Fifty-seven years ago Monday, Porter & Dolly perform at the first Dolly Parton Day in Sevierville, Tenn. Forty-six years ago Monday, Heartbreaker enters its fifth of nine weeks at No. 1 on the country album charts; it reaches No. 27 pop. That same day, the single “Heartbreaker” enters its second of three weeks at No. 1 on the country singles chart (Dolly's ninth), and would reach No. 37 pop. Thirty-eight years ago Monday, Dolly's Greatest Hits is certified platinum (Dolly's third) four years after its release for more than 1 million copies sold. Twenty-four years ago Monday, Dolly headlines the Stars Over Mississippi benefit concert. Nineteen years ago Tuesday, “When I Get Where I'm Going” with Brad Paisley debuts on the country singles chart; five months later it becomes her record-breaking 25th No. 1 country hit, the most for any female artist. Fifty-seven years ago Wednesday, Dolly and her uncle Bill Owens incorporate Owepar Publishing to hold the rights to the songs they've written. Fifty-three years ago Wednesday, Dolly gives Porter 49 percent of Owepar as a gift; Dolly gets back full ownership of Owepar and shifts all of its songs to her Velvet Apple Music after she and Porter settle a breach of contract suit eight years later. Forty-six years ago Wednesday, Dolly is named the CMA's Entertainer of the Year. Fifty-three years ago Thursday, Porter & Dolly pick up the second CMA Duo of the Year award; they had won the inaugural statue the previous year after being named Vocal Group of the Year three years earlier. Thirty-six years ago Thursday, Dolly hosts the 22nd annual CMA Awards. Fifty-five years ago Friday, My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy debuts on the album charts; it would reach No. 6 country and No. 194 pop. Forty-nine years ago Thursday, Dolly (a.k.a “The Seeker”/”We Used To”) debuts on the country album charts; it would peak at No. 14. Fifty-seven years ago Saturday, Porter & Dolly record their version of Dolly's “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” which the previous year had been recorded by about a dozen country artists, with Bill Phillips' version featuring Dolly on uncredited harmony hitting No. 6. Fifty years ago Saturday, Porter & Dolly's sole No. 1, “Please Don't Stop Loving Me,” tops the country singles chart. That same day, Love is Like a Butterfly debuts on the country album charts; it would peak at No. 7. Twenty-eight years ago Saturday, Treasures debuts on the album charts; it would reach No. 21 country, No. 122 pop. Forty-nine years ago Sunday, Dolly picks up her first of two Female Vocalist of the Year CMA trophies after six previous nominations for the award. Forty-seven years ago Sunday, Dolly's band uniform number, 39, is retired in her honor at Sevier County High School. Forty-five years ago Sunday, “Sweet Summer Lovin'” debuts on the adult contemporary chart; the No. 7 country single reaches No. 41 adult contemporary and No. 77 pop. Twenty-two years ago Sunday, Dolly's cover of “If” debuts on the British pop singles chart, peaking at No. 73.
Upcoming television appearances
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The RCA Sessions (1968-1976), 22-song digital collection of rare Porter & Dolly songs first released on the 2014 complete recordings boxed set, April 5
Love & Music 1973 Porter & Dolly album, digital release, March 29
We Found It 1973 Porter & Dolly album, digital release, Feb. 1
Dolly Parton, along with officials from Dollywood Parks & Resorts, The Dollywood Foundation, Dolly Parton's Stampede, Pirates Voyage and Walmart, announced significant donations to flood relief during a special event Friday afternoon at Walmart #678 in Newport, Tennessee. The location has helped the local community by offering meals, as well as showers and laundry facilities to those affected by the unprecedented flooding from Hurricane Helene.
As communities across the Appalachian region continue the daunting cleanup efforts, Dolly announced a $1 million donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing immediate assistance to Hurricane Helene flood victims. In addition, Dolly's East Tennessee businesses—Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton's Stampede, and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show—as well as The Dollywood Foundation are combining efforts and have pledged to match her donation to Mountain Ways with a $1 million contribution of their own.
The donations help jumpstart the efforts of Mountain Ways to provide essential financial resources directly and efficiently to the most affected areas. Mountain Ways also will coordinate other relief efforts, including distributing food, water and other necessary supplies.
“These are special people here; they're my people,” Dolly explained. “I feel like all people are my people, but everyone here grew up in the mountains just like I did so of course I have a close connection to them. I can't stand to see anyone hurting, so I wanted to do what I could to help after these terrible floods. I hope we can all be a little bit of light in the world for our friends, our neighbors—even strangers—during this dark time they are experiencing.
“I'm also appreciative that all my East Tennessee businesses and the folks at Walmart are contributing to flood relief. This money will certainly help a lot of people, but there is still so much more this area needs. I hope we'll see more people make donations or volunteer because the people here need so much right now.”
During the event, Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner announced the company, including Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation, would increase their commitment and donate a total of $10 million to hurricane relief efforts across the affected states.
“One of the things we love most about Dolly as a partner is her incredible heart and care for her community,” said Furner. “She reminds me of our associates who are always the first to jump to action when our communities need us. This time is no different, and we will continue to provide support until they have recovered.”
Dollywood already has worked with its sponsorship partner Coca-Cola to donate a semi-truck full of water for distribution in Cocke County, Tennessee. Additionally, Dollywood also has donated 60,000 reusable masks, 30,000 disposable protective garments and 2.5 million disposable masks to be used for cleanup efforts across East Tennessee. They also have donated disposable serving ware and utensils for thousands of meals being distributed by Mountain Ways.
In conjunction with donation centers established by the city of Pigeon Forge, Dollywood theme park also will become a donation drop-off location for those wishing to provide items for the cleanup. Items needed include buckets with lids, tarps, shovels, rakes, trash bags, work gloves, masks, cleaning wipes, diapers, baby formula and food, can openers, first aid supplies, personal hygiene items, kitty litter, new socks and underwear, clean towels and blankets, laundry detergent, pet food and hand sanitizer. Items may be donated at the designated drop-off point at the front gate area of the park.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts officials encourage those with the capability to donate or to volunteer. Mountain Ways is working with local nonprofits and governmental officials to ensure the donated funds and resources reach affected communities across the region. Monetary donations can be made by visiting the Mountain Ways Foundation website, mountainwaystn.org.
