How Dolly Parton told her life story through six iconic songs
BBC News looks back at the life of the beloved US singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who died aged 80, through the lens of six of her iconic songs.
Coat of Many Colors
Dolly Parton’s personal favorite, Coat of Many Colors (1971) is an autobiographical track from her album of the same name. It tells the story of growing up poor but rich in love as one of 12 siblings. Parton described it as a "little story" that covers "a world of things," teaching about bullying, acceptance, love, and good parenting.
"Now I know we had no money, but I was rich as I could be / In my coat of many colors my momma made for me"
The song has been covered by artists like Shania Twain and Eva Cassidy, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked it second on its list of Parton’s top 50 songs. A children’s book and a TV movie based on her life also bear the same name.
Jolene
Parton penned this song about her fears of losing her husband, Carl Dean, to another woman. Jolene (1973) became one of her most recognizable hits, featuring a fast fingerstyle minor riff and a vulnerable plea from the protagonist to the mistress. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and cracked the main Hot 100 chart at number 60.
"She got this terrible crush on my husband. And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention."
9 to 5
This song is a celebration of female empowerment and independence, telling the story of a working woman’s struggle with her demanding boss. 9 to 5 (1980) became Parton’s first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. It continues to be an anthem for working women worldwide.
I Will Always Love You
A heartfelt ballad about love, loss, and moving on, I Will Always Love You (1974) was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton for the 1976 film The Best Little Girl in the World. However, it gained worldwide fame when Whitney Houston covered it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard. Houston’s rendition became one of the best-selling singles of all time, winning numerous awards.
"I will always love you. I will always love you until the end of time."
Islands in the Stream
A duet with country music legend Kenny Rogers, Islands in the Stream (1977) became one of Parton’s most successful pop hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s lyrics evoke the beauty and romance of a shared journey, mirroring Parton’s own relationship with her husband.
"We’re two islands in the stream / One of love, one of song"
Together (The Movie Song)
Parton wrote this song for the 1986 film Together, in which she starred alongside Steve Martin. Together (The Movie Song) (1986) showcases Parton’s talent for writing songs that capture the essence of a film’s narrative. The song reflects on the power of love and partnership, mirroring the film’s central theme.
