Few artists have left a mark on music and culture as profound as Dolly Parton. A singular songwriter, performer, storyteller and humanitarian, Dolly’s unmistakable voice and extraordinary catalog have inspired generations of artists and fans around the world. In the audio below, MCA artists reflect on her enduring influence, sharing personal memories and celebrating the music, spirit and legacy of a true country music icon.
“I never got the pleasure of meeting the queen Dolly Parton, but I’ll always remember how much I loved her character in Steel Magnolias. I feel like she reminded me of so many southern women I grew up around and just loved. And in that character and in her real life and her career, she just was the epitome of grace and beauty and love and spunk. And I will always remember you, Dolly.“
“I sat around and I thought, when did I know who Dolly Parton was? And I really realized my whole life I’ve known who Dolly Parton was. She was such an amazing singer and performer and philanthropist, but as a songwriter is where she was just one of the greatest ever. You know and she’s just one of those people that will be remembered fondly by everybody you know everybody loved Dolly and the reason is because Dolly loved everybody.”
“I can’t sing Everybody’s Welcome, y’all just gotta act right in the country music that I make without thinking of Dolly. I can’t speak of Rebellious Women or owning your sexuality as a woman in country music without thinking of Dolly. I can’t write songs at my kitchen table with long acrylic fingernails or make a country music Mount Rushmore without thinking of Dolly. Everywhere you look, everything you hear, and all the best parts of country music, you will find Dolly Parton. She has not left, she has not gone. She is with us forever, golden and glowing. Rest in peace to the most iconic backwards Barbie there ever was.”
“Hey, what’s up everybody? It’s Chum Party here and I just want to give a big shout out to Dolly Parton. Not only a great country music artist, a great songwriter. I never got to meet her, but she was always really good to me. She sent me things on my birthday and I had a good friend that was her mom worked with Dolly and we just kind of had that relationship. And I never forget when she sent me the Playboy cover picture of her and her little bunny ear suit and signed to John from Dolly and was like, wow. And then she did a video for me and she sent children’s book to my girls and she was just a sweetheart, even from afar. this one hurts today, that’s all I know. She was very nice to me without even knowing me and that says a lot. And she was so funny and I always looked up to her. Damn, she wrote some songs. The I Will Always Love You, Jolene, I mean, nine to five, what an artist. And it’s a sad day. The day that Dolly died will always, I will always remember that. And rest in peace, we love you, amen.”
“Dolly’s impact on country music is honestly hard to put into words. She’s one of those artists who helped shape what country music is, but what I’ve always admired about her is how she’s used her platform to help people along the way. As a songwriter, she’s one of the greatest to ever do it. I Will Always Love You has always been one of my favorite Dolly songs. It’s simple, honest, and hits me every time. It’s that kind of songwriting and career that gives me something as an artist to look forward to and look up to. You’ll always be remembered, Dolly.”
“Hey guys, Luke Bryan here. Just wanted to speak about the passing of icon Dolly Parton. So much of my childhood, she was in it from movies to music. Her light, being a strong Tennessee woman was something that always inspired me. Songwriting ability, charisma. Wittiness and the ability to make fun of herself and the ability to inspire the world is what I think about when I think of Dolly. When you live your life and people can recognize you by one name, Dolly, I think that says it all.“
