor because a few minutes later Dolly walked right into the studio, according to Kenny. “And Dolly, in her inimitable fashion, marched into the room and the song was never the same.” The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Adult Contemporary charts and went on to become a certified platinum hit many times over.

We will think of you every step of the way, Dolly. Thank you for your music and your magic from the bottom of our hearts!

Remembering Dolly Parton: How the Icon Quietly Changed the World

mdillard — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:39:33 +0000

Our hearts are broken today as we say goodbye to Dolly Parton, the beloved country music legend whose voice, sparkling personality and extraordinary songwriting made her one of the most cherished stars around the globe.

Her family announced that Dolly died August 25 at age 80. In a statement shared by her nephew Bryan Seaver, he said, “Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus.” While Dolly wrote an estimated 3,000 songs, sold more than 100 million records and gave us iconic toe-tapping treasures like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” her impact on the world reaches beyond just her musical talents and songwriting expertise.

Her family and fans adored her, and her influence was felt on and off the stage. She helped children discover the joy of reading, helped families rebuild after devastating fires, supported medical research, created jobs in her beloved East Tennessee and opened doors for people who simply needed someone to believe in them.

Dolly never shied away from helping others, and she has constantly used her own success to lift others up, especially children and the less fortunate.

Dolly’s Imagination Library Put Books in Little Hands

In honor of her father, Robert Lee Parton, who never learned to read or write, Dolly founded the Imagination Library in 1995 in her native Sevier County, Tennessee, through the Dollywood Foundation. Dolly’s Imagination Library program sends a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book every month to registered children from birth through age 5, regardless of their family’s income. What began as a local effort has blossomed into a worldwide movement spanning the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland to promote literacy.

Dolly Parton reads “Coat of Many Colors,” the one hundred millionth book donated by Parton’s nonprofit Imagination Library, during a ceremony in the Great Hall
Shawn Miller

As of June 2026, the Imagination Library had gifted more than 325 million books and sends more than 3.5 million books each month to children around the world. The program’s purpose has always been to help children fall in love with reading, give families books to share together and make sure every child has the opportunity to experience the wonder that can come from opening a book. Dolly once said, “You can never get enough books in the hands of enough children.”

Her love of children’s literature extended to books she wrote herself, too. In 1996, she turned her beloved song and childhood memory into Coat of Many Colors, the story of a little girl whose mother lovingly makes her a coat from scraps. In 2009, she wrote I Am a Rainbow, using the colors of the rainbow to help children understand and express their emotions. In 2023, she teamed with Erica S. Perl on Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big, introducing young readers to her beloved French bulldog “god-dog,” Billy, who travels to Nashville, faces bullies and learns to believe in himself. The following year brought Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, a heartwarming holiday adventure about Billy choosing what matters most: fame or family.

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She Helped Her Hometown Rise Again

No matter how high her star rose, one thing always remained true — Dolly never forgot her roots. When wildfires swept through the Great Smoky Mountains in November 2016, killing 14 people and destroying thousands of homes and businesses, she immediately stepped in to help her neighbors.

Through her My People Fund with the Dollywood Foundation, Dolly provided families who had lost their homes with $1,000 a month for six months, eventually increasing the final payment to $5,000 as donations grew. Her efforts provided more than $10,000 to each participating family, and her telethon and other fundraising efforts brought millions of dollars in relief to the region.

The FBI even honored Dolly with its 2018 Director’s Community Leadership Award for her work helping wildfire victims. And when Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Southeast in 2024, Dolly again stepped forward, donating $2 million to relief efforts — $1 million personally and another $1 million through her businesses and the Dollywood Foundation.

Dolly Always Found Ways to Help

Whenever Dolly saw a need, she wouldn’t stop searching for ways to help. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for coronavirus research, funding that contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.

In 2022, she gave another $1 million to Vanderbilt for pediatric infectious-disease research. Her generosity reached countless other causes — including disaster relief, education, cancer research, children’s health and her local Tennessee communities. And sometimes her giving was quiet and personal. She was revealed to have paid for band uniforms for Tennessee high schools and used royalties from Whitney Houston’s recording of “I Will Always Love You” to purchase a Nashville strip mall in order to support the surrounding Black community.