“This beautiful region which we all love so much has an extreme challenge ahead of it,” said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. “And while it may be quite daunting right now, we know the spirit of the people in this region will help them overcome what faces them in the days ahead. We want to encourage others to donate or to volunteer in any way they can to help their neighbors and communities recover from this difficult time.
“Dollywood's share of the donation from our 'Love Shares' program helps Mountain Ways get started in providing immediate assistance where needed. As local leaders are able to better assess their communities in the coming weeks, we will determine additional ways we can assist in the recovery effort.”
Video at top or on YouTube here courtesy Dollywood. Click on each photo for larger view. Top photo of Dolly with officials from Dollywood and Walmart by Derek Cress/Dollywood Parks & Resorts. Lower photo of Dolly and Walmart President and CEO John Furner by Jordan Hunt/Walmart. Used with permission.
'Good Lookin' Cookin'' Remains In Top 10 Good Lookin' Cookin' by Dolly, Rachel Parton George, and Maurice Miner slips four in its second week on the New York Times Advice, How-To, and Miscellaneous Best Sellers to No. 5. The title also falls four to No. 6 in its second week on Publisher's Weekly's Best Seller Non-Fiction List thanks to 14,295 copies sold, bringing its two-week total to 65,525.
'Billy The Kid' Holiday Book Released That's not Dolly's only book out now, as Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, her sequel to Billy The Kid Makes It Big, hit stores last week. Once again featuring Dolly's goddog, this one is based on her song “Comin' Home For Christmas” and follows the dog and his band deciding whether to play Barkafeller Center on Christmas Day or spend the holiday with family. In a press release, Dolly said: “I always love celebrating Christmas with my family and of course my god-dog Billy. Since he's a big star now, he deserves his own holiday special! Using my 'Comin' Home for Christmas' lyrics, I wanted to tell a story about the importance of family and friends, especially during the holidays. I hope this is a book families will be excited to read every year for Christmas.” Get the book here and audio book here.
Dolly Wins Third Dove Award Dolly took home her third Dove Award last week, as “Lookin' For You” with Zach Williams won Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year. She had previously won the same category for "In The Sweet By and By" two years ago with Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, Jerry Salley, and Bradley Walker and Video of the Year with King & Country for “God Only Knows” in 2020 and had been nominated for pop recorded song with Williams for “There Was Jesus.” Her previous nominations had been in the bluegrass/country/roots category for collaborations with Dottie Rambo and Brad Paisley as well as as a songwriter for a cover song by Rhonda Vincent.
'Still Working 9 To 5' Heads To Streamers The filmmakers of the documentary Still Working 9 To 5 have revealed that the film is now available on several streaming services for rental or purchase starting Monday including Apple TV, YouTube's Movies, and Amazon, where it rents for $5 and sells for $13 here.
'Step By Step' Falls Off Chart Dolly's collaboration with Natalie Grant, "Step By Step," has ended its run on the Adult Contemporary charts, falling off the 30-position tally, down from No. 30 in its 18th chart week on the tally. It peaked at No. 13. Elsewhere on the charts:
Post Malone's country album F 1 Trillion, with its Dolly duet, will dip to No. 6 in Tuesday's charts with 47,000 credited units last week (3,000 sold and 44,000 streaming equivalents. In last week's Oct. 5 charts released last Tuesday, the album held steady at No. 4 Top 200 Albums, 11 to No. 30 sales, nine to No. 28 current sales, and two to No. 4 streaming, holding steady at No. 2 Canadian albums and No. 1 country albums.
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, featuring a couple of Dolly voice-overs and a "Jolene" cover, loses 31 on the top 200 albums list to No. 171 and two to No. 30 country albums, falling off the Americana/folk albums list, down from No. 13.
Down Under, Post Malone's F 1 Trillion declines two to No. 3 country after six consecutive weeks at No. 1 No. 1 Australian country, while Cowboy Carter slips one to No. 31 Australian country albums. Malone's album dips two to No. 14 Australian pop albums.
Across the pond, Malone's album loses two spots to No. 34 U.K. pop albums, two to No. 29 streaming albums, 18 to No. 84 physical sales, 19 to No. 72 overall sales, 16 to No. 44 downloads and one to No. 3 country albums. It falls off the Scottish albums chart, down from No. 81. Beyonce's album loses four to No. 13 U.K. country albums and holds steady at No. 8 Americana albums. The U.K. country compilations tally sees Very Best Of Dolly Parton Vol. 1 remain at No. 1, while her Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection gains two to No. 4, The Complete Trio Collection Deluxe regains one to No. 13, the Original Album Series sees Linda Ronstadt's volume and Emmylou Harris's first volume both re-enter the top 20 at No. 17 and No. 15, respectively, as Emmylou's second volume holds steady at No. 20 and the tribute Glen Campbell Duets: Ghost On The Canvas Sessions falls back out of the top 20, down from No. 13.
First created as "Duane's Dolly Pages" in 1996, and becoming Dollymania in 1998, this is the oldest continually operating Internet site dedicated to Dolly Parton and the ONLY regularly-updated resource about her available anywhere in the world!
Past news
Oct. 1: 'Good Lookin' Cookin'' Tops Best-Seller Lists Dolly Parton, Rachel Parton George, and their co-writter, Maurice Miner, may celebrate topping the best seller list nationwide. Good Lookin' Cookin' debuts at No. 1 on the Oct. 6 New York Times Best Selling Books list for advice, how-to, & miscellaneous books. The book also came in No. 1 for Publisher's Weekly non-fiction titles and No. 2 from all books in all genres last week with 51,534 copies sold. The sisters also were interviewed about the project by Better Homes & Gardenshere.
