Spending over six decades in country music, Dolly Parton used her stardom to expand her career into Hollywood and even the theme park industry. Throughout the years, the country icon sold over 100 million albums and composed over 3,000 songs like “I Will Always Love You.” Although 78 years old, Dolly continues to record music and perform. Recently, Billboard ranked her No. 1 on their list of Greatest Country Artists of All Time. Shocked by the status, Dolly explained how she wondered if she was still a country artist.
Videos by American Songwriter
Discussing her career with CBS Mornings, Dolly revealed she didn’t know if she was still country due to her massive career. “I do so many things, sometimes I wonder if I’m still considered a country artist. Although I’m a country girl… I’ve had the chance to do things like my rock album… movies… I wasn’t sure.” While honored by the title, Dolly shared her surprise given the list of singers she found herself placed alongside. “I was surprised, but I was in company with Willie and Johnny Cash… Loretta Lynn and all those wonderful people.”
[RELATED: “I Think I Have Offended Him”: Why Dolly Parton Thought Bob Dylan Was a “Weird Buckaroo”]
Dolly Parton Supports Beyoncé Going Country
With Dolly expanding her career into different genres and businesses, the country legend understood the path Beyoncé found herself on with her debut country album Cowboy Carter. And while some shared their disdain for the album, Dolly insisted, “Well, I figured if I can do a rock album… others can do country music. I think if you’re an artist, and you have a desire to cover… the whole spectrum of music and art, I really think you should have the opportunity to do that.”
Not trying to keep country music from embracing the future, Dolly continued, “I’m always welcoming any of the people that want to be country, and I take it as a great compliment to those people who want to be a part of our world. I know I want to be part of their world at times… I think it should be accepted as that.”
Continuing to support Beyonce exploring country music, Dolly released her 49th solo album just last year with Rockstar.
(Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.