"So to all the fools out there who never took her seriously, 'this dumb blonde ain’t nobody’s fool'. Remember, Dolly always has the last laugh, and the best thing is, she wants everyone to laugh along with her."
In 2023 Dolly Parton released her 49th studio album, Rockstar (her highest charting LP to date), as she continued to reach new heights almost half a century on from her career beginnings.
Renowned for her decades-long career, Dolly's rise and roots can be traced back to the great female country pioneers of the 1940s and 1960s, such as Rose Maddox, Molly O'Day, Brenda Lee and Patsy Cline. A natural-born performer, the Tennesse-born singer began performing at the age of 10 and honed her craft in Nashville after moving there to establish herself in the country scene after her high school graduation. Quick to stand out from the existing Nashville country crop with her progressive lyrics and woman-focused stance, Dolly's meteoric rise was partly down to her persona - a ready-made star who perfectly fitted the image of what a dynamic pop-culture icon could be. The legendary star made a career by crossing genres, venturing into bluegrass, Christian music, disco and now, rock, and most significantly cementing her strengths in a country-pop crossover, with hits like 9 to 5 and Here You Come Again.
An untouchable artist whose songs we could return to over and over. Here to help us reflect on the country rockstar's iconic sound is our very own Rough Trade e-Commerce Head Patrick Lacy-Scott, and partner Zoe, who share their pick of the Queen of Country's 20 greatest tracks.
Dolly Parton’s death on 25th August 2026 is confirmed by Dollywood’s official statement.
Dolly Parton sadly passed away in 2026. There are many accolades to focus on when it comes to Dolly, from hall of fame inductions, to nearly a dozen Grammy awards, and millions of albums sold and money raised. More than anything- nails, voice, hair, and pen aside, Dolly was fiercely kind, empathetic, and brave. RIP.
If there is one artist that can unite us all it’s Dolly. Not only is she one of the greatest storytellers, melody writers and party-starters of all time, she is also one of the most incredible people, with home-brewed spirit, flair, humour and love that we should all take doses of regularly.
Here is a selection of songs that define Dolly’s career best (picked with the dutiful aid of my partner and fellow super-fan, Zoe). Some familiar, some hiding in plain sight. Could we have picked more than we did? Does Dolly Parton sleep on her back?
Jolene
From Jolene (1974)
We’ll start you off with a diamond-cut Dolly banger. That riff. That chorus. That voice. You’re knocked out in under 30 seconds. Then the first verse starts…
Mountain Angel
From Little Sparrow (2001)
Even around the turn of the century, Dolly was able to deliver haunting epics. This one is about a woman rejected by society through no fault of her own. This is Dolly at her storytelling best. Still chokes me up today.
Sure Thing
From Heartbreaker (1978)
I had to include one of Dolly's country funk barnstormers, and I don’t think there’s a finer example. More swagger in this song than Liam Gallagher after his first rodeo.
Coat of Many Colors
From Coat of Many Colors (1971)
This is Dolly’s favourite song so it has to be in here. Another autobiographical story of growing up financially poor, but rich in everything else.
The Bridge
From Just Because I'm a Woman (1968)
An absolutely devastating final note of farewell from an abandoned lover on the verge of suicide. Handle this one with care. Once you hear it, you’ll never be able to forget it.
Lonely Coming Down
From My Favorite Songwriter, Porter Wagoner (1972)
The depression is so palpable in this one. The sheer weight of it all. These last two back to back and you are an inconsolable mess.
Why’d You Come in Here Looking like That?
From White Limozeen (1989)
Oh look, it’s the core foundations of Shania Twain’s career in a 2 minute 30 second song. Whizzing country pop perfection that will have you line dancing in your sleep.
Islands In The Stream
From Eyes That See in the Dark (1983)
A platinum karaoke hit, what more is there to say? Nights out wouldn’t be the same without it.
Backwoods Barbie
From Backwoods Barbie (2008)
Still making classic songs deep into the new century. A witty reminder from Dolly that looks are way more than what they seem.
Potential New Boyfriend (Long version)
From Burlap & Satin (1983)
A one-night stand between country and disco, and who better to pull it off than our Dolly. This phase did not stick around for long, which is why you always go for the long version.
9 to 5
From 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs (1980)
Does Dolly get more relatable than this? She must have poured herself more than a few cups of ambition when writing this. Country-rippled southern soul, a roar of defiance that Aretha would be proud of.
Here I Am
From Coat of Many Colors (1971)
An empowering message of solidarity, reminding us we can do anything with Dolly on our side. Feeling overwhelmed? Put this on and watch your worries instantly wash away.
Down from Dover
From The Fairest of Them All (1970)
We’ve picked a lot of sad ones and here’s another one. This 3-minute narrative is as heart-wrenching as any Oscar-winning melodrama. Honestly, this makes Kramer vs Kramer look like a walk in the park.
Mule Skinner Blues
From This Is the Nashville Sound (1971)
Giving the Jimmie Rodgers standard a 500-volt shot of bluegrass-branded electricity. Her voice has more kick than a cow on caffeine and her passion is as pure as a Tennesse mountain stream.
My Tennessee Mountain Home
From My Tennessee Mountain Home (1973)
Talking of Tennesse Mountain, this is my favourite of Dolly’s autobiographical songs (of which there are many). A picture-perfect depiction of Dolly’s roots, which we are never more than a few songs from.
Here You Come Again
From Here You Come Again (1977)
I could have picked almost anything from this brilliant album, so I thought to demonstrate my love for it all, I would pick the title track, a slinky and sultry number that sparkles as brightly as her rhinestone-studded dress.
Hard Candy Christmas
From The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
Maybe I needed a Christmas song, maybe this is one of her best anyway, maybe people need to stop forgetting to play this every time Christmas comes around, and give it the respect it’s due.
The Last Thing on My Mind
From Just Between You and Me (1968), with Porter Wagoner
The song about Dolly and Porter’s relationship that isn’t I Will Always Love You. It also happens to be their first duet together, long before Dolly outgrew the big man and his Nudie suits, and my what portent lyrics there are on this hit. It’s also one hell of a firecracker too, that’ll get you hooting and hollering for hours.
I Will Always Love You
From Jolene (1974)
The song about Dolly and Porter’s relationship that is I Will Always Love You. There isn’t much more I can say about this song that hasn’t already been said. Just one of the most bittersweet goodbye notes ever written. Heartwarming in its sentiment, crushing in its delivery. If we were all more like Dolly, the world would be a more forgiving, more accepting and more colourful place.
Dumb Blonde
From Hello, I'm Dolly (1967)
Everything you needed to know about Dolly was all there on this punchy recording from her debut album. She’s funner, she’s stronger and she’s smarter than the rest of us. So to all the fools out there who never took her seriously, “this dumb blonde ain’t nobody’s fool”. Remember, Dolly always has the last laugh, and the best thing is, she wants everyone to laugh along with her.
