Rare Historical Photos Of Dolly Parton Through The Years
This famous black-and-white photograph is from Dolly’s 1980 comedy 9 to 5, in which she co-starred with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The picture made over $103.9 million and established Dolly as a household star. To promote the film, Dolly released the song 9 to 5. It rapidly became one of her most well-known singles, earning her an Academy Award nomination and four Grammy Award nominations, two of which she won: ‘Best Country Song’ and ‘Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.’
Early ’80s Dolly
This princess pink satin appearance is from the ’80s and appears virtually identical to the outfit Dolly wore on The Griffin Show in November 1980 to perform her popular and by then world-famous song “Jolene.” Although her singles remained in the national Top 10, this decade marked Dolly’s shift from country gal to pop queen. She had 12 Top-10 hits between 1981 and 1985, with half reaching number one!
When Dolly Met Sylvester
Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton were Hollywood’s most popular couple for a short time. The petite but formidable singer-actress and Rocky star are relieved that most people don’t recall their collaboration in the terrible country parody Rhinestone. Critics lambasted the 1984 film’s debut.
When Dolly Met Sylvester
However, Stallone didn’t care, claiming, “The most fun I ever had on a movie was with Dolly Parton on Rhinestone.” Nonetheless, the soundtrack album provided Dolly Parton with two top 10 country songs, “Tennessee Homesick Blues” and “God Won’t Get You.”
The River Unbroken
Dolly captured this classic photograph for the cover of her 1987 single “The River Unbroken,” which appeared on her album Rainbow. It was Dolly’s last pop album before returning to her country roots, and it was one of her lower-ranking tracks.
The River Unbroken
Parton began her humanitarian activities with her Dollywood Foundation about the same time. Even today, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends one book every month to each registered kid from the time they are born until they start kindergarten.
Sandy Gallin And Sandollar Productions
Dolly Parton met her manager Sandy Gallin after appearing on The Mac Davis Show in 1976. “He’s got taste, and I’ve got skill,” she said of him. Their 25-year professional connection includes the founding of their joint film and television production firm Sandollar Productions in 1985.
Sandy Gallin And Sandollar Productions
Sandollar won numerous awards, including five Ace Awards and an Academy Award for the documentary Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt.
Straight Talk
This rare image of Dolly appearing cheerful and upbeat is a promotional still from the 1992 romance film Straight Talk. Along with co-star Barnet Kellman, she portrayed a dance instructor who traveled to Chicago in quest of stardom.
Straight Talk
The film scored well at the box office, collecting $21,202,099, although it received mixed reviews. The reviewers couldn’t get enough of Dolly’s endearing performance, but the consensus was that the plot was too complicated and badly constructed.
New York Premiere Dolly
Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda were photographed during the New York City premiere of their box office blockbuster 9 to 5. On the set of the film, the three developed a close bond. Age is simply a number for these three gal mates.
New York Premiere Dolly
Dolly is on tour, has a Netflix series, and is busy operating her theme park company. Fonda and Tomlin, both now in their 80s, have a smash Netflix program, Grace and Frankie.
Dazzling Dolly
Dolly, a woman after our hearts, appeared to spend 1989 decked head to toe in sparkles! Dolly’s reputation as the nation’s brilliant diamond in the rough was cemented on the cover of her album White Limozeen, which featured an equally beautiful gown.
Dazzling Dolly
Dolly, who has always been a fashion follower and fan of bold styles, famously said, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap,” but this late 80s outfit makes her look a million bucks!
1970s TIME Magazine Interview
This stunning photograph was shot outside Dolly Parton’s tour van on September 1st, 1977, while she was on tour in Detroit. It was Dolly’s first tour since parting ways with her lover and mentor, Porter Wagoner, and she was bringing a rugged new sound.
1970s TIME Magazine Interview
Dolly was interviewed by TIME journalist Jean Vallely that year. “Country fans are music’s most devoted, especially to a vocalist who comes from a three-room hut in Tennessee,” the accompanying story said of her followers’ protectiveness of the artist.