Dollywood Lowering Season Pass Prices, Extending Silver Season Dollywood's this week showed it was listening to customer complaints when announcing the 2025 season pass renewals coming Oct. 14. For those complaining of the price of the season pass, the park will decrease pass prices over the current amount. The introductory-level partial-year single-park Silver Pass will pre-sell for $149, a $25 decrease over the current $174 pass price and the same price as Silver Passes cost in last year's pre-sale, and the full-year single-park Gold Pass will pre-sell for $224, also $25 less than the current pass price and the same price as Gold Passes cost in last year's pre-sale. (How much the two-park upgrade will be has not been revealed, but it was $55 in each of the past two years.) The two-park premium Diamond pass will pre-sell for $339, a $15 increase over last year's price. In addition, the park extended the use period for the Silver Pass to Dec. 14 next year, including six out of the nine weeks of the Christmas festival with only the last three weeks blacked out instead of the current passes which included four weeks of the festival with the last five weeks blacked out. Also, those who renew their adult silver passes will see the extension for 2024 as well, giving those visitors through Dec. 15 to use their passes for this year instead of expiring at Thanksgiving (for comparison, competitor King's Island offers a similar introductory, partial-year Silver Pass but it expires at Labor Day). Child silver passes for ages 9 and under will continue to have no blackout dates but again be subject to Bring a Friend Pass blackouts. The silver passes will come again with two Bring a Friend passes with blackouts, gold passes two without blackouts, and diamond four without blackouts. In addition, each pass level will receive a bonus pre-sale voucher for 30 percent off a stay at a Dollywood Resort during select dates, while the diamond passes will also receive a 40th anniversary tumbler and monthly free cinnamon bread again. Additional benefits are expected to be announced by this year's sale date. Free registration for Imagination Passes for those born in 2020 or 2021 and those buying passes for the first time will be able to do so starting Oct. 28.
Dolly, Miley Are Cousins: Ancestry.com
Turns out Dolly and goddaughter Miley Cyrus are related by blood. Ancestry.com discovered for Dolly's sixth great-grandfather John Brickey of Blount County, Tenn., in the 1700s was also Miley's seventh-great-grandfather, making them seventh cousins once removed. Watch Dolly's reaction to the news in an interview she and her sister Rachel gave Access Hollywood about their cookbook here or in the media player above.
Family Album Yields Another Single Yet another single from the upcoming Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA -- Family, Faith & Fables album was released on Monday, with "When Possession Gets Too Strong" coming from Dolly will her co-writer, her late uncle Louis Owens. Dolly had previously recorded the song for 1970's Fairest Of Them All. Download it here and stream it on YouTube here or in the media player below.
In Memoriam: Kris Kristofferson Legendary country music songwriter and singer Kris Kristofferson died Saturday at age 88. He and Dolly worked together many times over their careers, most notably on the 1982 album and TV special The Winning Hand to try and save Monument Records, where Dolly recorded in the mid-1960s and Kristofferson in the early-1970s, and when they played a married couple in the 2012 church choir comedy Joyful Noise . In a statement to social media, Dolly commented: "What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend. I will always love you, Dolly."
Seattle Men's Chorus To Pay Tribute To Dolly The Seattle Men's Chorus will debut a new original show, "Dolly: A Seattle Men's Chorus Salute to Dolly Parton," April 5 to May 18 built entirely around music Dolly created and performed.
Dolly Loses People's Choice, Bluegrass Honors Dolly was empty-handed from two awards shows last week. She lost Favorite Female Artist to Laney Wilson at the People's Choice Country Awards and Favorite Social Artist to Morgan Wallen. Then at Thursday's 35th annual Bluegrass Music Awards, her cover of "Forever Young" with Daniel Grindstaff and Paul Brewster lost Collaborative Recording of the Year to Tony Trischka and Billy Strings for "Brown's Ferry Blues" and Song of the Year to Authentic Unliminted's "Fall In Tennessee."
'Step By Step' Falls On Charts, Other Updates Looks like "Step By Step," Dolly's collaboration with Natalie Grant, has begun its fall from the Adult Contemporary charts, tumbling 14 places this week to No. 30 in its 18th chart week on the tally. It looks like it may drop off the chart next week, but its 18-week run makes it Dolly's fourth-longest running Adult Contemporary career single after the 20 weeks for No. 2 "Here You Come Again" and 22 and 24 weeks, respectively, for No. 1s "9 To 5" and "Islands In The Stream." It peaked at No. 13. Elsewhere on the charts:
It looks like Post Malone's country album F 1 Trillion, featuring a Dolly duet, will hold steady at No. 4 in Tuesday's charts with 54,000 credited units last week (3,000 sold and 51,000 streaming equivalents), Hits Daily Double reported Friday. In last week's Sept. 28 charts released last Tuesday, the album slipping two to No. 4 Top 200 Albums and eight to No. 19 sales and current sales, holding steady at No. 2 streaming, No. 2 Canadian albums, and No. 1 country albums.
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, featuring a couple of Dolly voice-overs and a "Jolene" cover, loses one on the top 200 albums list to No. 139, two to No. 28 country albums and three to No. 13 Americana/folk albums.
Down Under, Post Malone's F 1 Trillion sees a sixth week at No. 1 Australian country, while Cowboy Carter gains one to No. 30 Australian country albums. Malone's album dips five to No. 12 Australian pop albums.
Across the pond, Malone's album loses 11 spots to No. 32 U.K. pop albums, 16 to No. 81 Scottish albums, eight to No. 27 streaming albums, 25 to No. 66 physical sales, 17 to No. 53 overall sales, five to No. 28 downloads and one to No. 2 country albums. Beyonce's album remains steady at No. 9 U.K. country albums and slides two to No. 8 Americana albums. The U.K. country compilations tally sees Very Best Of Dolly Parton Vol. 1 regains one to recapture the No. 1 spot, while her Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection slides one to No. 6, The Complete Trio Collection Deluxe loses two to No. 14, the Original Album Series sees Linda Ronstadt's volume and Emmylou Harris's first volume both fall back off the top 20, down from No. 15 and No. 20, respectively, as Emmylou's second volume re-enters the top 20 at No. 20 and the tribute Glen Campbell Duets: Ghost On The Canvas Sessions gains three to No. 13.
