Dolly Parton: See the legendary country music singer's career
Sept. 29, 2025Updated Nov. 17, 2025, 1:49 p.m. ET
The word "icon" was practically made for Dolly Parton. A celebrated songwriter, vocalist and style maven, Parton has left a lasting mark on every industry she touches. Look back on the Tennessee native's illustrious music career.
ROBYN BECK, AFP Via Getty Images
Dolly Parton as a student at Sevier County High School, where she graduated in 1964.
Provided By Pigeon Forge Public Library
Dolly Parton in a 1978 publicity still for RCA records.
Provided By RCA Records
Dolly Parton and Carol Burnett promoting "Dolly and Carol in Nashville," a special that aired on Feb. 14, 1979.
Provided By CBS
A still from Dolly Parton's film debut, "9 to 5," in which Parton played Doralee Rhodes.
Provided By 20th Century Fox
Dolly Parton with Sylvester Stallone in the 1984 movie "Rhinestone."
Provided By 20th Century Fox
Dolly Parton in May 1986.
Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Crowds follow Dolly Parton after a press conference at Dollywood on Oct. 7, 1987.
Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton performs with Hank Williams Jr. and other stars at the 22nd annual CMA Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry House on Oct. 10, 1988.
Callie Shell, The Tennessean Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton starred with Daryl Hannah in the 1989 film "Steel Magnolias."
Provided By Tri-Star Pictures
Bob Hope and Dolly Parton share a moment on stage at the season opening of Dollywood on April 27, 1991.
Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton introduces her new line of cosmetics on Nov. 11, 1993, at Dollywood.
Paul Efird, Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton climbs into a 1955 Chevrolet convertible at the season opening of Dollywood on April 21, 1995.
Michael Patrick, Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton marks the season opening of Dollywood on April 20, 1996.
Michael Patrick, Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton reads aloud to children from Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church on June 13, 1997.
Paul Efird, Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton and "The E-Team," known as "Elvises of the Sky," at the grand opening of Dollywood's 13th season in 1998.
Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton serves dessert to reporters during media day on April 4, 2003, at Dollywood.
Michael Patrick, Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton performs before a packed house on Sept. 23, 2005, at Dollywood.
Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton appears in a tiger cage to kick off her annual KidsFest June 19, 2006, at Dollywood.
Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton kicks off the 2007 Dollywood season.
Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton performs Porter Wagoner songs on April 12, 2008, at Dollywood during a tribute to the late country music star.
Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton sits for an interview at Dollywood on May 7, 2009.
Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton kicks off her "Better Day" tour at Thompson-Boling Arena on July 17, 2011.
Saul Young, Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton talks about her career and dreams for Dollywood at her 2013 season preview March 22, 2013.
Michael Patrick, Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton performs at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge as part of her "Pure & Simple" tour on Nov. 15, 2016.
BRIANNA PACIORKA, Knoxville News Sentinel Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton presents longtime friend Lily Tomlin with a Life Achievement Award at the 2016 Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus perform onstage during the 61st annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Feb. 10, 2019, in Los Angeles.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images For The Recording A
Dolly Parton poses with the cast of Netflix's "Heartstrings" at Dollywood on Oct. 29, 2019.
Jason Kempin, Getty Images For Netflix
Dolly Parton performs at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate her 50th anniversary of becoming a member on Oct. 12, 2019.
Larry McCormack, The Tennessean Via USA TODAY Network
Dolly Parton addresses reporters and photographers at a foundation event on Nov. 5, 2019.
John Lamparski, Getty Images
Dolly Parton poses on the red carpet of the Country Music Association Awards on Nov. 13, 2019 in Nashville.
Jason Kempin, Getty Images
Dolly Parton onstage with Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood.
Terry Wyatt, Getty Images
Dolly Parton in her Netflix movie musical, "Christmas on the Square," which premiered on Nov. 22, 2020.
Provided By Netflix
Dolly Parton performs at the 2021 Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye Concert at CMA Theater on Oct. 24, 2021.
Jason Kempin, Getty Images
Dolly Parton performs onstage during the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards at Allegiant Stadium on March 7, 2022, in Las Vegas.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images For ACM
Dolly Parton performs onstage during the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023, in Frisco, Texas.
Theo Wargo, Getty Images
Dolly Parton performs during halftime in the game between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 23, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.
Ron Jenkins, Getty ImagesFeatured Weekly Ad