Dolly The Moviestar
This rare 1980s photograph was shot at a promotional event for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the 1982 version of the 1978 Broadway musical of the same name, which starred Burt Reynolds and a sultry Dolly.
Dolly The Moviestar
Although she reportedly stated that working with Reynolds was a nightmare, Dolly also pushed for a romance narrative, stating, “Wouldn’t you feel like you wasted $5 if you paid to see Whorehouse and didn’t see me and Burt kiss?”
Happy Hippie Dolly
In this 1977 photograph, a cheerful Dolly cultivates a happy mood. This ensemble is significantly more casual than her 80s looks, with lovely soft curls, double denim, and a Woodstock-inspired flower headband.
Happy Hippie Dolly
Dolly’s breakout year is widely regarded as 1977, when her album Here You Come Again became her first million-seller, topping the country album chart and reaching number 20 on the mainstream list. Dolly’s fame was on the rise!
The Original Queen Beehive
Dolly’s gorgeous black and white photograph are dated 1966, and her haircut confirms it! This sky-high look must have required several bottles of hairspray to achieve. Either that, or it’s a fantastic wig! Dolly was just 20 years old in 1966, yet she was already a prolific songwriter.
The Original Queen Beehive
Her single “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” reached number six on the country chart, but it was recorded by Bill Phillips, with Dolly’s harmony uncredited.
The Biggest Hair In Showbiz
If one beehive wasn’t enough, here’s another rare Dolly shot from the same era that confirms she’s been wearing wigs her whole career! Some believe she was obsessed with having the largest hair in the industry.
The Biggest Hair In Showbiz
Porter Wagoner, a country music entertainer, offered Dolly a spot on his weekly TV show, replacing Norma Jean, around this time. Wagoner’s audience was hesitant to accept Parton, but after hearing her sing, they warmed to her.
Dolly In Technicolor
Dolly and Porter Wagoner on the set of The Porter Wagoner Show in this exceedingly rare late 1960s color photograph. The pair’s on-screen connection was palpable, and the show quickly became America’s most popular syndicated show.
Dolly In Technicolor
Porter, Dolly, and a special guest performed in each 30-minute episode. The show was originally shot in black and white but was converted to technicolor around the time Dolly joined the gang.
The Peter Wagoner Era
Dolly is shown here with Porter Wagoner, on whose program she worked for seven years. They recorded and marketed numerous hit albums to tremendous critical acclaim, including Just the Two of Us and Together Always.
The Peter Wagoner Era
Dolly left Wagoner to pursue her career, writing the song “I Will Always Love You” about her professional break. She played the song, which was subsequently sung by Whitney Houston, as a farewell to him.
Homegirl at Heart
Dolly without a wig – the rarest of rare photographs! This unusual photograph is difficult to identify, yet it appears from the 1960s based on her vivid blush, lipstick, and eyelash to eyebrow makeup.
Homegirl At Heart
Dolly is a country music superstar, but she’s a homegirl. “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” her worldwide smash, is dedicated to her love of the simple life with her family, away from the glitz and glamour.
Love At The Laundromat
Dolly is shown here with her husband, Carl Dean, when she was young and dazzling. Dean is an asphalt contractor, and despite the couple’s unusual match, they are nonetheless happily married, owing to their mutual love and respect.
Love At The Laundromat
In 1964, the two initially met in a laundry in Nashville. Dean fell in love at first sight. “My initial instinct was, ‘I’m going to marry that girl,'” he admitted. “My second thought was, ‘Lord, she’s pretty.'”
Real Life Dolly
Dolly Parton looks unusually curvy in this rare shot from a 1979 photoshoot! Dolly has never been shy about responding to remarks about her procedures, claiming, “I’m not like a genuine person.” I enjoy being phony!
Real Life Dolly
She said, “I think there’s a little enchantment in the fact that I’m so completely genuine, yet I appear so manufactured simultaneously.” If I see something saggin’, baggin’, or draggin’, I’ll nip, tuck, or suck it.
