I often joke about how much I dislike country music and how every song seems to be about the usual suspects of big trucks, beer and clear, open skies (an over-exaggeration of course), but to ground myself in that opinion would be to discredit not only one of my favorite singers, but one of my greatest role models of all time. To say that Dolly Parton has had a successful career is an
understatement. From her 51 studio albums to iconic acting roles and philanthropy efforts, it’s safe to say that Dolly has created a wide-reaching legacy that resonates in the hearts of music enthusiasts (country or otherwise) around the world.
You don’t need to know a lot about the Queen of Country to know that she has always been her own woman and refuses to be underestimated or taken for granted. Even in the early days of her career, Dolly was already fighting sexist stereotypes, desperate to be taken seriously as a female country singer and artist. In her first studio album, “Hello, I’m Dolly” (1967), she included the treasured track, “Dumb Blonde,” which shut down these demeaning, misogynistic stereotypes while empowering women to take pride in themselves and find their own inner-strength during trying times. In the song, Dolly notes, “when you left, you thought I’d sit and you thought I’d wait and you thought I’d cry, you called me a dumb blonde.” However, rather than basing her self-worth around her previous relationship with this man and pleading for him to come back, Dolly took this opportunity to learn how much better off she could be thriving off of her own radiant energy and leading a life that made her happy. She joyfully states, “somehow I lived through it and you know if there’s one thing this blonde has learned, blondes have more fun.” With this song, Dolly reverses the dumb blonde stereotype and uses it to empower women to roll with the punches and enjoy life instead of worrying about an unsuccessful love affair.
In 1980, over a decade after the release of her first album (and a whopping 21 albums later), Dolly’s music was just as exciting to audiences as ever! Additionally, Dolly was set to make her debut on the big screen in the movie “9 to 5,” starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the groundbreaking comedy that attacked misogyny in the workplace head-on through the lenses of three women, united in their struggle to make
an honest living with dignity and self-respect (and kidnapping). Not only did Dolly star in the movie, but she also wrote and recorded the title song of the same name, which would end up on her album “9 to 5 And Odd Jobs.” The song earned her two Grammy awards for Best Country Song and and Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1982.
One of the reasons this upbeat tune has been so successful through the years is the undeniable relatability that so many working-class people find in the song. With lyrics like “they just use your mind and they never give you credit” and “they let you dream just to watch them shatter, you’re just a step on the boss man’s ladder,” it’s no wonder that people can relate. The never-ending ordeal of the 9 to 5 workday is a dismal reality at times, but Dolly’s ever upbeat attitude reminds people that “the tide’s gonna turn and it’s all gonna roll you away” when their work is finally appreciated.
Dolly’s career has been a source of inspiration for country, pop and rock artists alike over the years as her style evolved but always stayed true to her bright, heart-of-gold personality. We could all benefit from adopting her positive outlook on life, even in the midst of troubling times. Queen Dolly said it best: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
I feel the same way as you, about three or four years ago I hated country music with a burning passion and would spit in disgust whenever one of my friends played any song. Although now I would say country music is my favorite genre I have always loved and adored Dolly Parton. Her voice is immaculate and her music is wonderful. I had no idea she was such an influence in what her music portrayed during her time, but I am not surprised considering the strong woman I know her to be.
I’m also not a country fan, but the few Dolly Parton songs that I’ve heard in passing have all been well made and had some sort of lyrical substance. Every now and then she pops into public relevance, and I’ve never seen her say the wrong thing when it comes to social issues. Most celebrities seem a bit out of touch with their working class fan base, but the prejudice Dolly had to deal with entering the music industry has given her an unshakable moral code. I’m glad her mainstream success has allowed her to promote so many positive programs.
I see a common theme in the post and the comments, that many people who are not fans of country still see the talent in Dolly Parton and respect her as both an artist and public figure. To be able to transcend the boundaries of genre for talent and reputation speak to the character of an individual. Not only has Dolly Parton had such a successful musical career, but this post helped me to learn about her accomplishments as a figure in the public eye, as a role model for many.
As someone who is not a big fan of country music, I really didn’t learn of Dolly’s impact till much recently as an adult. As a kid, I thought she was just Hannah Montana’s aunt! It’s incredible to see how she started challenging stereotypes throughout her career with her top-notch lyricism. I like how she is somewhat lowkey in the spotlight these days, but makes her voice heard when it comes to current social issues. I admire her for declining to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom this year, as she reasoned she didn’t want to take focus off of the pandemic and political/social issues. She also donated considerably to the COVID vaccine development and research – what an icon!