Sept. 23: 'Good Lookin' Cookin'' Hits Shelves
Dolly and sister Rachel made the promotions circuit last week to plug their new cookbook Good Lookin' Cookin' released Tuesday. Appearances included The Hollywood Reporterhere (which includes a note that she is in discussion with Jennifer Aniston about appearing in and possibly co-producing her remake of 9 To 5), Entertainment Tonighthere, Andy Cohen Livehere for SiriusXM subscribers (with a clip on Facebook here where she revealed she has finished a song called "Jesus Is The Only Friend I Need" and is considering an "uplifting" gospel album), The Jess Cagle Showhere for SiriusXM subscribers, In Stylehere, ABC's The Viewhere, Travel and Leisurehere, Peoplehere, and ABC's Good Morning Americahere or the media player above.
The interview that got the most attention was one in Varietyhere, where Dolly was asked at the end about the CMA Awards' snubbing Beyonce's country album in this year's nominations. Dolly gave a very diplomatic answer in which she said she didn't think the snub was intentional but likely since her album was a special project other albums by people who have spent their entire careers in the genre ranked higher in the nominations. She went on to add how amazing the album was, how Beyonce is a legitimate country singer, and she was honored to be a part of it. The media blew up over Dolly "defending" the CMAs over the snub. (In reality, the CMAs had also snubbed Dolly's No. 1 country album released during the eligibility period as well, and she hasn't had a CMA nomination in a decade.) News then broke that Beyonce's mother, Tina Knowles, had shaded Dolly over her comments, but she quickly denied having made any of those remarks.
In addition, selections from the cookbook have been temporarily added to Kroger's Home Chef meal kit line where you may order the collaboration through Oct. 18. In a press release, Dolly said: "We are so excited to know Home Chef is bringing some of our favorite recipes to homes across America. My sister Rachel and I come from a long line of great cooks, and no matter how hard times were growing up, we always found time to gather around the table and celebrate with a meal as a family." First time customers may use the code "GETCOOKIN" to receive 18 free meals + free shipping at cook.homechef.com/good-lookin-cookin.
New Song Coming Oct. 18 Entertainer Scotty Hasting announced last week his new single "Til The Last Shots Fired" will be out Oct. 18 as a collaboration with Lee Brice and Dolly.
'Decider' Talks 'Penguin' And Dolly The Decider examined more closely the Dolly fandom of The Penguin in the new HBO series about the Batman character and how his affection for Dolly humanizes the character and ties him to the real world. Check it out here. The new HBO series' first episode premiered last week and featured a snippet of "9 To 5" in a pivotal scene and then played the entire song over the end credits.
U.S., Overseas Chart Updates Post Malone's country album F 1 Trillion, featuring a Dolly duet, will slip to No. 4 in Tuesday's charts with 60,000 credited units last week (6,000 sold and 54,000 streaming equivalents), Billboard reported Sunday. In last week's Sept. 21 charts released last Tuesday, the album rose one to No. 2 Top 200 Albums, dipping four to No. 11 sales and current sales, holding steady at No. 2 streaming, No. 2 Canadian albums, and No. 1 country albums, and falling off the top vinyl albums, down from No. 9. Elsewhere on the charts:
"Step By Step," Dolly's collaboration with Natalie Grant, regains three to No. 16 in its 17th chart week on the U.S. Adult Contemporary singles chart.
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, featuring a couple of Dolly voice-overs and a "Jolene" cover, loses five on the American top 200 albums list to No. 138 but gains three to No. 26 country albums and eight to No. 10 Americana/folk albums.
Down Under, Post Malone's F 1 Trillion sees a fifth week at No. 1 Australian country, while Cowboy Carter drops two to No. 31 Australian country albums. Malone's album gains one to No. 7 Australian pop albums.
Across the pond, Malone's album loses three spots to No. 21 U.K. pop albums, 28 to No. 65 Scottish albums, four to No. 19 streaming albums, 12 to No. 41 physical sales, 11 to No. 36 overall sales, gaining one to No. 23 downloads and remaining steady at No. 1 country albums. Beyonce's album falls two to No. 9 U.K. country albums and inches up one to No. 6 Americana albums. The U.K. country compilations tally sees Very Best Of Dolly Parton Vol. 1 hold steady at No. 2 and Dolly's Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection hold steady at No. 5, while The Complete Trio Collection Deluxe rises four to No. 12, the Original Album Series sees Linda Ronstadt's volume dip two to No. 15 and Emmylou Harris's first volume re-enter the top 20 at No. 20, as the tribute Glen Campbell Duets: Ghost On The Canvas Sessions gains five to No. 14.
Sept. 16: Promotions Continue For Tuesday's Cookbook Release
It is Good Lookin' Cookin' week, as Dolly and sister Rachel's cookbook hits stores on Tuesday with a week of promotional appearances for it. On Friday, they released a collaboration together, "I Would Know," as the newest single from November's Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA -- Family, Faith & Fables album. Take a listen on YouTube here or in the media player above and download it from Amazon here. Also check out a story on the album from The Tennesseanhere. Heavy on reverb, Rachel and Patricia Roberts wrote the song together some 40 years ago. The two will also appear throughout the week on several programs including ABC's Good Morning America and The View on its release day Tuesday, the syndicated Tamron Hall Show Wednesday, and CMT's Hot 20 Countdown Saturday. Check out an interview with All Recipeshere.
Dolly Wines Arrive In Stores Dolly's new line of wines made its debut in most grocers, liquor stores, and bars over the weekend with her chardonnay available in the U.S. and rose and prosecco in the U.K. In a press release, Dolly said: "Dolly Wines are a gift from me, to you. Whether you're sharing stories around the table, simply relaxing in the garden, or gathering with loved ones for the holiday, there's a little sparkle in every bottle that is designed to bring joy and connection to every gathering." The U.S. wines are also available online at DollyWines.com.