Dolly’s Words Of Wisdom
Dolly has always been the ideal blend of beauty, intelligence, and wit. Dolly said, “I’m not going to limit myself just because people won’t accept that I can do something else.”
Dolly’s Words Of Wisdom
Her wisdom encourages others to look on the bright side, believe in themselves, and persevere through the storm. “In my opinion, if you want the rainbow, you must put up with the rain.”
Enough To Drive You Crazy
This image of Dolly at a typewriter is from the 1980s film 9 to 5. By the 1980s, many women were in the office, but the glass barrier still existed in terms of positions.
Enough To Drive You Crazy
Women were typically limited to administrative tasks, as the lyrics to the song “9 to 5” reflect: “They simply utilize your brains, and they never give you credit.” If you allow it, it will drive you insane!
Anthemic Dolly
Dolly Parton appears in another scene from the 1980 comedy 9 to 5. The film’s theme tune became an anthem for workers and unions. Labor leader Karen Nussbaum characterized it as beginning with pride – ‘Pour me a cup of aspiration,’ then moving on to complaints – ‘Barely getting by,’ and ending with collective power.
Anthemic Dolly
Candid Camera
This candid portrait of Dolly by photographer Gene Spatz was discovered decades later when the photographer’s sister rediscovered a collection of celebrity photos Gene had taken in the 1970s and 1980s.
Candid Camera
Dolly would have been in her early 30s, replete with a denim jacket and amazing eyelashes. At the time, she attempted to break out of Nashville’s country scene and showcase her music to the rest of the globe.
I Wanna Fall In Love
This gorgeous photograph was photographed in Los Angeles in February 1978 for Dolly’s 20th studio album, Heartbreaker. The CD was pitched to pop lovers, and several songs bordered on disco, which was hot then.
I Wanna Fall In Love
The remix of “I Wanna Fall in Love” became a massive smash in nightclubs, and the album spent nine weeks at the top of the Billboard Top Country Albums list. The Recording Industry Association even certified it as Gold!
Dolly Across The Pond
Dolly is stunning in her tight and flared jumpsuit! This rare photograph was selected on the back cover of her greatest hits album Best of Dolly Parton Volume 2, published in the United Kingdom in 1975.
Dolly Across The Pond
The double vinyl began with “Jolene” and continued with 11 of her other biggest hits, including “I Will Always Love You” and “Traveling Man,” proving that Dolly was already a British hit by 1975!
The Bigger The Hair
Dolly looked stunning in this shot at the 1977 Grammy Awards, which were aired for the first time. Dolly was there to perform, but her gravity-defying enormous hair first won over the audience.
The Bigger The Hair
The country singer didn’t receive her first Grammy nomination until the following year, but she certainly turned some heads with this look! “The bigger the hair, the closer to God,” Dolly once said.
Rhinestone Cowboys
Sylvester Stallone must have said something amusing to cause Dolly to laugh so hard! Another uncommon image from the 1984 Rhinestone period. The premise revolved around Dolly teaching Stallone how to sing like a genuine country star.
Rhinestone Cowboys
Stallone isn’t recognized for his lovely singing voice. He’s better known for kicking down doors and fighting bad guys in action films like Rocky and Rambo, which is why he was cast in this role.
Parton With That Poetry
At 67, Dolly makes her rapping debut on The Queen Latifah Show in this recent but lesser-known photograph. The country icon donned gold chains and a platinum afro while performing a rap written for Queen Latifah.
Parton With That Poetry
“I’d like to speak with you about the queen,” she rapped. “Now, Queen Latifah is the queen of hip-hop, rap, television, and film.” She’s now the queen of her neighborhood, but I’m the queen of Dollywood! ”
Friends For Life
Dolly is seated at the piano with co-star Lily Tomlin in this 9 to the 5-period image. The funny Tomlin, who was virtually unknown then, is today a celebrated comic best recognized for her improvisation and observational stand-up. Tomlin may still be seen on Netflix in the show Grace and Frankie.
Friends For Life
Frankie Bergstein, played by Tomlin, is a lady who has recently split from her husband of forty years. She received her first Emmy nomination as a lead actress for the role in 2015.
