Dolly Parton: Country icon’s most memorable songs and film roles

News of music icon Dolly Parton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and members of the entertainment industry.

Best known for a country music career that made her one of the most recognizable performers in the world, Parton’s influence reached far beyond music. She also built a successful career as an actress and businesswoman while becoming widely known for her philanthropic work.

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Over the course of her decades-long career, Parton received numerous honors and accolades for her contributions to music and entertainment, cementing her place as a cultural icon.

Most memorable songs

Some of Dolly’s most well-known songs include: "Jolene" in 1973, "Coat of Many Colors" in 1971, "9 to 5" in 1980, "I Will Always Love You" in 1974 and "Here You Come Again" in 1977. 

I Will Always Love You

Released as a single in 1974, Parton wrote "I Will Always Love You" as a farewell to her business partner and mentor Porter Wagoner. The song was also famously covered by R&B pop singer Whitney Houston for the 1992 film "The Bodyguard" which stood on top of the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 14 weeks. 

Jolene

Dolly Parton’s second solo number-one single on the country charts came with "Jolene" in 1973. Written as a narration to a young woman who she believed in trying to flirt with her husband, many critics consider the song the most expressive song in the country genre. 

Islands in the Stream

Possibly one of the greatest duets in music history, came with her partnership with country icon Kenny Rogers. Written by the Bee Gees, the song "Islands in the Stream" was released in 1983, becoming the second pop number-one hit for each, also topping the Adult Contemporary charts. 

9 to 5

In 1980, Parton starred in the hit comedy 9 to 5 and wrote and performed its iconic title song. The track opened the film and became one of its defining features, helping cement both the song and movie as linchpins of pop culture.

RELATED: Dolly Parton: Fellow singers, actors, and elected officials remember the global superstar

Most memorable movie roles

9 to 5 

As Doralee Rhodes, Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman in the comedy, which followed three working women who fantasize about getting even with their egotistical, sexist boss.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

In a starring role alongside Burt Reynolds, Dolly as brothel manager Miss Mona Stangley, who ran the "Chicken Ranch" in Lanville County, Texas. The film was nominated for two Golden Globes and Parton herself, nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture. 

Rhinestone

She also took a role alongside Sylvester Stallone in the American musical romantic comedy "Rhinestone" in 1984. While not a critical or financial success, the film spawned two top 10 country hits for Parton. 

Steel Magnolias

One of Parton’s most memorable roles came in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias, where she starred alongside Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts. The film followed a close-knit group of women in a small Southern town as they navigated friendship, family and the devastating loss of one of their own.

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