January 19th was the birthday of country music legend Dolly Parton. The Library awarded Parton Living Legend status in 2004. As a longtime fan, I was privileged to be able to attend the Living Legend concert, and furthered my studies in Dollymania a few years later with a a New Year’s Eve pilgrimage to her Dixie Stampede theater in Orlando, Florida. Help celebrate this American original with the online presentation Dolly Parton and the Roots of Country Music on the Performing Arts Encyclopedia.
Comments (6)
Truly a legend!
Dolly & Kenny Rogers recorded “The Greatest Gift Of All”, one of the biggest christmas hits of all time in the Caribbean. It is ironic that I never heard this song on a US radio station.
Dolly Parton is simply a wonderful singer, a fantastic songwriter, a lovely person and a treasured American. I particularly like how she folds family and personal experiences into her songs. Her song: “I Will Always Love You” (Dolly’s original version) brings tears to my eyes. I especially love “Apple Jack” as it reminds me of my Dad who was a banjo player as well. A very very Happy Birthday to Dolly and many many more to come. Keep the songs coming.
I have always loved her song, “I will always love you.” A lot of people are not aware that is her song and not Whitney Houston’s.
Dolly is truly deserving of living Legend status – so versatile.