Celebrating Dolly Parton’s Legacy

Fox & Friends Reflects on Dolly Parton

Steve Doocy of ‘Fox & Friends’ took a moment to reminisce about the life and career of Dolly Parton. Honoring her passing at age 80, they explored her influence in music, film, and philanthropy. Highlights included her Imagination Library literacy program and Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

Seven Decades of Entertaining

Dolly Parton’s career spanned nearly seventy years. She became a cornerstone in the music industry and reached beyond to acting and philanthropy. She embarked on her career with ‘The Porter Wagoner Show’ in 1964 and received multiple Academy Award nominations over her lifetime.

The Porter Wagoner Show

Parton moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1964. In September 1967, she joined ‘The Porter Wagoner Show.’ This platform gave her national exposure. Her duets with Wagoner like ‘The Last Thing on My Mind’ were major hits and earned her first Grammy nomination in 1970. She left in 1974 to pursue a solo career.

Successful Solo Career

After leaving the show, Parton released ‘Love Is Like a Butterfly,’ which topped the Billboard country charts. She achieved numerous hits, including ‘Here You Come Again.’ She achieved 26 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country chart and covered popular songs like ‘Stairway to Heaven.’

Aware of her rendition, Robert Plant praised her unique interpretation of ‘Stairway to Heaven.’

‘I Will Always Love You’

Parton wrote ‘I Will Always Love You’ in 1973 when deciding to leave Wagoner’s show. The song topped the charts in 1974 and again in 1982. Whitney Houston’s 1992 cover led it to 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Parton described hearing Houston’s version as an overwhelming experience.

Variety Shows

Parton hosted two variety shows, ‘Dolly!’ in 1976 and ‘Dolly’ in 1987. Each show had celebrity guests and achieved notable success.

Iconic Collaborations

Parton collaborated with artists including Kenny Rogers. Their song ‘Islands In the Stream’ achieved great acclaim. Other collaborations included work with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt on the ‘Trio’ albums, winning multiple Grammys.

Film Career

Parton debuted in the 1980 comedy ‘9 to 5,’ alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. She also starred in ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ and ‘Steel Magnolias,’ among others. Her films were box-office successes.

Award Achievements

Throughout her career, Parton was nominated for 55 Grammy Awards, winning 10. Her music and films earned her recognition, including nominations for Academy Awards and Golden Globes.

Recognition and Honors

Parton’s accomplishments were acknowledged with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Country Music and Songwriters Halls of Fame. In 2022, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Imagination Library and Dollywood

Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995, distributing over 330 million books worldwide. She opened Dollywood in 1986, providing employment and entertainment to many.

She penned over 3,000 songs for herself and other artists.

Dolly Parton’s influence on music and philanthropy continues to impact communities worldwide, inspiring future generations.