Dolly’s Jazziest Look
Dolly tweeted this snapshot of herself on tour in 2016, revealing one of her many secret abilities. Not only is Dolly decked up in diamonds, but she’s also playing a little bedazzled saxophone! Dolly is a talented musician.
Dolly’s Jazziest Look
She is well-recognized for her singing voice and plays several stringed instruments. She is known to perform acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 5-string banjo, violin, dulcimer, piano, and autoharp in her shows.
Dolly Giving Thanks
This holiday photograph was taken in 1987 as a promotional image for Dollywood. Dollywood, co-owned by Dolly herself, began as a tiny tourist attraction in 1961 and has since grown to become Tennessee’s largest ticketed tourist destination.
Dolly Giving Thanks
Every year, the theme park organizes various concerts and musical events, amusement park thrill rides, traditional crafts, and music from the Smoky Mountains. The Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame are also located there.
Humble Beginnings
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946 in a one-room cabin near Pittman Center, Tennessee (seen below at age 3 around 1949).
Humble Beginnings
The future diva developed her musical abilities at the church where her grandfather served as pastor. She was the fourth of 12 children born to a poor farmer and his wife.
Starting Young
Here in 1955, Dolly Parton posed for a photograph in Tennessee. She made her television debut on “The Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour” variety show the following year.
Starting Young
At only age 9, Dolly was already on her way to stardom.
Big Family
One enormously content family! On Christmas Eve in 1960, Dolly Parton (standing top right) posed with her parents and 10 of her 11 siblings.
Big Family
(In 1955, Larry, the 12th Parton child, died just four days after his birth.) Although some of Dolly’s siblings have prospered outside of the spotlight, several of them went on to have jobs in the entertainment industry.
Yearbook
In 1960, the year after she made her Grand Ole Opry debut with her uncle Bill Owens, who was crucial in launching her career, Dolly Parton posed for a Sevier County High School yearbook portrait.
Yearbook
The vocalist had just met Johnny Cash for the first time; he had introduced her that evening.
Career Beginnings
Dolly Parton posed for a photo in Nashville in 1965, the year she moved there to further her career after graduating from high school, the same year she signed with Monument Records as a pop singer. When she initially got to Music City, she almost immediately signed on as a composer with Combine Publishing and started writing hits for other musicians.
Career Beginnings
Yet the future star found that performing pop music and penning country songs for other artists wasn’t enough, and she eventually persuaded Monument Records to let her record her own country tunes. “Hi, I’m Dolly,” her debut studio album, was released in 1967.
An Enticing Offer
Dolly Parton received an offer to appear regularly on Porter Wagoner’s syndicated TV program in 1967.
An Enticing Offer
Seen together in 1967 on the set of “The Porter Wagoner Show,” which she appeared on until the mid-’70s, the pair later released several chart-topping duets.
Recognition
At the Country Music Association Awards on October 1, 1970, Dolly Parton and her partner Porter Wagoner posed with Roy Clark and Merle Haggard. The pair won the vocal combo of the year award that evening.
Recognition
They worked together so frequently in the late 1960s and early 1970s that he actually owned almost half of the music publishing business Dolly founded with her uncle. For their duet “Just Someone I Used to Know,” Dolly received her first Grammy nomination in the same year.
Smash Hits
Dolly Parton posed for this photo in 1974, the year she left Porter Wagoner’s program and really went off on her own, with the singles “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colors” under her belt.
Smash Hits
She also recorded a song that year called “I Will Always Love You,” which debuted at No. 1 on the country charts.
Her Own Show
In 1976, Dolly Parton’s short-lived syndicated variety show, “Dolly!” featured performances from Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris.
Her Own Show
During the course of a year, the series only had 26 episodes total.
Royal Meeting
On May 17, 1977, Dolly Parton, “Lamb Chop’s Play-Along” star Shari Lewis, and singer-actor David Soul attended a variety event in Glasgow as part of Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee tour of Scotland.