New Dolly Cover Released Comedian John Early last week released a live comedy album based on his television special Now More Than Ever with a couple of Dolly connections. In the show, he sings several songs including Dolly's arrangement of Neil Young's "After The Goldrush," and the album contains a bonus track of him covering her classic duet with Porter Wagoner "The Pain Of Loving You." Read more about the project from The Faderhere and get your copy here.
Watch Dolly Doc On Amazon Amazon has added another Dolly documentary to its streaming offerings: Dolly Parton: Big Hair, Bigger Heart is available for free streaming via FreeVee here.
Irish Dolly Day Makes Record Book The Irish town of Listowel made the Guiness Book of Records published last week with its Dolly Day being recognized for the world's largest gathering of people dressed as Dolly Parton, with over 900 participants last year.
Dolly Reacts To Dollywood Wins Dollywood's annual sweep of more categories than anyone else at the Golden Ticket Awards was already covered here last weekend, but last week Dolly issued a statement in response to the wins, so we want to pass that along here: "I'm so proud of what our folks at Dollywood do to make sure our guests have the best time when they are visiting us," Dolly said. "With all of the awards we've won the last few years, I think we're going to have to get a larger trophy case," she added with a laugh. "Awards are nice to receive, but we don't do what we do to win awards. We want to be the place where families want to return time and time again to make new memories they will always treasure." The park was named the United States' best theme park for the fifth consecutive year, coming in No. 2 for best theme park in the world after taking the No. 1 worldwide spot last year. It also won first place in Best Guest Experience for the fifth consecutive time, Best Kids' Area for Wildwood Grove for the fifth consecutive time, Best Family Coaster for Big Bear Mountain for the second consecutive year, Most Beautiful Park, and Best New Show for "From The Heart: The Life & Music of Dolly Parton." The Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival was also recognized as a Golden Ticket Legend Award winner for its 15 consecutive wins as Best Christmas Event when the category was retired last year.
Dolly Guest Spot For 'Young Sheldon' Spin-Off? Could Dolly guest on Big Bang Theory/Young Sheldon spinoff Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage? Creator Chuck Lorre would like her on the show, he told Entertainment Weekly, adding she could play main character Mandy's grandmother. Wouldn't be that far-fetched, as Reba McEntire played a recurring character on Young Sheldon as the ex-wife of the man Sheldon's grandmother was dating.
'Have The Heart' Falls Off Singles Chart "Have The Heart," Dolly's Post Malone duet, fell off the charts last week, down from No. 44 in its second week on the Top Country Songs singles tally, the Sept. 14 Billboard lists confirmed Tuesday. Malone's album containing the track, F 1 Trillion, saw 86,000 credited units its third week to climb one to No. 2 Top 200, dipping one to No. 7 sales and current sales, and one to No. 9 vinyl, holding steady at No. 2 streaming, No. 2 Canadian albums, and No. 1 country albums. This week, the collection will be credited with 72,000 album units (sales of about 7,000 and streaming credits of about 65,000) and will remain steady at No. 2 Top 200 albums. Elsewhere on the charts:
"Step By Step," Dolly's collaboration with Natalie Grant, dips two to No. 19 in its 16th chart week on the U.S. Adult Contemporary singles chart.
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter, featuring a couple of Dolly voice-overs and a "Jolene" cover, loses 12 on the American top 200 albums list to No. 133, three to No. 29 country albums, and five to No. 18 Americana/folk albums.
Down Under, Post Malone's F 1 Trillion sees a fourth week at No. 1 Australian country, while Cowboy Carter drops three to No. 29 Australian country albums and Dolly's Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection falls back out of the top 40, down from No. 39. Malone's album slides four to No. 8 Australian pop albums.
Across the pond, Malone's album loses four spots to No. 18 U.K. pop albums, 12 to No. 37 Scottish albums, four to No. 15 streaming albums, nine to No. 29 physical sales, four to No. 25 overall sales, and 12 to No. 24 downloads, regaining one to No. 1 country albums. Beyonce's album holds steady at No. 7 U.K. country albums and inches up one to No. 7 Americana albums. The U.K. country compilations tally sees Very Best Of Dolly Parton Vol. 1 hold steady at No. 2 and Dolly's Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection move up two to No. 5, while The Complete Trio Collection Deluxe rises three to No. 16, the Original Album Series sees Linda Ronstadt's volume ho9ld steady at No. 13 and Emmylou Harris's first volume falls off the top 20, down from No. 14, as the tribute Glen Campbell Duets: Ghost On The Canvas Sessions falls four to No. 19.
Sept. 9: Dollywood Wins Best U.S. Theme Park Fifth Year Running Congratulations to Dollywood for being named the best theme park in the United States by the industry experts for the fifth consecutive year and taking five first place awards in this year's Golden Ticket Awards, known as the theme park world's Academy Awards:
Best Kids Area for Wildwood Grove for the fifth year
Most Beautiful Park, up from second place last year
Best Family Coaster for the second year with Big Bear Mountain
Best Guest Experience for the fifth consecutive time
Best New Show "From the Heart: The Dolly Parton Story."
In addition, a sixth award was presented: the Legend Award to its Smoky Mountain Christmas festival to recognize its selection at the theme park world's Best Christmas Event for the entire 15 consecutive years the award was presented through the category's retirement last year.
Although it did not win first place in Best Theme Park, which it took home last year, since Germany's EuropaPaek won first place and Dollywood second place, Dollywood was recognized as the best theme park in the United States for the fifth consecutive year.
Finally, the park placed in two of the awards' top 25 lists with Thunderhead as the world's fourth best wooden roller coaster (same as last year) and Lightning Rod as the world's 22nd best steel coaster (down from No. 14 last year). Also, Dollywood's Splash Country was named the world's fifth-best water park.
Meanwhile, the park on Monday opens its Harvest Festival through Oct. 28 featuring the nightly Great Pumpkin LumiNights. More than 12,000 pumpkins decorate the park, which also offers special culinary treats and more than 1,100 individual performances by musical guests including gospel stars like The Isaacs and country artists Mandy Barnett, Lee Roy Parnell, T.G. Sheppard, and Suzy Bogguss.
