Dolly Parton

About Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton was an American country music singer-songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She recorded iconic hits including "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You," "Coat of Many Colors," and "9 to 5." She starred in films such as "9 to 5," "Steel Magnolias," and "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." Parton won 11 Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, and founded the Dollywood theme park and Dollywood Foundation.

In this interview

• Discussed her album 'The Grass is Blue' and creative independence.
• Explained how freedom from record labels allowed her to pursue musical passions.
• Described not having to write commercially or please record labels anymore.
• Reflected on gaining more creative control as an independent artist.

“I don't have to try to be commercial. I'm not having to try to write to please a record label.”— Dolly Parton, in this interview

Since this interview

Parton continued recording and performing, releasing her final solo studio album "Rockstar" in 2023, which reached number three on the Billboard 200. She received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2025. Parton died on August 25, 2026, in Nashville at age 80.