Royal Meeting
A few months later, Queen Dolly released “Here You Come Again,” her 12th studio album as a solo performer. It was the first record she had ever released that sold more than a million copies.
Teaming Up
Cher and Dolly Parton collaborated on the 1978 ABC special “Cher… Special,” which included the “I Got You Babe” vocalist.
Teaming Up
For her efforts, Dolly was nominated for her first Emmy (for outstanding ongoing or single performance by a supporting actress in variety or music).
Presidential Meeting
On October 2, 1979, Dolly Parton joyfully embraced President Jimmy Carter in front of Rosalynn Carter during a celebration of country music held at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Presidential Meeting
She received her first Grammy in the same year for “Here You Come Again,” the best female country vocal performance.
Nominations
In 1980’s “9 to 5,” Dolly Parton made her acting debut as Doralee Rhodes opposite Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.
Nominations
For her work in the comedy, she received three Golden Globe nominations: Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Picture, Best New Female Film Star, and Best Original Song for the film’s titular anthem. With the “9 to 5” single, she also received her first Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
Rhinestone
“Rhinestone,” Dolly Parton’s third full-length movie from 1984, wasn’t as favorably received by reviewers as her first two. She played a country singer in the musical comedy opposite Sylvester Stallone who was entrusted with turning a cab driver into a honky-tonk performer in a New York City nightclub.
Rhinestone
The film received numerous Razzie nominations, including two for worst original song and one for worst original score. All of the original music for the movie was composed and produced by Dolly. Randy, Floyd, and Stella Parton, three of her siblings, also contributed to the soundtrack, which should be mentioned also produced two successful country songs. However, things weren’t all horrible for Dolly and Sly…
Walk of Fame
“Rhinestone” co-stars Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton were honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on June 14, 1984.
Walk Of Fame
This is where Dolly truly realized the extent of her fame. She had made it.
Christmas Special
Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, who have worked together frequently throughout the years, dressed up as Santa and Mrs. Claus on August 9, 1984, for a promotional picture shoot for their 1984 Christmas special, “Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas to Remember.”
Christmas Special
They released the Holiday CD “Once Once a Christmas” in the same year.
Longtime Collaboration
On March 12, 1987, the same month that their No. 1 album “Trio” hit store shelves, Dolly Parton posed for a picture in Los Angeles with her old friends and fellow musicians Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris.
Longtime Collaboration
They collaborated once again for a successful record more than ten years later, “Trio II” in 1999. The 1993 hit album “Honky Tonk Angels” was issued by Dolly, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette. This trio also enjoyed success.
Second Attempt
With ABC’s “Dolly” in 1987, Dolly Parton tried her hand at hosting a variety program once more. Even though she entertained many of the biggest celebrities in the world, her parents were by far the most memorable.
Second Attempt
During a special Thanksgiving program, where the majority of her family appeared, she caught up with them outside the one-room hut where she spent her formative years. Similar to its predecessor, the series was only produced for a year and only had 22 episodes.
Dollywood
Dolly Parton visited Dollywood on October 24, 1988. She had opened the Tennessee theme park two years earlier in Pigeon Forge. The resort expanded to add a water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, in 2001.
Dollywood
This is also where Dolly Parton’s Stampede, a dinner theater experience where members of the Parton family frequently perform, is located. 2019 saw the opening of Wildwood Grove, a brand-new park area.
Steel Magnolias
In the 1989 film “Steel Magnolias,” a remake of the same-named play from 1987, Dolly Parton played beautician Truvy Jones. Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts, and Daryl Hannah are all featured in the popular ensemble dramedy.
Steel Magnolias
Sally Field received a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Shelby’s mother, M’Lynn, while Julia received both an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe award for her work in the movie.
Here’s To Dolly
So here’s to Dolly, our golden country vocalist whose individuality and talent inspire us! “The key to my success has always been that my drive to achieve has always been bigger than my fear,” Dolly adds.
Here’s To Dolly
You’re already here, so get out there and do it.’ And I simply beg God to guide me, and I follow that light.” Amen, sister!