Post Malone Duet Still On Country Chart Dolly's collaboration with Post Malone, "Have The Heart," earns a second week on the Sept. 7 Billboard Top Country Songs singles chart last week, slipping 22 places to No. 44 with her 112th career credited country chart single. The song falls off the all-genre Hot 100, down from No. 56; streaming songs, down from No. 46; country streaming songs, down from No. 24; Canadian Hot 100, down from No. 44; Canadian digital song sales, down from No. 19; and Global Hot 200, down from No. 136. Malone's album which contains the song, F 1 Trillion, saw 111,000 credited units its second week to dip two to No. 3 Top 200, five to No. 6 sales and current sales, one to No. 2 streaming, seven to No. 8 vinyl and one to No. 2 Canadian albums, remaining steady for a second week at No. 1 country albums. Next week, the collection will be credited with 86,000 album units (sales of about 11,000 and streaming credits of about 75,000) and should regain one spot to No. 2 Top 200 albums. Elsewhere on the charts:
Dolly's collaboration with Natalie Grant on "Step By Step" loses three spots to No. 17 in its 15th chart week on the U.S. Adult Contemporary singles chart.
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter with a couple of Dolly appearances and its "Jolene" tumbles 28 digits on the American top 200 albums list to No. 121, eight to No. 26 country albums, and three to No. 13 Americana/folk albums.
Down Under, Post Malone's F 1 Trillion receives a third week at No. 1 Australian country, while Cowboy Carter inches up one to No. 26 Australian country albums while Dolly's Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection re-enters the top 40 at No. 39. Malone's album gains one to No. 4 Australian pop albums.
Across the pond, Malone's album drops six spaces to No. 14 U.K. pop albums, 13 to No. 25 Scottish albums, four to No. 11 streaming albums, 10 to No. 20 physical sales, 11 to No. 21 overall sales, two to No. 12 downloads, and one to No. 2 country albums. Beyonce's album inches down one to No. 7 U.K. country albums and two to No. 8 Americana albums. The U.K. country compilations tally sees Very Best Of Dolly Parton Vol. 1 slides one to No. 2 and Dolly's Diamonds & Rhinestones, The Greatest Hits Collection moves up two to No. 7, while The Complete Trio Collection Deluxe holds steady at No. 19, the Original Album Series sees Linda Ronstadt's volume dip one to No. 13 and Emmylou Harris's first volume holds steady at No. 14, as the tribute Glen Campbell Duets: Ghost On The Canvas Sessions declines four to No. 15.
Dolly Heads To 'The View' Sept. 17 Dolly's promotions for her fall projects are scheduled to continue in coming weeks with an appearenace announced for ABC's The View Tuesday, Sept. 17, and an appearance on a yet-to-be-announced day on an upcoming episode of ABC's The Tamaron Hall Show.
Tina Turner Debut Album With Dolly Cover Reissued Tina Turner's first solo album, which featured a cover of Dolly's "There's Always Be Music," is getting a 50th anniversary re-issue Nov. 15, Rhino Records has announced. Tina Turns The Country On will be available on new half-speed mastered vinyl and CD. Get it here.
Sept. 2: Malone Project Continues To Sell Well Overseas Post Malone's F 1 Trillion, with the Dolly duet "Have The Heart," continued to perform well in its second week overseas, slipping seven to No. 8 U.K. pop albums, nine to No. 12 Scottish albums, six to No. 7 streaming, eight to No. 10 physical sales, eight to No. 10 overall sales,19 to No. 20 vinyl albums, and 10 to No. 12 downloads, maintaining its No. 1 country albums position. Down Under, it sips three to No. 5 Australian pop and remains at No. 1 country.
Across the pond, Beyonce falls one to No. 6 U.K. country albums and one to No. 6 Americana, falling back off the top 100 overall sales chart and physical sales chart, down from No. 72 and No. 69, respectively.
Aug. 28: Dolly Celebrates Library In Kansas City, Lexington
Dolly on Tuesday celebrated the latest two states to take her Imagination Library early childhood literacy program statewide, bringing the total to 21 nationwide. The first, in Kansas City, Mo., saw her welcomed to the Show Me State by its governor and first lady at the Folly Theater, temporarily renamed the Dolly Theater for the day. Missouri is the only state to fully fund the program statewide, as all others only fund 50 percent of the program costs leaving private local philanthropy to cover the balance in each community. The second, which was kept secret from the public until just a few hours before it took place in Lexington, Ky., saw her welcomed at that city's Lyric Theater by Kentucky's governor and first lady, who presented her with a Kentucky Colonel recognition (although she had previously been honored as a Kentucky Colonel when she performed in Richmond, Ky., in 2008 for Father Jim Sichko's charities). At both events, she was interviewed about the program and performed "Coat Of Many Colors" and "Try." In Kentucky, her lead track for "Coat Of Many Colors" didn't play and the microphone for her guitar wouldn't work so she sang and spoke the song live a capella. Watch the Kentucky appearance here or in the media player above and the Missouri appearance here or in the media player below.
Dolly is all over the charts this week thanks to her collaboration with Post Malone, "Have The Heart." The duet debuts in the Aug. 31 Billboard tallies at No. 56 Hot 100 to mark her career 22nd pop chart single (and, as the magazine noted here is her first time to have two Hot 100 singles chart in the same year since 1985, thanks to her brief appearance on Beyonce's "Tyrant" earlier this year), No. 22 Hot Country Songs to mark her 112th career country chart single, No. 46 streaming songs, No. 24 country streaming songs, No. 44 Canadian Hot 100, No. 19 Canadian digital song sales, and No. 136 Global Hot 200. Malone's album F 1 Trillion debuts at No. 1 Top 200, country albums, sales, current sales, streaming, vinyl, and Canadian albums. All 18 of its tracks charted on the Hot 100, and the magazine also gushed over a cute photo shoot he had with Dolly here that you may see in the media player above. Elsewhere on the U.S. charts, Dolly's collaboration with Natalie Grant on "Step By Step" inches back down one spot to No. 14 in its 14th chart week on the Adult Contemporary singles chart, and Beyonce's Cowboy Carter loses five to No. 93 top 200 albums, one to No. 18 country albums and one to No. 10 Americana/folk albums. The tribute Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty featuring Dolly's cover of "Southern Accents" rises three to No. 3 compilation albums in its ninth week.