Her huge heart for helping earned her the 2022 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, honoring her work to alleviate poverty, expand early childhood education, increase college access and advance medical research. In 2025, she received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Oscar recognizing her decades of charitable work and efforts to promote human welfare.

But Dolly never seemed to see herself as extraordinary for giving. “I just give from my heart,” she said when accepting the Carnegie honor. “I just see a need, and if I can fill it, then I will.” And that may be the simplest explanation for the extraordinary mark she left on the world: She saw a need, and she answered it.

Dolly’s Kindness Will Keep Singing

Dolly Parton leaves behind more than 3,000 songs, countless unforgettable performances and a career that made her a household name. If you ask just about anyone, they’ll be able to tell you how Dolly Parton impacted their life.

But perhaps the most beautiful measure of her life isn’t even the music that changed us, but rather the ways she helped spark a child’s love for reading, how she extended a helping hand to a family who lost everything, or how she saved a life from the medical research she helped make possible.

Dolly once said, “My dream was to make as many people happy as I could in this life.” She did that with her music, her generosity, and her “cup of ambition” that inspired us all.

Her songs will continue to play, her books will continue to reach little hands, and the kindness she shared will keep making the world a little brighter for generations to come.

We Saw Dolly's Symphony Show—Inside the Spectacular Experience (Excl)

mdagnese — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:30:41 +0000

On a summer night in 1959, a 13-year-old Dolly Parton made her live debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Introduced by Johnny Cash, she walked onto the legendary stage, sang George Jones’ “You Gotta Be My Baby,” earned three encores—and has been dazzling audiences ever since. For nearly six decades, Dolly has filled concert halls and arenas around the world. So a few years ago, when she and her publishers pitched the Nashville Symphony on creating a “symphonic homage” to her life and work, the answer was an easy yes. The result is Dolly Parton in Symphony: Threads, a celebration of her extraordinary legacy.

Last week, Woman’s World attended the show in Nashville—and stepped backstage into a recreation of Dolly’s iconic dressing rooms from over the years. We also caught up with the show’s lead vocalists Katelyn Drye, Hollie Hammel and Julie Williams, who perform Dolly’s tunes every night. They dished on what Dolly means to them, their favorite songs and what it was like finally meeting the icon.

Whether you’re a lifelong Dolly fan, looking to get tickets or simply want to know what this new show is all about, you’re in the right place! We’re sharing everything you need to know—from the expansive setlist to what it’s like inside the theater, to how you can see the show in a city near you and more!

What is Dolly Parton’s ‘Threads: My Songs In Symphony’?

Dolly Parton attends the symphony’s world premiere in Nashville! (2025)
Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Rather than a traditional concert, Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony unfolds as a cinematic celebration of the country icon’s extraordinary life and career. With Dolly herself appearing on screen, she virtually guides audiences onscreen through stories behind her music. The production pairs visuals with lush new orchestral arrangements by conductor David Hamilton, who performs alongside guest vocalists and musicians on stage.

The program weaves together classics—including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You”—with personal favorites and even a preview of an unreleased song from her upcoming Broadway musical (which Woman’s World previewed last summer!), creating a heartfelt tribute.

Meet the 3 “Dollys”—the talented vocalists behind the magic!

(L to R) Julie Williams, Katelyn Drye and Hollie Hammel.
Courtesy of @schirmer.theatrical on Instagram

While dozens of talented people work together to create this musical magic night after night, the three vocalists who bring Dolly’s songs to life truly steal the show. Each brings her own unique style and passion to the performance—and meeting them backstage ahead of the show was an extra special treat! The backstage “dressing room” was a replica inspired by Dolly’s various spaces over the years. Filled with handwritten notes from fans, sheet music, a beautiful piano and acoustic guitar and framed photos of Dolly galore, walking through the room is like taking a musical stroll down memory lane.

Katelyn Drye, a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, is one half of the country duo, The Dryes, alongside her husband Derek. After appearing on season 22 of The Voice, the pair sought guidance from their coach Blake Shelton and now continue to write, record and perform across the country. During Dolly’s symphony show, the Dryes perform “Islands In the Stream” together.

