How Dolly Parton Told Her Life Story Through Six Iconic Songs
BBC News explores how the beloved US singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away aged 80, shared her life story through her music. Here, we present a look back at her life through the lens of six iconic songs.
Coat of Many Colors
Dolly Parton’s personal favorite, Coat of Many Colors (1971), is an acoustic country-folk ditty from the album of the same name. This autobiographical track reflects on Parton’s humble beginnings, growing up poor but rich in love, as one of 12 siblings. In her book, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, Parton described it as a "little story" that conveys various life lessons.
The lyrics paint a heartfelt picture:
"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."
Parton’s children’s book and the 2015 TV movie based on her life also share this title, with a patchwork coat on display at the museum in Dollywood, Tennessee.
Jolene
Parton wrote several songs about her devoted husband, Carl Dean, including Jolene, a song about her fear of losing him to another woman. With its memorable fingerstyle riff, Jolene became Parton’s second number-one single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and her first entry into the main Hot 100 chart.
In 2008, Parton shared her inspiration for the song:
"She got this terrible crush on my husband. And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. It was kinda like a running joke."
Other Notable Songs (mentioned but not fully quoted):
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I Will Always Love You: This iconic ballad, originally written and recorded by Parton for the 1973 film The Best Little Girl in the World, became a global phenomenon after Whitney Houston’s cover in 1992.
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9 to 5: A feminist anthem, this song became a signature hit for Parton, reflecting her own experiences working in a factory.
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Islands in the Stream: A duet with Kenny Rogers, this song became a massive hit and one of Parton’s most recognizable collaborations.
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I Can’t Help Falling in Love: A romantic ballad originally recorded by Elvis Presley, Parton’s version showcased her versatility as a singer.
Through these songs, Dolly Parton shared her life’s journey, from humble beginnings to global stardom, leaving an indelible mark on music and popular culture.