Aug. 26: Full 'Smoky Mountain DNA' Details Released
The full details on Dolly's family album project were finally released last week, confirming the 37 tracks on the Nov. 15 release Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA -- Family, Faith & Fables. The project's third and fourth singles, the Dolly-led "Smoky Mountain DNA" and niece Heidi Parton-led "A Rose Won't Fix It" with Dolly harmony (Dolly had originally written and recorded the song in 1998 but it was cut from her album that year, a People story explained here), were released Friday. Check them out on YouTube here and here or in the media players above and below. Advance order the album or download the four singles from Amazon here. A four-part companion documentary series is currently in editing. Two-CD or three-LP sets are available from the project's website at smokymountaindna.com. The track listing is as follows:
Dolly Parton – Introduction – Tennessee Mountain Home (Instrumental)
Dolly Parton – Tennessee Mountain Home
Grooms Tune / Bonaparte's Retreat (Instrumental)
Reverend Jake Owens & Dolly Parton – I'll Live In Glory
Dolly Parton & Family – Singing His Praise / Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man Medley
Jake Owens, Avie Lee Parton, Dorothy Jo Parton, Estelle Watson & Dolly Parton – I'll Meet You in the Morning
Avie Lee Parton & Dolly Parton – Rosewood Casket
Dorothy Jo Owens & Dolly Parton – Runaway Girl
John Henry & Dolly Parton – I Just Stopped By
Louis Owens & Dolly Parton – When Possession Gets Too Strong
Bill Owens & Dolly Parton – Put it Off Until Tomorrow
Dolly Parton – Smoky Mountain DNA
Stella Parton & Dolly Parton – Heart Don't Fail Me Now
Cassie Parton Griffith & Dolly Parton – Momma's Special Touch
Randy Parton & Rachel Parton George – Take it Slow
Floyd Parton & Dolly Parton – Foolin' Around
Freida Parton & Dolly Parton – Crops Came In
Rachel Parton & Dolly Parton – I Will Know
Dwight Puckett & Dolly Parton – Apple Jack
Debbi Jo Hess & Dolly Parton – It's All Wrong But It's All Right
Richie Owens & Dolly Parton – Tell Me That You Love Me
Tim Rauhoff & Dolly Parton – Canceled Plans
Danielle Parton & Dolly Parton – The Man
Jada Star & Dolly Parton – The Orchard
Sabyn Mayfield & Dolly Parton – Holy Water
Heidi Parton & Dolly Parton – A Rose Won't Fix It
Rebecca Seaver & Dolly Parton – Where Will We Live Tomorrow
Dolly Parton & Family – Puppy Love
Shelley Rená & Dolly Parton – Not Bad
Tanya Renee & Dolly Parton – For Keeps
Estelle Owens & Dolly Parton – Crazy in Love With You
Lainey Parton & Dolly Parton – Be Your Own Man
Leroy Brown & Dolly Parton – Being Me
Faith Reeann & Dolly Parton – We Might Be in Love
Merin Seaver & Dolly Parton – Randy Floyd
Dolly Parton & Family – When It's Family
Dolly Parton – Outro – Smoky Mountain DNA (instrumental)
Dolly, Rachel Visit TalkShopLive
Dolly and sister Rachel appeared last week on TalkShopLive with cooking show host/entertainer Trisha Yearwood and her sister to promote their upcoming cookbook Good Lookin' Cookin'. Watch the half-hour segment here or in the media player above.
Livestream Dolly's Kansas City Appearance Tuesday Kansas City PBS has revealed it will livestream Dolly's visit with the Missouri governor and first lady to celebrate the statewide expansion of her Imagination Library early childhood literacy program. Viewing requires registering via Eventbrite here in advance of the 11 a.m. Central (noon Eastern) stream on Tuesday.
Beauty Line Gets Own Website Although the Dolly Beauty makeup line was revealed the previous week, the full official announcement didn't hit until last week with a press release in which Dolly said: "All of my life I've wanted to be pretty, and my new cosmetic line is going to allow me and you to be our very best. So, fly pretty, up, up and away. Enjoy!" The first product, Heaven's Kiss Lipstick, is available online at DollyBeauty.com.
U.S., U.K., Australian Chart Updates Post Malone's F 1 Trillion, featuring several country star collaborations including Dolly on "Have The Heart," will be this week's No. 1 overall album and No. 1 country album when charts are released Tuesday. Billboard indicates it will debut with 250,000 credit units, split as 80,000 physical sales and full-album downloads, 6,000 track downloads that equal albums, and 164,000 unit credits for 213 million on-demand streams of the album. The album debuts across the pond at No. 1 U.K. pop albums, No. 3 Scottish albums, No. 1 streaming, No. 2 physical sales, No. 2 overall sales, No. 2 downloads, and No. 1 country albums. Down Under, it debuts at No. 2 Australian pop and No. 1 country. Elsewhere on the U.S. charts:
Dolly's collaboration with Natalie Grant on "Step By Step" regains one back to its previous peak position of No. 13 in its 13th chart week on the official Billboard Aug. 24 Adult Contemporary singles chart released Tuesday.
In its 20th week, Beyonce's Cowboy Carter falls off the current album sales chart, down from No. 46. The collection loses nine to No. 88 top 200 albums but gains one to No. 17 country albums and holds steady at No. 9 Americana/folk albums.
Across the pond, Beyonce falls two to No. 5 U.K. country albums, gains one to No. 5 Americana, and re-enters the top 100 overall sales chart at No. 72 and physical sales chart at No. 69.