When we caught up with Katelyn backstage before the show, her excitement was palpable. “My whole life I have always told people that I would meet Dolly,” she told Woman’s World. “I am a person who speaks very boldly a lot of times about my dreams. My husband and I feel blessed to be a part of this show. I look back at my journey and I see all the little dots that led me here and I’m very thankful for it.”

The Dryes performing on the Voice in 2022.
Greg Gayne/NBC via Getty Images

Julie Williams is part of Nashville’s buzzing Americana scene after being named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and Billboard’s Country Rookie. She’s also a member of the Black Opry Revue and her recent song, “The Women Who Made Me,” is a sweeping ‘90s country-inspired tune—complete with a music video starring country legend Trisha Yearwood.

“I first got the call to audition for the show when I was getting off a plane,” Julie said backstage. “Then I checked my email and saw the subject line: ‘audition to sing for Dolly Parton’ and I immediately started screaming. I auditioned with ‘Jolene’ and ‘The Coat of Many Colors.’ It’s now been over a year touring with the show and it truly gets better every single night.”

Rounding out the trio is Hollie Hammel, a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and producer. Originally from Nashville, Hollie has toured with a range of artists from Joss Stone to Hans Zimmer and Brandi Carlile. Backstage ahead of the show, Hollie shared some of her favorite moments leading up to the show’s premiere including the time Dolly sat in during a rehearsal.

“Dolly was up in the box listening,” she said. “Quite literally the best moment of my life was getting a standing ovation from Dolly. I will never forget that. And getting to meet her—she was just as kind as everyone says. Now, whenever I’m doubting myself I think back to that night. I think to myself, if I got Dolly’s stamp of approval, who am I to not believe in myself? It was really, really encouraging.”

Inside Dolly’s symphony show—and why it’s so special

Dolly is seen onscreen throughout the entire symphony show, sharing stories behind her iconic songs.
Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Stepping into the theater to see Dolly’s song catalog performed with a symphony is nothing short of magical. After taking our seats, the full orchestra played background music as the lights dimmed. Then, Dolly appeared virtually to greet the crowd and continued popping in throughout the show as emcee.

“The threads of my life are woven together through my songs,” Dolly told the audience. “That’s why this project, Threads: My Songs In Symphony, is so special to me.”

The symphony, beautifully led by David Hamilton, played 17 songs in total with each of the three vocalists leading on different songs, but sometimes harmonizing together and hopping off the stage to dance and sing with fans in the crowd.

Between the flawless stage production, the musicians’ onstage enthusiasm, the vocalists’ eye-catching ensembles and Dolly’s “visits” where she shared the heartfelt, real-life stories behind her songs—from anecdotes about her Porter Wagoner days to the real woman behind her hit “Jolene” and more—the 90-minute show went by quickly.

There’s something uniquely moving about being in Dolly’s presence (even virtually!) while hearing her legendary songs come to life with the power of a full orchestra. Overall, the show was both grand and intimate. Throughout, the audience laughed, sang, danced and cried and definitely left the theater feeling a little closer to the beloved Queen of Country.

Setlist for Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs In Symphony

Dolly Parton (1976)
David Redfern / Staff

The “summer celebration” residency with the Nashville symphony ran from June through July with a 17-song set list featuring Dolly’s most beloved tunes. The program is listed below.

Threads Overture

Two Doors Down

My Tennessee Mountain Home

Blue Smoke

The Bridge

Better Get to Livin’

Jolene

If You Hadn’t Been There (from her upcoming Broadway musical)

Backwoods Barbie

Eagle When She Flies

Light of a Clear Blue Morning

Here You Come Again

Islands in the Stream

Coat of Many Colors

Travelin’ Thru

Baby I’m Burnin’

I Will Always Love You

How to get tickets to Dolly’s symphony show

Ready to experience this magical show for yourself? Tickets for Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony are available through each individual venue or orchestra’s box office. Fans can find ticket links and a complete tour schedule on the show’s official website, where they’ll be directed to the appropriate symphony for their chosen performance.

Remaining 2026 dates and cities:

September 11 – Calgary, AB
October 10 – Springfield, MO
October 17 – Jackson, TN
October 24 – Spokane, WA
October 30 – Houston, TX
November 1 – Houston, TX
November 6 – Milwaukee, WI
November 7 – Milwaukee, WI
November 8 – Milwaukee, WI

For more information, visit dollysymphony.com.