13 Reasons Why This Is Dolly Parton’s America—and We’re Just Living in It
Dolly Parton is a national treasure, beloved by the world since her first album debuted in 1967. For decades she has stayed in the spotlight, whether with her music or in classic movies, but for some reason it seems 2019 is the year of Dolly.
Scroll through below to see some reasons why this year proves this is Dolly Parton's America, and we're just living in it.
Dolly Parton's America
Dolly's life and career are dissected in this new nine-part podcast series from WNYC Studios and Radiolab’s Jad Abumrad. The first episode, "Sad Ass Songs," which debuted October 15, dove into Dolly's role as a feminist icon. The series is extra special because it includes Abumrad's new interviews with Dolly.
Grammys Tribute
The Queen of Country was named the MusiCares Person of the Year, and she was honored during this year’s telecast with an all-star tribute featuring some of the biggest names in music, including Katy Perry, Kacey Musgraves, Miley Cyrus, and Little Big Town performing some of Dolly’s biggest hits.
Heartstrings on Netflix
So many of Dolly's songs tell stories, so it was only a matter of time before they would be adapted for the screen. This new eight-episode Netflix series brings classic tracks like "Two Doors Down," "Jolene," and "These Old Bones" to life. Dolly does not star in every episode, but she does narrate and make appearances throughout the series. Premieres Nov. 22 on Netflix.
Grand Ole Opry 50th Anniversary Celebration
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dolly being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry celebrated with an entire "Dolly Week," culminating with a concert featuring Dolly herself and country stars like Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, and Margo Price performing her classic tracks. Don't worry if you couldn't make it—the concert will air as a special November 26 on NBC.
Ken Burns' Country Music
Burns told the history of country music in his 16-hour documentary series, which featured Dolly and prompted Knox News to say she "stole the show."
Dolly Joins The Highwomen
This past July, Brandi Carlile gave Newport Folk Festival-goers a concert to remember. The Rhode Island music festival celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, and during Carlile’s set—titled “♀♀♀♀: The Collaboration”—she performed with her new country music supergroup, The Highwomen, and their special surprise guest, Dolly.
Still Working 9 to 5
The Lane twins follow up their 2011 feature, Hollywood to Dollywood, with another documentary, Still Working 9 to 5, which focuses on the production and cultural impact of the film 9 to 5. The film includes interviews with Dolly, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and others involved in the movie. A Kickstarter recently launched to fund the remaining production costs with special rewards for backers, including Doralee (Dolly's character) totes, posters, and mugs.
9 to 5 Around the World
Speaking of 9 to 5, while a sequel to the classic film might not be happening, the musical adaptation is a hit around the world. After premiering on Broadway in 2009, the show opened on London's West End earlier this year and was so popular that another production is slated to start in Australia next spring.
Christmas at Dollywood
It's the 10th anniversary of Hallmark Channel's massively popular "Countdown to Christmas" original movies. The cable net is celebrating by premiering a whole slate of new holiday features, including one set at Dollywood. Danica McKellar (The Wonder Years) plays Rachel, a Broadway producer tasked with co-producing a show for the 20th anniversary of Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. And yes, Dolly makes an appearance. Set your DVRs for December 8 when the movie premieres on Hallmark.
She Almost Rode Down "Old Town Road"
Earlier this year Lil Nas X asked his Twitter followers if they thought he could get Dolly to collaborate on yet another remix of “Old Town Road.” Social media blew up over the suggestion, but most knew it was probably just a Dolly daydream... until the “Jolene” songstress tweeted a response, adding a pink horse with blonde hair to the single cover art.
CMA Awards Co-Host
We were devastated when it was announced that Brad Paisley would not be returning as Carrie Underwood's co-host of “Country Music's Biggest Night," the CMA Awards. But Carrie found two legends to share the stage with this year: Reba McEntire and Dolly. The annual festivities will air November 13 on ABC.
Dolly Teams Up With Galantis
Gay fans have been begging for a dance album from her for years, and this might be the closest we're gonna get. Swedish dance duo Galantis have announced that their latest collaboration is with Dolly, and it's called "Faith." The track drops October 25, and we can't wait to hit the dance floor in our rhinestone cowgirl getup.
Christmas on the Square
Originally set to premiere this year, Christmas on the Square is a movie musical with new songs from Dolly. Not only does it feature music from the "Sugar Hill" songstress, but she also stars in the film along with Christine Baranski and Jenifer Lewis. The project will hit Netflix next holiday season.