Her career reached far beyond country music
Parton eventually expanded her career into Hollywood. She made her movie debut alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. The movie’s title track subsequently became Parton’s first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100.
She later appeared in films including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, and Joyful Noise.
Across her decades-long career, Parton collected numerous major honors. She won 11 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, 10 CMA Awards, seven Academy of Country Music Awards, and three American Music Awards. She also earned two Academy Award nominations and was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Her legacy extended well beyond music and acting. Parton became widely recognized for her charitable work, especially the Imagination Library, which provides free books to young children. She also became closely identified with Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park that carries her name.
Dolly Parton during a performance | Source: Getty Images
