The essential Dolly Parton playlist

Recorded in 1973 following her decision to part ways with longtime partner Porter Wagoner, “I Will Always Love You” is arguably Dolly’s best-known track. That’s due in large part to Whitney Houston’s blockbuster cover of the song in 1995, recorded for the soundtrack of the film The Bodyguard, which starred Houston opposite Kevin Costner. 

Both the theme song for the 1980 film that starred Parton alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin and a legendary working woman's anthem, “9 to 5” is undoubtedly one of her most successful — and beloved tracks. It earned Parton an Oscar nomination the following year, along with two Grammys for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance. 

Allegedly written about a bank teller who may have gotten a little too flirtatious with Parton’s husband Carl Dean, this 1974 hit has enjoyed a pop culture resurgence in recent years. Whether that’s thanks to its endlessly catchy melody or those eternally relevant lyrics is hard to say. 

Exemplifying Parton’s unparalleled storytelling skills, “Coat of Many Colors” reflects on her impoverished childhood in east Tennessee. It’s a tear-jerking tale, about a beloved coat made by Parton’s mother from hand-me-down rags, that serves as a reminder to be grateful for what you’ve got. In 2015, the story was adapted into a made-for-TV movie starring Jennifer Nettles. 

Even though the original version of this song, released in 1976, was recorded with country legend Chet Atkins, it’s arguable that the best recording of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” came in 1994, when Parton teamed up with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris for Trio II. 

An excellent showcase of Dolly’s ‘80s power, “Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That” was a #1 hit for Parton in 1989. It was accompanied by an iconic music video, which features Parton hosting auditions — everyone from an Elvis impersonator to a man in a dinosaur costume shows up — to be in a music video. It’s definitely worth a watch, if only for Dolly’s killer rhinestone denim jacket. 

Even though it was originally written by the Bee Gees, there’s no denying that Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers recorded the most memorable version of “Islands In The Stream” in 1983. A crossover hit that’s since sold millions of copies, it helped establish Parton as a bonafide pop culture icon. 

In the late ‘70s, Dolly Parton was in the midst of becoming country music’s biggest pop crossover success. “Here You Come Again,” the title track of Parton’s first Platinum album, certainly helped in that effort with its crowd-pleasing melody and relatable lyrics. 

A 1978 crossover hit for Parton, “Two Doors Down” is one of the country icon’s poppiest tracks. Still, her characteristic twang — and a little bit of banjo — helped make this song accessible to fans who weren’t really into country music. 

Inspired by the Appalachian folk songs Dolly grew up with, “Wildflowers” appeared on the legendary 1987 album “Trio,” which brought together Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt for true country music magic. Its refrain — “wildflowers don’t care where they grow” — is both a bit of solid advice and a tribute to Parton’s independent streak. 

Parton made her first appearance on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with “Dumb Blonde” in 1966, and the rest is history. It’s catchy and glib and introduced the world to one of its finest singer-songwriters. 

Arguably the most misunderstood song in Dolly’s extensive discography, “Hard Candy Christmas” is not, in fact, a Christmas song. Written by Carol Hall for the final act of the cult-favorite musical The Best Little Whȯrehouse in Texas, it remains a holiday classic for fans who don’t really care about its origins. 

So much of Dolly Parton’s musical identity is rooted in Appalachia, and “My Tennessee Mountain Home” is a beautiful love letter to her home state that even folks who don’t have a clue about the rustic charm of East Tennessee can appreciate. 

As she broadened her sonic approach to appeal to more mainstream audiences, Parton released “Applejack” in 1977. It wasn’t exactly the pop hit she was looking for but has definitely grown into a cult favorite among true Dolly fans. 

Even though Dolly Parton generally prefers to write her own songs, she’s also an excellent cover artist. “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” was a 1973 hit for Parton’s “Trio” partner Linda Ronstadt, but bringing together those two powerhouse voices alongside Emmylou Harris makes for one hell of a heartbreak song. 

A ridiculously prolific songwriter, Parton released “Backwoods Barbie” in 2008, more than 40 years after her first song on the Billboard charts. It’s a manifesto of sorts, urging people to look beyond the blonde hair and the rhinestones to find Parton’s real spirit. “Don’t judge me by the cover,” she sings. “I’m a real good book.” 

Written by Parton and recorded alongside Chet Atkins, as a solo track for The Best Little Whȯrehouse In Texas, and again on the collaborative album Trio, “Do I Ever Your Cross Your Mind” is classic Dolly. Killer harmonies, plucky picking, and those iconic vocals make this track a must for any Dolly playlist. 

The definition of a personal song, “Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man” was co-written by Parton and her aunt, and was inspired by the life of Parton’s grandfather, a Pentecostal preacher. It appeared on Parton and Porter Wagoner’s 1970 album Once More. 

A classic country/folk song written by legendary country troubadour Jimmie Rodgers is a stunning showcase of Parton’s vocal range. Who doesn’t want to hear Dolly yodel and sing about being a lady mule-team driver, or skinner, over the top of a twangy country-blues melody? 

A #1 hit for Parton in 1980, “Old Flames” was originally written by Pebe Sebert, a successful songwriter who is also the mother of ‘00s artist Kesha.