Dolly's duet with rapper-turned-country artist Post Malone hit on Friday from his country album F 1 Trillion. The track, "Have The Heart", featured an official lyric video available here or in the media player above where Malone is seen with a Dolly pinball machine, Dolly standee, and other memorabilia. Download the tune , here.
Dolly Presented Year-Old Gold, Platinum Awards Although no explanation was given why they waited more than a year to present her with the RIAA plaques, Dolly last week accepted decorative awards for six gold and platinum certifications she earned 15 months ago. The photo of her with current manager Danny Nozell and the awards (at left, click on for higher resolution) was released last week. Less ornate versions of the certifications had already been on public display in her new Dolly Parton Experience Museum at Dollywood since it opened in May 2024. Certified a year prior to that, in May 2023, and reported here at the time, the awards were for combined physical and digital sales/streams of the 1999 compilation Super Hits and 1974 studio album Jolene at the gold level for more than 500,000 unit credits and digital download/streaming awards for the singles "Coat Of Many Colors" at 500,000 units for gold level and "Jolene," "9 To 5" and "Islands In The Stream" with Kenny Rogers at triple platinum for 3 million downloads/streaming equivalents each.
New Dolly Make Up Line Launching With Lip Sticks
Dolly last week announced that her second-ever makeup line, Dolly Beauty, will debut Thursday with Heaven's Kiss lipsticks as its first product. The lipsticks will be sold in a four-stick capsule featuring Jolene Red, Honey Plum purple, Rosebud pink, and Birthday Suit nude. Each bullet is covered in crystals and bears the Dolly signature logo. Additional products are expected in the near future. Dolly previously had a short-lived cosmetics line through Revlon in the 1990s.
Kansas City Visit Scheduled For Next Week Dolly's gubernatorial visit to Missouri to celebrate taking her Imagination Library early childhood literacy program statewide there has been scheduled for a week from Tuesday in Kansas City, it was announced last week. Gov. Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will host the event for Dolly at 11 a.m. Aug. 27. Dolly has visited several states to conduct interviews with the first lady and/or governor in front of invited crowds of Imagination Library volunteers over the past couple of years for each state that expands its program statewide.
Dolly Gets Three Country People's Choice Nominations Dolly last week collected three nominations for this year's People's Choice Country Awards, to be hosted by Shania Twain on NBC Sept. 26. She is up for Female Artist of 2024 against Beyonce, Carly Pearce, Kasey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Megan Morony, and Miranda Lambert. She is also up for Social Country Star of 2024 against Bailey Zimmerman, Beyonce, Jelly Roll, Ballerini, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Reba McEntire. Finally, she is nominated as the songwriter of "Jolene" for Beyonce's version being up for Cover Song of 2024 against Beyonce's "Blackbird," Orville Peck and Willie Nelson's "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other," Maren Morris' "Dancing With Myself," Parker McCollum's "Perfectly Lonely," mgk's "Sun To Me," Lana Del Rey's "Take Me Home, Country Roads," and Musgraves' "Three Little Birds."
Dolly Donates Dress To Franklin Parks Friends of Franklin Parks for the city just outside of Nashville last week auctioned off a blue Dolly dress she donated to support the nonprofit. She wore the outfit during a 1995 appearance on The Late Show With David Letterman and for a photo shoot with a butterfly-backed chair, 8x10s of which were sold at her theme park. The Lillie Reuben-designed number sold for $2,500.
Panama City Pirates Voyage Tops Off Building Dolly's Panama City, Fla., Pirates Voyage dinner theater last week reached the construction milestone of laying its highest steel beam and celebrated with a "topping off ceremony," My Pan Handle reported here. The third pirate-themed attraction in her chain of performance art dinner theaters is expected to open in spring 2025.
U.S., U.K., Aussie Chart Updates Dolly's collaboration with Natalie Grant on "Step By Step" turned around on the official Billboard Adult Contemporary singles chart released Tuesday, inching up one to No. 14 in its 12th chart week, according to the Aug. 17 numbers. However, on the competing Mediabase singles chart, the track last week entered the top 10 at No. 10 for the first time. Elsewhere on the charts:
In its 19th week, Beyonce's Cowboy Carter loses four to No. 46 current album sales, one to No. 79 top 200 albums, and one to No. 18 country albums, holding steady at No. 9 Americana/folk albums.
Across the pond, Beyonce rises one to No. 3 U.K. country albums and holds steady at No. 6 Americana, falling back off the top sales chart and top physical sales tally, down from No. 88 and No. 87, respectively.
Dolly and her sister Rachel appeared Friday on HSN to promote their upcoming cookbook Good Lookin' Cookin', coming out Sept. 17. They not only cooked and prepared dishes live on air but also took questions in a streaming Q&A and returned for a second appearance later in the evening. The first appearance and Q&A are available here or in the media player above. The second appearance is available here or in the media player below.
Vincent Sings John Denver With Dolly, '9 To 5' Without
Longtime Dolly pal Rhonda Vincent released a covers-filled new album Friday, Destinations and Fun Places, with two Dolly connections: it features a surprise Dolly collaboration with her and Cody Johnson on the John Denver classic "Take Me Home Country Roads" as well as Rhonda's bluegrass cover of Dolly's "9 To 5." Stream the first song from YouTube here or the media player above and the second song here or in the media player below, and download them both on the album from Amazon here.
'Step By Step' Begins To Fall On Chart After peaking at No. 13 to mark her 12-highest-charting Adult Contemporary single of her career, Dolly's collaboration with Natalie Grant on "Step By Step" last week started its slide down the chart, losing two spots to No. 15 in its 11th chart week, the Aug. 10 numbers released Tuesday showed. Elsewhere on the charts:
In its 18th week, Beyonce's Cowboy Carter falls two to No. 42 current album sales, five to No. 78 top 200 albums, two to No. 17 country albums, and one to No. 9 Americana/folk albums. The title falls off Canadian albums, down from No. 88.
Across the pond, Beyonce inches down two to No. 4 country albums and one to No. 6 Americana, re-entering the top sales chart at No. 88 and top physical sales tally at No. 87.
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